This evening, 29th February 2008, I went to see the Jersey Boys theatre preview. I thought it was brilliant. It must be a very hard task getting someone who can even sing like Frankie Valli and they found an excellent person to do the job.

The whole thing entertained me from start to finish. The music was fantastic, as were all the "boys". The audience loved it and showed their appreciation in full, and I would thoroughly recommend anyone to go - a great night out.

Christina Brooks
Highgate, London.
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What a show!! Saw this on Saturday night (1st March 2008) and was blown away by the quality of the singing, particularly the guy playing Frankie Valli – he was spot on with the falsetto. The show was slick and told a long, complicated story without making it dull.

The many scenery changes were beautifully timed, and we were particularly impressed with the scene depicting the Ed Sullivan Show, where original audience film footage was incorporated to give it authenticity. To add to the excitement, the real Bob Gaudio was in the audience four rows behind us.

We were in Stalls row G seats 21 to 23 and had an excellent view. Plenty of leg room and heads level with the actors, so no stiff necks. Can’t wait to go again!!

Avril
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Saw 'Jersey Boys' on 1st March 2008, last minute tickets, dress circle slips at £20 each. What fantastic value, yes you have to lean forward slightly but the view of the stage is unobstructed, you get great space and you also get a real feel for how the audience are responding to the show - I've been at the front of the stalls too often I think!!

On the subject of the audience, the overall profile was much older than I've seen before. There were clearly a great many Frankie Valli / Four Seasons fans and they absolutely loved the show and there were several spontaneous outbursts of applause during the show and a standing ovation at the end.

Its not quite my musical era but the performances were absolutely terrific from the entire cast. You don't need to be a Franki Vali fan to enjoy it, rather a fan of musicals!

Celia
Ashford, Kent
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Jersey Boys is a great show, but the stage is extremely high (hence cheaper front row no doubt). No orchestral pit, either, but enough legroom so you’re not facing a wall even though that’s what it feels like. It must be about four feet high… I needed to ask for a booster cushion! It’s a very steep look up and I would def. advise against front row (B) stalls.
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I saw 'Jersey Boys' yesterday (12th March 2008). I thought seats V 3 and 4 might not be very good; there was, however, no problem at all . Some of the drumming affects your diaphragm so I feel this is one show where being further back is not a bad place to be. There was ample leg room and I am 6' 2". I did however have a 20 stone man mountain with a head the size of a medicine ball in front of me which would have been ok if he hadn't inclined his head all the time to the right (fortunately he moved one seat to the right in the second half and I had a perfect view ). I also has two woman sitting next to me who were eating the most revolting savoury snacks that made me hold my nose for much of the performance, so my attention was not as good as it might have been.

I have to say that although I quite liked some of the songs when they first came out in the 60's I was not a blown away fan so saw the show with an open mind

The singing was excellent, incredible that they even managed to find someone who can maintain that high falsetto. I only hope this one can manage to keep doing it without damaging his vocal cords like the first one on Broadway did.

One constructive comment that I feel is relevant is that they featured perhaps too many of their songs including some that were not so good and they abbreviated most of their best ones. They did have the chance to put that right in the finale if they had done as they do for 'Mamma Mia' and end up with 10 minutes or so reprising their best hits and leaving people going home on a real high. They do sing one and it received a standing ovation but partly from people near the back (like ourselves) who had to stand to be able to see but if time is of the essence I would have preferred them to cut some inferior numbers and give a really good ending performance of their very best songs.

Having been around in the early 60's I don't recall that there was such gratuitous use of the 'f word' then as we get thrown at us in this show. I didn't live in New York but I did feel it is more recent use of that word than was the case then. I have no doubt whatsoever that there will be many who will really dislike that misuse of language and object to the continuous repetition which really is not necessary.

I'll be going again soon with a group, and that will be most interesting as it has many real Franki Valli fans who just can't wait to see the show.
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Definitely one for the Frankie Valli fans. Think 'tribute band with bits of dialogue,' rather than a full blown musical. Which is a shame because the bits of dialogue there were, when they got beyond the 'and next ...', stage, were quite engaging.

There's some great singing - especially from Ryan Molloy as Frankie. Yet despite the talent in the cast 'the band' lacked that elusive superstar quality. And Molloy had a corpse-like expression on his face that never once shifted throughout the entire show. Maybe he was just concentrating on the vocals, maybe he was having an off day. I'd like to think Valli enjoyed his success - and Molloy enjoyed the audience's standing ovation. Yes, it was one of those nights.

