STALLS
The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at row K. The top of the stage is not
visible past row M. At the front of the stage, microphones are hidden behind
raised cobbles - this does not noticeably affect the view, though purists may
wish to sit a few rows back from them. Those wishing to observe lighting effects
on the stage may also want to sit further back or in the Circles.In the front stalls it is worth avoiding the first and last three seats in
rows B to J since the viewing angle is not good enough to justify the top price
to the monkey mind. Also worth avoiding, so a reader reports, are seats at the
ends of row A:
"I was in A8. People in row BB all sat forward on their seats to
try to see over the edge of the stage".
Bad manners, rather than a permanent difficulty perhaps, but worth knowing
about, feels the monkey.
Of row B, reader Stuart Spendlow reports:
"The view was fantastic and you really felt like you were in there with all the
action. (row B is worth the money)."
Another reader adds,
"Our seats were close to the front (B15 and 16) and offered a wonderful
view. I was worried that we would be too close and would end up with
sore necks, but no. These seats were wonderful, we saw all the facial
expressions clearly and saw all the action clearly."
Readers Jessica and Niamh report,
"seats C4 and 5 at a large discount: Although they were end of row we still felt like
we were in the action and took in the full impact of what was going on on
stage and the power of the music."
The also feel that,
"If it is your first time, make sure you get great seats - front stalls are the
way to go, no closer than C though as the stage is high."
The overhang of the circle above is irritating at the very ends of the front
rows for some - though
not critical enough to ruin anyone's enjoyment particularly. From row K back,
though, the overhang may well be a real pain for many.
Reader James T notes:
"Sat in G3,
theatre monkey advises against this seat, though as a student I managed
to secure it for the bargain price of £20. For what I paid it was an
excellent seat. Good leg room and an excellent view of the stage".
As the reader says, the ends of the row are O.K. at a heavy discount, but you
probably wouldn't want to pay the full top price. Useful for a student to know,
of course, though! If these seats were regularly £20, the monkey would, of
course, have given them a "green" rating.
Reader Sam says of seat C7,
"Very clear view, but naturally one would like to be more centre".
Another reader reports well-balanced sound in this row too.
Otherwise all other central seats in rows A to M offer at least fair value.
The best seats are in the centre of rows D to G.
Reader Cristopher H says,
"we were sat in the stalls seats F17, 18 and 23. We were very happy
about them, although I think we were a bit too close because we couldn't
see the river in ''Valjean's Soliloquy.'' I was very impressed about the
leg room, and therefore excited because the monkey had given them a
green rating; seat 23 was great as well, I don't see why the monkey gave
it a red rating."
This is due to the circle overhang, notes the monkey.
Monkey regular seat reporter and Miz fan James says,
"Sat in Stalls G11 and G12 for “Les Mis”. This was my first time in the
Stalls here and I’m still undecided as to whether I prefer the show from
the Stalls or the Dress Circle. I think you feel more involved from the
Stalls but not being particularly tall I found row G perhaps a little
close and had to look up a bit. However, legroom and sound were both
good."
Seats H 11 to 16 are sold at
premium prices. The view is fine here, whether you wish to spend the extra
is totally your choice, feels the monkey...
Reader Ali comments,
"We had seats K11-13 in the stalls. Good view of the stage, couldn't see the whirlpool clearly, but I'm not too bothered about that. The legroom was surprisingly good."
On another visit, Ali had stalls K 6 to 9 and commented, "we often seem to get
row K - good view of the stage and performers."
Readers Andy, Claire and family have a similar view,
"We had seats K10 to K13 in stalls (Oyster card promotion). Seats were ideal,
great view, good leg room... the seats positions come recommended."
Another reader, Tamara, backs the front row comments up:
"Sat stalls row E seats 19 and 20, slightly too far forward for my liking, the stage is quite high for this show and the view would have been more comfortable from further back."
Note that row A seats 13
and 14 are slightly cheaper as the conductor can sometimes be seen. Purists might
want to avoid the seats behind these - B14 and 15 - to be on the safe side, though it does
not bother the monkey and it does not feel you would have a problem! The ends of
row A - seats 6, 7, 20 and 21 are also cheaper due to the stage curving round.