This is not 'Mamma Mia,' it's not 'Hairspray.' Though there was a good deal of head bobbing during the performance, by and large the audience was fairly muted - but still we were forced to our feet at the end. Not sure what the audience was cheering, perhaps it was Frankie Valli. It's entertaining, just not blockbuster entertaining. Maybe it'll sharpen up over the weeks.

A word of caution. The sound balance isn't too bad (for the West End) but the vibrations may just dislodge the screws in any replacement body parts; it's that kind of audience and that kind of sound system. Rest assured, it mostly calms down after the opening number. Just take care when leaving your seats.

March 14th 2008.
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Can I add a comment on Row L of the Stalls at the Prince Edward ('Jersey Boys'). We sat in 26 and 27 - and had a good view of the stage. Sight lines at seat 27 were reasonable but not the best - missed the video screens on stage right and a little bit of the action that went on stage right upstage. Sight lines from seat 26 were fine.

Leg room very good because of the aisle in front (main reason for choosing this row). However the seats are very low for some reason, and if you pull your legs in - your knees end up near your ears (perhaps that's a little bit exaggerated - but you know what I mean). So although you can stretch out - actually it wasn't that comfortable!

Note also that these seats are right in front of the loudspeakers - and I would recommend ear-plugs if you sit here - 'Jersey Boys' is a very loud show!

There is also a rather funny aisle that runs down the side of the auditorium that you haven't shown on your plan.
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Oh, what a mistake! The current production of 'Jersey Boys' has the great songs, excellent direction, a set that excites and a true-ish story that works well. This production should be accessible to all BUT due to the use of the F-Word being used about 10 times more than in 'Avenue Q,' you can’t take your kids to see this. All other references to sex and the mafia would probably go over kids’ heads, but the constant swearing is over the top. A few F-Words would be acceptable due to the subject matter, but it’s too much. During the interval, everyone around me didn’t talk about the show, but the swearing.

I have had the Broadway cast recording, which sounds better than the London Cast (it might have been fined tuned in the studio), but the London Cast is still very good and getting better during the show, as they should do.

The first 45 minutes isn’t the greatest but the last 30 minutes of the first act is theatre near to its finest. The use of video screens and the use of live (I think it was) and archive footage adds great atmosphere. The performances as 'The Four Seasons' got a minute's applause from the audience, but the overall show got a normal sitting down applause at the end (maybe due to the age of the audience, but I also believe it didn’t deserve one). It might be better to have a medley at the end to get people off there feet and on a high when they leave the theatre.

Although I’m 21, I didn’t spot another member of the audience that was under 50. The sound was OK but after songs it became difficult to hear the dialogue for the first few seconds. I sat in the Dress Circle (E 13 and 14), and some things were slightly obstructed (e.g. poles, front of the stage, back of the stage) and I’m sure a stalls seat would offer a better view. I would pay £35 pounds for the top price seats which you can get currently, but at £60, I would be slightly disappointed.

Personally I don’t think this show can survive as the market for it is too niche. I don’t think it’s going to be a success as it is in New York (as it’s a set near the area and is the “American Dream”). It’s an enjoyable show; it’s not a great show. Just be thankful it’s not one of those jukebox shows where they burst into song and it’s really cheesy, (you know what shows I mean; Hint: 'Abba' and 'Queen')!

James F
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Went to see this Tuesday night (25th March 2008). What a great show – we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it as a good fun night out for all ages (although there is a fair bit of swearing in it – so parents may well want to supply earplugs for younger ones). Judging by the audience reaction they have a big hit on their hands. The cast were superb – no other word for it – we actually saw the understudy for Frankie but his voice was brilliant.

We sat in Row E of the Stalls and the view of the stage was very good - we could really see the whites of their eyes. However personally I would have preferred to have been a few rows back as you do tend to look up most of the time and some parts of the set were a more little difficult to see being low down. Having seen 'Mary Poppins' in the Dress Circle (Row E) I would think this would be a good view too for this show.

We had a bite to eat in Valerie’s Patisserie prior to going to the show and it’s a great little place for a snack or one of their fantastic cakes and a coffee (or be greedy and have both like me!) and only two minutes walk from the theatre.

Lizzie Loves The Theatre
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I recently went to see 'Jersey Boys,' a very last minute decision because we couldn't get in to see' Dirty Dancing.' I had no idea what to expect, I certainly didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. We were in the stalls row T as far to the left as you can get, slight restricted view but didn't spoilt what was the most fantastic show.

I consider myself to have been too young to remember the Four Seasons, but was very surprised to be singing along with almost all the songs! My 13 year old daughter recognised many too!

All in all, don't think you have to be 50+ to enjoy this one, it's a great show, a must see!
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Just got back from 'Jersey Boys' with a group of 113 (15th April 2008). The general comment was that everyone I spoke to afterwards loved it but like others who have commented here, there were several complaints about the unnecessary level of swearing. I did feel they have tightened the show up since preview when I last saw it. It is really slick and I enjoyed it much more this time than before.

It helped being in the centre of row L which meant we had no seats in front of us so I could really stretch out and this time there was no obstruction from large heads or horribly annoying smells of disgusting savoury snacks. The old diaphragm did take a bit of a pummelling at times from the drumming which is definitely louder in row L than it was in row V, where I sat last time, but it was really only on two numbers.

Looking at the photos in the programme I think we had Scott Monello as Frankie rather than Ryan Molloy, When he came on I felt sure he was different to the preview performance but if it was Scott then he was excellent and I don't think anyone of my party realised that he was the alternative Frankie. They seemed so pleased with the level of the standing ovation that I got the impression that perhaps a Matinee audience might possibly be even more appreciative of their performance than an evening audience as so many there were fans back in the 60's. It certainly applied to many of my group.
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I had read a lot of mixed reviews about 'Jersey Boys' so went with low expectations.....and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Granted, I did feel the first half of the first act was a little long but it needed to build slowly to give the impact of the story. The four main actors and singing were excellent which carried through the slower bits. The strengths in my opinion of course were the songs and I must say I particularly liked the fact that the story had some substance rather than the ridiculously silly stories that accompany other similar musicals such as We Will rock You and Mama Mia. With regards to the swearing - I didn't feel that there was that much and felt with was in line with the context. The show had been given a '12' rating to accommodate this - to be honest I was expecting more swearing so was bit disappointed - although I was probably the youngest person in there by 20 years so maybe that is why it didn't bother me so much!!

We sat in row C seats 13 and 14. The stage was VERY high and as a result the view was restricted although we had paid full price. When the actors were in the centre stage you could only see them from the thigh up and our necks were craned throughout. I would suggest that if you usually like front stalls seats that you go for row F and back as you will still be close but see the full stage and not be looking up so much. However, on the positive with these seats when the cast were at the front of the stage you were incredibly close so could see all their expressions/spit etc.

Overall I think 'Jersey Boys' is a good, solid musical (nothing spectacular but not terrible) - If you like the music of this era then you can do worse than a night out at this show.

Bas
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Saw Jersey Boys yesterday afternoon (5th July 2008).

First of all the seats - Sat in Loge 5 seats 1 and 2 - a little to the side but great view, except for when the people in Loge 4 leaned forward. Good legroom (This is important). However, for 'Mary Poppins' I said that Loges 3 and 4 were well worth the money and should be Green seats - for 'Jersey Boys,' I would say Loge 5 is good, but not outstanding. The band sequences are very much directed at the middle stalls. Still worthy of top price without a doubt though. Seats 3 and 4 However, having no obstruction in front would be fantastic.

An aside note - the people in front brought a child aged roughly 5 or 6 - this show really isn't appropriate, not least for the language and sex references (punctuated yesterday with "Mummy, he said *****), but also the wordy nature of the non sung sequences meaning that little people may easily get bored.

As for the show, its very slick, very entertaining. It is kept moving at a fast pace by imaginative staging and snappy performances. All four leads were excellent (No Ryan Molloy - we saw the alternate Scott Monello - or at least we think we did, no announcement made). I came to this not as a 'Four Seasons' fan, but mainly because of ignorance of their music aside from the obvious big hits. The reaction of the audience to the "concert" style sequences left me in no doubt that the producers and cast had got the look and sound just right. I was surprised by the emotional punch that came with each rise and fall of the groups fortunes. So overall, a great show, worth seeing by anyone who thinks they could enjoy 2 hours of Frankie Valli. Ok, it is another Jukebox show, but with more class than most of the others around.
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I went this evening again to see 'Jersey Boys' and once again thought it was fantastic.