The monkey felt that 7 and 20 were worthwhile for the price, but was
disappointed by reader comments that those seated in front - in row BB - lean
forward and could spoil the view.
A reader comments of the front stalls and the conductor:
"Seat D13: first time I have been so near to the stage, and to be honest
wouldn't have wanted to be any further forward. The conductor was like a jack in
the box, also he was weaving around like a boxer. It must have been very off
putting being in the middle of the rows in front of me, actually I was put off a
bit by him, can't imagine what it must have been like for those in the front
row. To be fair to him, his moving about shows that no matter how many times he
has performed, he is still very much into the music and the occasion, though.
Leg room was very good."
And remember, those directly behind the conductor in row A ONLY do get a
discount, notes the monkey...
Row BB either side of the orchestra pit offer one of the best bargains in the
West End - something on which several readers agree! Just above bottom price, these six seats offer a "knees
upwards" view of the stage, but plenty of comfort and a real alternative to
the Upper Circle for the budget conscious. Not suitable for the very short -
these are almost under the stage - or a first timer / dating couple; but for
someone treating themselves for the n'th time to the show, these have to be in
the front running! Oh, and if you sit here, please don't lean forward - it
won't help the view (sitting back is better), and annoys the people behind!
One reader comments on this row:
"I'm only 5ft 4ins but there is absolutely no space whatever for your legs in
seat BB8 as the pit curves round from the arm of your seat. After 45 minutes of
sitting bolt upright with legs facing away from the conductor I started getting
pins and needles and so we swapped seats which was a great improvement for me.
In the 2nd half we moved to seats the row behind which were empty. Seats BB6 and
7 I would certainly keep as green but BB8 should be a red based on my experience
as DVT is a real danger!"
The monkey hadn't noticed this issue, but passes it on for information. Since
seating in this area is symmetrical, BB20 may also have similar drawbacks.
In row L, reader Cathy says,
"L 13 - absolutely perfect view, altho' sound a little muffled /
distorted in places because of the overhang from the Royal Circle)."
Reader
Kyrsty Mewett comments:
"We occupied the last two seats of row M in the stalls, and our view was uninhibited
- even of the set on each of the boxes. There was plenty of legroom, and,
unlike seats closer to the stage, we could also see all the effects on the
floor of the stage (such as the 'river' during "Javert's Soliloquy")."
Rows N to S have a problem at top price. The circle overhang cuts the top of the set off - meaning that
at top price you can't see the top of
the it. They are also further from the stage than many may
like. If you are seated here, try for the centre of the rows - seats 11 to
16. The circle curves inwards and the overhang is minimised.
The monkey is keen to hear opinions on these rows, as indeed one
reader has already commented:
"I was sat in row Q in the stalls, and even though I had a perfect view
and adequate leg room, I couldn't help but think how I would've liked to have
been closer to the stage. I felt slightly out of the action so to speak. The
overhang does block a little of the top half of the set, but nothing to
ruin the experience." A fair summary, felt the monkey. You can see the
important stuff, but some of the scenic effect is lost. Possibly not for a
first-timer or special occasion.
Another reader has also mentioned that row P (particularly the sides) suffer
badly from the same overhang.
Someone else reports,
"We sat in the middle of Row R of the stalls after buying 'best available'
tickets off Lastminute.com for £29.50 + £1 booking fee. Legroom was ample, view
not the best - the Dress Circle overhang obscured some of the 'higher up'
action, and we felt a bit distant from the stage. That said, good value for what
we paid, would have been miffed if the tickets had been full price. "
another reader says of the same tickets,
"Got the middle seats in Row R through the TKTS booth for £27.50 + £2.50 booking
fee. As others have mentioned, this does suffer from the overhang but there is
literally only 10 seconds in the entire production when an actor is obscured.
You shouldn't panic when you can't see the '1815' projection which starts the
show and is projected so high you can't see it!"
Along the row, another reports,
"Seats R15 and 16 of the stalls offer a pretty good view with good leg
room, although sound not great in places because of the extended circle
overhang and no speakers under. The very top of the set was chopped off
from view in the initial Paris scene but nothing missed after that."
Whilst quite far back, the fact that Les Mis tends to use the entire stage (both
horizontally and vertically) means that you can take in the full effect of the
scenery even if the singers seen a little way off. No problem with legroom
either.
So, something to think about before buying - hence the "red" colour
on the seating plan...if you are paying a lot for your ticket, the monkey feels
you should think about things first before opting for these rows...it hopes it
can help you make an informed choice!
The ends of rows R and S have also been made cheaper to allow for the
overhang of the circle above...so perhaps consider these if having a side view
and the top of the stage missing is acceptable - and you are happy being further
forward rather than more central. Totally your call, feels the monkey. If you go
this route, S 3, 4, 23 and 26 are probably first pick, as they are next to more
expensive tickets. NOT one for purists or a romantic evening, though - more for
fans happy with hearing and seeing most of the show for the umpteenth time...
Reader Jamie Coniam comments:
"row S, seats 24 and 25, are pretty near the back, but had a
great view of all the action. This is not a big theatre by any stretch of the
imagination, and even right at the back we could see well. There is quite a big overhang, but it
doesn't seem to matter as there was no
action at higher points of the stage anyway".
Rows T to V have about a fifth of the top of the stage not visible. The ends
of the rows suffer particularly. The monkey isn't keen, and a sound desk installed here makes picking seats tricky. Sit here if the
Upper Circle legroom does not appeal, though the Upper Circle is likely to edge
it on view alone. The restriction of losing the barricade top is allowed for in
pricing, so row U 8 to 12 and V seats 8 to 11 may be worth considering as an alternative to the Upper
Circle for vertigo sufferers.
Reader Jessica notes,
"We sat in the rear stalls and were very disappointed because we could not see
the projections properly, it cut off the top of the barricade and the sound
quality did not seem to match the wow factor it had had at the Palace Theatre."
Legroom is adequate for all but the very tallest in all seats. Row BB 8 and
20 may be a squeeze, one reader feels. The extreme ends of
row A are worth considering for a taller person as they have extra space to
stretch into a little more.
DRESS CIRCLE
The Upper Circle overhangs the Dress Circle at row C. The top of the stage is
not visible from row H back.
The Dress Circle is split into two blocks by a centre aisle. A safety bar at
the end of the centre aisle affects the view from aisle seats back to row F, and
intrudes in the next seats in rows B to D. Annoying rather than fatal, but some
will want to know it is there. Reader Ashley says,
"The safety bar mentioned as an obstruction for rows A to F was not a problem as
it only encroached onto the front 2 yards of the stage. We were able to see
absolutely everything without so much as moving or straining."
The curve of the Dress Circle makes the front corners of the stage invisible
from the outermost seats. At second price, though, the monkey liked row B4 and
23 for reasonably compensating for the view against price. One for a fan who
wants to see the show again and isn't worried about the small parts of the
missing view. A 9, 10, 26 and 27 are comparable too, but with less legroom.
Best value seats at top price are rows B and D to J seats 7 to 11 and 16 to
19 and C 7 to 10 and 16 to 19. Oddly, though the view of the lighting is
great here, the monkey likes the mid stalls slightly better...for no good reason
at all!
Seats D 14 to 19 are sold at
premium prices. The view is excellent from 16 to 19 here especially, whether you wish to spend the extra
is totally your choice, feels the monkey...
Reader Jon reports,
"A25:
Excellent View - lack of leg room. I'm "broad" and width wise was O.K. and seat comfortable, but at 5'11 leg room
was cramped as you have the wall in front so can't even get your feet under
as you might with seats in the stalls."
Reader Sharnie feels,
"Seats B21 and B22 (didn't pay full price). Was just as previously
described on this site. We were just 3 seats in from the end of the row
which curves. Not a problem as only a tiny bit of stage front left is
obscured. However in row A below they lost bottom half of stage due to
the wall in front, and consequently leant forward on the wall which
didn't help our view. Luckily my friend had an empty seat in front of
her. Determined not to have my night out ruined I asked the guy in front
to sit back in his seat and to give him credit he did manage to sit back
for most of the show. For this reason I wouldn't recommend the last four
seats at either end of row B and would avoid anything but the middle 16
seats of row A. No point paying top price for the rest of the row when
you will get a better view from the stalls. Seats comfortable enough
given the length of the show and plenty of legroom (I am 5' 8")."