There is some swearing but then doesn't life - from those times - have swearing in it. I thought the music was amazing and it is so slick one cannot get bored. I personally think this must have been one of the hardest shows ever to produce because it would be a mammoth task to find someone who can sing as well as Frankie Valle, and they have.

It's an excellent show and would thoroughly recommend anyone to go. I went this evening (17th July 2008) and it was a huge range of ages; and had a standing ovation, which I believe is the case in every performance. I don't think anyone could fault this show. Whilst it might not be everyone's 'cup of tea,' I would say, 'do your home work.' You obviously have to like their music to go, and those who do will not be disappointed

Christina Brooks
Highgate
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I saw 'Jersey Boys' last night (12th August 2008) and was absolutely blown away (and not just by the thundering speakers). I've never been a Four Seasons fan, being born in the late 80s and brought up on a musical diet of 90s pop and rock so wasn't desperate to see this show. However given the hype it's received on Broadway I thought I'd give it a go and I was not disappointed. The cast look as though they're having a great time throughout and the audience quickly got into the spirit of things. The pace does take a little while to build momentum but when it does it doesn't linger. A really good night out, even if you're not a classic Valli fan.

Also, I very lucky as I bought a ticket from Leicester Square for £20 for J27 Grand Circle. however when I got to the theatre I found I had been upgraded to P18 in the stalls which offers fantastic view and you're far enough away from the stage to save your ear drums from getting a beating!

Thom Sellwood
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I went to see this on Monday 15th August 2008. We had the slip box seats for £42.50, they were great seats. You have to lean over, but you can see everything - a great view and great legroom...

The show is BRILLIANT. Even though the songs are not my era, I have heard pretty much all of them all before and they are such great songs. Luckily, we had full cast and the lead Ryan Molloy is absolutely fantastic. He is brilliant, his voice is just fantastic. They are all great. It is such a good and interesting show, the applauses between songs last forever!!! Everyone is up at the end.

The show is brilliant, you must go see it!
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I went to see Jersey Boys on 17th January 2009 for the matinee at 2.30pm. I have to say, I personally don't get why this musical is not for under 12s because nothing was that bad. Maybe I'm from such a modern generation I don't see things as the people who rate shows. But anyway, that aside, I think 'Jersey Boys' is AMAZING. I absolutely loved it. It's a slow starter and I didn't get into it for the first 10 minutes, but after that it's like a constant party with people clapping along. I know loads of the songs and they're even better live. There's one really emotional scene where everything is so silent that it's very powerful. A few tears were coming from my right!

We sat in Row L of the Grand Circle, seats 14 to 18. These were absolutely amazing but I'm not sure about the price. It was a bit too expensive as you are so high at. However the seats in front are obstructed by a bar so I think out of the ones at £30, these are the best. Being so high you could see quite a lot of detail. The seats are comfortable, but little legroom!

Definitely a great night out, although compared to other theatres it's in the middle of nowhere. I really loved it, the alternate Frankie (Scott) is worth the money (although I'd like to see the main one Ryan sometime, unless he leaves) and the whole cast are funny and so talented. Tommy is pure evil but you have to laugh and dance to every song. Favourite character is Bob! Wouldn't be the same! An emotional, powerful and yet wonderful story.

Couldn't have asked for a better outing! Oh What a Night you'll have!
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I took my mum to see 'Jersey Boys' on 10th February 2009 for her birthday. We booked our tickets last minute on the 'Get Into London Theatre' offer which ended that week, and we got two tickets in the Dress Circle (K16 and K17) for only £35 each - a bargain considering all the prices I'd seen so far had been around the £60 mark!

I had my doubts sitting so far back in the Circle but we found that the seats were perfect. We didn't feel far back from the stage, none of the action was missed, none of the stage was cut off - in the end the only problem was the nightmare couple sitting behind us who talked, sang and burped (yes burped!) loudly throughout the entire show! Not to mention guessing the plot in the excruciatingly quiet and tense moments, singing when the song had actually finished and then laughing about their foolish mistake. I suggest a new kind of dodgy audience member - someone who encompasses almost everything on Theatremonkey's list!!! Anyway...I was concerned about legroom after reading some Theatremonkey reviews, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be (we were also able to turn our legs to the side as our row was pretty much empty).

As for the show - magnificent! The first half of Act 1 is bitty and hard to get into - but stick with it because it gets better and better after 'Sherry.' A personal favourite of ours was December 1963 ('Oh What a Night') which was brilliantly sung by Stephen Ashfield. Unfortunately we missed Ryan Molloy as Frankie Valli and Philip Bulcock as Nick Massi but the understudies were great! After the cast's superb Royal Variety performance in December, I was upset about missing Molloy but my mum and myself thought Scott Monello (alternate Valli) had an amazing voice so no upsets there. I would certainly recommend this show to anyone, not just Four Seasons fans but I'm not sure I'd go again with full price tickets. Maybe next year's GILT!

Just a note - the soundtrack is awful, especially the feeble speech from Frankie Valli at the end (listen to that then compare it to Ryan Molloy at Royal Variety and you'll see what I mean!) The London cast seems so much better, but I couldn't stop singing the songs so I gave in and bought it. I hope they do a London recording hint hint!
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Saw the show February 24th 2009, matinee performance. Row J 28 and 29 Dress Circle was just perfect, booked tickets through Delfont/Mackintosh own website and there are limited pensioners rates available for Tuesday matinee performances.

Now to the show itself - what a great afternoons entertainment, atmosphere great-theatre full. There was nothing we could find any fault with, we probably agree - not for the young - but only because they would not relate to an American group of this era and of course the 'F' word.

We have seen many musicals over the past year but this comes very near the top of our list, the cast work tirelessly throughout it would be unfair to single out any performer, the show really works.

Alan
Manchester
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I have seen 'Jersey Boys' twice and both occasions have sat in the same seat in the Loges. Loge 3 seat 1 - a stunning location to see the show. I love the show and I'm 13. I found the main audience of the show over 60; I was very surprised that it didn't appeal to a younger audience. A MUST SEE SHOW. 10/10
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Saw the show last night (30th May 2009) and sat in stalls row B 1 and 2. These seats are only £20 due to a high stage and had heard good things about them.

Do not book these 2 seats. There is a stairwell over this side of the stage which blocks everything - I'm not kidding! The rest of the row could see fine (although you may need a booster seat if under 5 ft 8 but the ushers are very good at giving them to you) i honestly could not see a thing unless the actors where right down the front of the stage. I was moved after about 10 minutes but I personally believe the theatre shouldn't sell these 2 seats. The rest of the row is fine and great value for a top show.

Emma.
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I saw "Jersey Boys" last night (1st July 2009) and just wanted to let everyone know what a fantastic show it was, I WANT TO GO AGAIN!!

We had seats in stalls Row D numbers 13 and 14 and these were EXCELLENT seats in the centre of the row and we had no problems seeing the whole show.

These tickets normally sell at £60 each but I got them both for £70, so I would highly recommend people look around the different ticket agencies to get good value for their money.

Helen
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Got a student ticket for £25 in Row J 7 of the stalls. Fantastic view. The time previous I was 2nd off back row in the upper circle and you miss out on all the facial expressions and intimacy. Much better seeing it from the stalls.

The show is in top form still. So much energy. Love Ryan Molloy as Frankie, he has the voice down so well.
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We went to see 'Jersey Boys' on Saturday 2nd January 2009. We got three tickets for Loge 8 (which has 3 seats) at £50 each from the booth in Leicester Square Underground Station. We were really happy with the position, the view was off to the left-hand side of the stage (obviously), but nothing was obscured apart from some of the left-hand projection screen on which nothing vital was shown anyway.

I know nothing about Frank Valli or the Four Seasons apart from a few songs and, as it was a spur of the moment decision, I had committed the cardinal sin of not consulting the Theatre Monkey either. The story is told well from the point of view of the various members of the group, sometimes contradicting each other, but weaving a believable history of the how the Four Seasons conquered the charts with a string of hits, most of which are instantly recognisable.

The staging was simple but effective. I enjoyed the interaction with the band, many of whom appeared on stage playing at various points, the drummer in particular must have a whale of a time as the drum kit moves round the stage.

The strength of the show is definitely the quality of the singing. Ryan Molloy has an amazing voice, it didn't surprise me at all to see he also played Tremont in Jerry Springer. The rest of the cast are great as well. All in all a show to go and see because you like the songs and want to see a superior approach to turning a back-catalogue into a show, not for the West-End spectacle.