A reader says,
"D6 and D7. They are both excellent seats. The legroom is adequate though. I am
5' 10" . Personally, I find the front of the dress circle is the best place to
be"
Reader Cathy comments that both E 18 and 19 and G 9 and 10 had a perfect view,
and reader Ali felt likewise for D16 and 17 - excellent... .
Another reader feels,
"seats E7 and E8, they were fine."
Another remarks in November 2007,
"F4 to 7. The seats were perfect for sight lines and comfort, but alas
on this my fourth visit, we all found most of the first act very heavy
going. The sound was very loud were we were sitting (louder and shriller
than it seemed from the front of the stalls about a year ago)"
Reader Ali goes on to say (of another visit):
"Row G 10 to 13 - seats had a good view, obstructed only by the very tall man in
front!"
Reader James adds,
"Sat in Dress Circle G10 the first time I saw "Les Mis" in it’s new venue. It
was OK, but I feel that Les Mis’ new home is slightly more intimate and requires
you to be a little closer to the action. I subsequently sat in Dress Circle C8
and felt much more involved. However, from previous visits to the show at the
Palace Theatre, I find the show is best seen from the Stalls."
On a later visit he says,
"Sat in Dress Circle E17 to E20 - great view and good sound."
Two seats along, reader Ashley reports,
"G12 and 13. These were probably the best seats I've ever had in either theatre
for 'Les Mis.' As the website says, the top of the stage is obscured from row H
backwards, and so the Upper Circle bordered the stage perfectly at the top."
One transfer seat for wheelchair users in row D and
wheelchair spaces at the ends of row C - not a bad view from the plinth here.
See notes.
Rows K and L at the back of the circle are worth considering only if stalls
at the same price are not available. Row L rests on the back gangway of the
circle so you will feel and hear those escaping early, but you get a head start
to the exit.
One reader reports of row K in November 2004:
"We were in K row and although at first I thought we would be too far away
it was not too bad and we had a clear view. What we all felt was that the
sound was not good - whether the overhang of the Dress Circle was the cause or
not I don't know but to me it did not have the same feel to it as when it was at
The Palace."
In January 2006, reader Ali reports this sound problem not noticeable any
longer - good news, felt the monkey.
Reader Sam says:
"Dress Circle L1 and 2: The view is clear, and you don't feel far from the stage. However, you can't see very well the top of the stage. The stars are not seen during "Stars". Good legroom as well. I agree with
the theatremonkey assessment, and I would even upgrade them to green if you can get them at good
discount!"
Another reader says of row L,
"These seats were on at the very back of the Dress Circle. Plenty of
legroom - although the view was obscured by the upper circle overhang,
making it difficult to see the top gantry of the set, also felt slightly
removed from the "action". Not helped by having our backs to the
doors. I'm sure there are better available for the same price."
Row A slip seats 1 to 7 and 29 to 35 are in the corners of the circle with a view
obscured by the boxes next door. One third of the rear stage is not visible. Sit here
for a cheap but uncomfortable night out.
Slip seats row A 1 and 35 are being sold exceptionally cheaply due to the
same restricted
view. Very close to the stage, with a pretty good view for the money, these are
a possibility for those willing to endure VERY - and the monkey MEANS very -
cramped conditions. If you are less than 5ft or so tall, with weight in
proportion, sit here. Most others won't stand a chance of surviving until the
interval, though, feels the monkey.
Legroom is tending towards uncomfortable in all seats, poor in row A, dire in
the slip seats (especially the ends). Choose centre aisle
seats in rows B to L for space to stretch one leg.
Reader Ashley, in G12 and 13 feels,
"Legroom was ample - I'm 6'1" and my girlfriend is 5'10" and neither of us were
uncomfortable at all."
Dress Circle Boxes
Not sold as the new set is built over them.
UPPER CIRCLE
A very wide wall at the front of the Upper Circle may restrict the view of the
front of the stage for the shortest people in row A. It has been lowered so that
most can see over it without leaning forward, though.
A large rail at the front of the centre aisle also intrudes into the view of
those in the aisle seats of the front three rows. On the plus side, it seems to
be protecting a steel gherkin, so have fun guessing what that really is!