Steph Nicholls.
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I received a free top priced ticket for my choice of 'Jersey Boys' as a new member of a theatregoers' club; so I especially looked forward to a music style which I have enjoyed since my youth.

A couple of days before the show I began to hear rumours that there was swearing in the show, and so as I entered the theatre I asked an Usher if my information was correct. Alas he confirmed it was - but that it would not be intrusive into the story, and that I would still enjoy the performance.

My free ticket gave me a centre stalls view in the fifth row and I stared at the cage-like structure that was in full view for 25 minutes prior to curtain up. This manner of introducing a show is not to my liking. It kills the surprise and also indicates that this is all you are going to get for your money. This turned out to be true, except for the actors also acting as stage hands dragging furniture on and off the stage. Cheapo Productions comes to mind.

The show started, but took some time to really get going (almost until the interval); and to fill the gaps it was punctuated with the swearing - especially the "f" word. And so it continued - the only diversion being the introduction of a gay theatrical producer / record promoter whose overly camp/mincing appearance seemed to be over the top in order to get the message across to audience members unable to recognise a straight looking/acting gay man. Yes they DO exist!

Back to the production. I must say that I loved the music and harmonies but, unable to accept any more of the swearing, I left the theatre at the interval and returned to my hotel.

I would recommend that you do not support swearing in what is supposed to be a happy, nostalgic musical. Swearing I can get for free on a bus full schoolchildren at 4pm. I should not have to listen to it in a musical show for which a ticket can normally cost up to £50 or more. Better to sit at home and play the music on a CD sipping a whisky or two as you re-live your youth. The money you save will be better spent on a ticket for 'Oliver' - the best show I have ever seen in the UK.

David
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We sat in row L, seats 12, 13, 14 of the Grand Circle for the matinee performance of Jersey Boys on 3rd April 2010. Although it was not a problem for me, I would not advise the Grand Circle for those who have difficulty in walking up stairs. There seemed to be an awful lot of them to navigate before you finally reach the top. At times it felt like we were climbing the Tower of Babel! The box office did point out this issue but assured us that there were other theatres in London with higher upper circles.

The view of the stage is unobstructed; but due to the height of the Grand Circle and the position of row L, the view is distant. I consider myself to have very good eyesight, but from this seat I could not see facial expressions clearly, even with the binoculars. In addition, at 5ft 8” I found space to be very tight and by the end of Act 1 was extremely uncomfortable and was beginning to get ‘pins and needles’. One minor distraction when sitting here are the spotlight beams. When any of the action takes place at the front of the stage, the beams pass very close over your head. I was at times quiet tempted to put my hand up into the beam and do some shadow puppetry. On the plus side, the sound was very good and I could here every word that was sung or spoken.

Overall the seat wasn’t too bad (I have sat in worse) but considering that the seats behind us were only £20 for almost the same view and issues, I wish we had gone for those or tried to have got seats further forward for the same price that we paid for in row L. Vertigo sufferers might also wish to consider paying a little bit more to sit lower down in the dress circle or stalls.
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I attended the' Jersey Boys' on Saturday the 31st of July 2010 (matinee) and just wanted to say how fantastic the show was!! We managed to get £39 tickets from the half price ticket booth, and were given row J in the stalls - bang in the middle with a perfect view of everything. So, first of all, go for this row if you can; you are not too close to the stage but not too far away that you can see all the facial expressions etc. The show was just amazing and the atmosphere in the theatre was spell binding. The staff in the theatre are on of the friendliest staff I have come across in any West End theatre, and I am Scottish... so it's not often we give praise!!

The only complaint I have and it is a small one; neither Ryan Malloy or the alternate were performing that day, and it was the understudy (who, by the way was amazing). If it had not been announced prior to the start, I never would have known he was the understudy. I asked one of the staff why he was playing the part today. I was told that Ryan Molloy was on holiday and the alternate will be playing the evening performance as it is a very demanding role which, after seeing it, I have to agree.

So, I won't go on much more other than... GO AND SEE THIS SHOW IT IS FANTASTIC !!

Steven.
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We got £20 tickets for the 'Jerseys Boys' Sunday 31st October 2010 show from an agency discount booth on Leicester Square. Grand Circle H 1 and 2. The view is fine (although seat 1 only for tall people due to diagonal safety bar) but too far away.

Before the show started an usher happily moved us to seats E1 and 2. Just 3 rows further forward made such a difference in view, we felt like we were 100m nearer. At 6ft2 I could not have sat in the grand circle except in an aisle seat as the leg room is non existent in nearly all seats.