Metal posts at the ends of each row do
not affect the view significantly - though purists will want to know about them
and take evasive action.
The Upper Circle is split into two by a central aisle. A good rake and not
being too high above the ground make most seats except row A and the first and
last two or three in rows B to G at least fair value. You don't feel far from
the stage anywhere, and even if the curve of the circle cuts off the edges and
very front inch of the stage, the overall view of the show is rather pleasing
felt the monkey.
At second price choose row B first then move alphabetically back. Row A
seats 9 to 18 are not a great choice due to the gherkin, though - further back
just edges them for view.
Reader Tim Holloway feels,
"D 17 and 18: Slightly disappointed by the view. Even though I
could see everything (despite the best efforts of those in row A to obstruct
the view by leaning over the balcony) it wasn't the best angle to watch the
show from".
At
third price Row G seats 9 to 17 are first choice, though remember that aisle
seats have a metal post next to them - some purists may quibble - and Row J is a little
overpriced (one row back has the same view and is much cheaper).
Reader Sam feels of F19,
"It is little bit high, but good view. Good legroom. However, I think the final battle is affected. You can actually see the lights that give the illusion of fire, and
I could also see someone (supposedly dead LOL!) descending the barricade to arrange
himself. For someone who saw the show so many times it doesn't really matter that much, but
I wouldn't recommend it for first timers, unless they are really poor
students".
The edges of the rows are all considered restricted view, and have been
priced accordingly. The thin strip of lower price seats offers reasonable value - the
monkey would choose row J first, then go forward from there when buying as the
circle angle improves the view the further back you are. Do remember, though
(for knee fetishists) that row BB of the stalls is the same price...take your
pick.
A reader comments:
"G3. It is restricted view, and the Monkey gives it red. I certainly wouldn't
advice this seat for first timers. But, if you are a regular, and on tight
budget, then it is not bad seat. True, you see all sorts of things you are not
supposed to see :), and you are little bit far, but on the other hand, the
restriction is minimal, especially if you know what is going on, and it is only
£12.50. So, it is red in absolute terms, but it could be seen as white for "les
Miz" regulars, or even green if you are high in desperation for your fix, but
very low on money, lol"
At bottom price, the angle affects many seats. Row J 1 and 2 are little
affected, though, and are particularly worth considering felt the monkey. Row H
are almost as good too. For the rest, at bottom price, the curve loses the edges
of the stage - a good fifth of it. First timers in particular should consider
spending a little more, perhaps, though former Palace balcony dwellers will be
quite pleased with these seats. No great bargain, but somewhere to hear the show
from (if you've seen it before) and less metalwork to get in the way.
Legroom is tending towards cramped in all seats, worst in row A. Centre and end aisle seats
allow one leg to stretch.
Upper Circle Boxes
Not on sale as the set is built over them.
Notes
Total 987 seats.
Air-conditioned auditorium.
Infrared headsets available, Upper Circle gets least good reception. Guide
dogs allowed in boxes otherwise dog sitters available. One transfer seat in
Dress Circle row D accessed by fire door over a 5-cm step. Seats at the ends of
row C can also be removed and a platform inserted for wheelchair access.
Adapted toilet in foyer corridor. Specific information can be obtained from the
theatre group dedicated phoneline on 0870 011 7574. The
"registered disabled" concessionary price policy here is generally (though can
be subject to change) for a quota of accessible best seats to be made available
at the lowest regular price charged. This quota is increased for designated
performances such as signed / audio interpreted. Check with the box office at
time of booking. Fuller access details
No food except Ice cream and confectionery. "Picnic boxes" can often be
arranged for couples in the bar at the interval. Details from the theatre
Hospitality Department on 0870 950 0950.
Three bars; Stalls, Dress Circle and Upper Circle.
8 toilets; Foyer 1 ladies 3 cubicles, Stalls 1 gents 2 cubicles, 2 ladies 3
cubicles, 4 cubicles; Dress Circle 1 gents 2 cubicles 1 ladies 3 cubicles; Upper
Circle 1 gents 1 cubicle 1 ladies 4 cubicles.
The monkey thanks David and his " box office crew" Francesca and
Steve for their help in compiling this information.
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