Cheap tickets up here will not disappoint as long as you are in A, B, C, D, E or F. Any further back and you will regret it.
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Sat in the Grand Circle, seats K 8 to K11 for the 1st January 2011 afternoon performance. I agree with other reviewers about the height and leg room, walking in at the back you really want to hold on to something as you walk down to your seats.

Regarding the view - yes it was high, but you could see the whole stage all the time. Only bits we couldn't see was the drummer's head occasionally but that doesn't matter anyway.

Legroom is certainly an issue up there. Fortunately we had nobody in front of us, but if we did, I could imagine us getting very uncomfortable as there really was nowhere to move your feet.

The sound was fine, we could hear everything clearly. For £35, the seats were just about OK for the money.
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I finally got to see ‘Jersey Boys’ at the matinee today (4th January 2011) and was completely blown away by it.

I was not expecting the story to come across in such a powerful fashion and from D row in the stalls I sometimes felt like the fifth member of the group as I was swept along by the energy of the musical performances. The Four Seasons’ song catalogue very much took me back to my salad days and I was rather wallowing in nostalgia, although, to be honest, I don’t remember the music being played quite as loudly then as it is at the Prince Edward in this show!  But I digress.

After some of the recent reviews on this website complaining that the story was boring, I was hardly prepared for the very hard-hitting and, to me at least, truthful dramatic representation of the lives of the guys. The excessive use of the ‘f’ word didn’t bother me in the slightest; and whether or not it was used so much back in the late 1950s and the 1960s isn’t entirely the point...it is used here to create an authentic feel of street life involving a group of kids who are in and out of prison for various misdemeanours and, to my ears at least, it created exactly the right feel to bring realism to representing the lives of these tough young men.

Maybe I’m wrong, but the people who complain that the show isn’t suitable for family audiences are right....it’s a tough story about tough people from a tough background. Let the families go to see The Lion King and leave Jersey Boys to theatre-goers who are not going to be offended by strong language!   

Anyway, I was astonished to find that Ryan Molloy was still playing Frankie (I checked with the box office to make sure) after going on for three years. I thought he was terrific, but so were all the other members of the cast, and they were rewarded with another of those semi-standing ovations that I keep seeing these days. Actually, I would have stood up had the people around me done so, but we all had too many padded jackets and scarves and hats on our laps to make a standing ovation a practicality.

PS: They’re obviously made of sterner stuff in Australia because the website for the current Sydney production of ‘Jersey Boys’ offers a free study guide and educational download for use by secondary school students of drama and theatre, and there are special reduced prices for school groups. www.jerseyboysaustralia.com.au. It seems that the ‘f’’ word doesn’t bother them, or perhaps nobody noticed it!
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18th January 2011.

This was the best that I have seen Jon Boydon and Eugene McCoy perform as Tommy and Nick, and both Jon and Eugene seemed to really bond with Jye Frasca and James Winter. The show was great - if a little loud at times - and I think that Jye and Ryan both share the position as favourite Frankie.

I was sitting in the Stalls Row G seat 18 which was a great seat; but if paying full price I would not want to be much closer to the stage, due to the height of it. For the access rate of £20 it was a great seat.
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We purchased tickets from TKTS for Jersey Boys - how lucky to get the stalls H 9 and 10. Absolutely out of this world - bang on view and for this show I would highly recommend those particular seats. It felt as if the performers were looking right at us. WOW!
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Saw the' Jersey Boys' for the second time at the Prince Edward Theatre; fantastic show; we sat in the Stalls in seats Y24 and Y25 which gave us a really good view and the leg room was more than sufficient.

Sam
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"Oh What a Night"! I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a West End musical so much (Phantom, probably!). It was full of energy and great singing, although the strong language at times may offend some people. Having grown up with the music it was very nostalgic, and I was interested to learn the story of the group for the first time.

We sat in the Dress Circle D14 to 17 on the 6th July 2011. We found the music volume OK. from here, with excellent acoustics. I thought the central aisle rail to our front left may have restricted some views, but all the action takes place in the centre/back/right of the stage, so it wasn't a problem.

We also found legroom was OK. - I'm 5ft 10ins and didn't have to turn my legs to the side; my friend is 6ft 3ins so he sat in the aisle seat (D17) and didn't complain!

Frank
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