Theatremonkey®.com

                              

An Independent Inside Guide to London Theatre and Concert Venues

Home Page
Buy the Site Book
Blog and Book Extracts
Take The Site Tour
Join Our Mailing List
OR SEARCH THE SITE
By Venue Name
By Show Title
For Best Seat Info
For Seating Plans
For Show Time Schedule
CHECK OUT THE
Latest Special Offers
Tips, Hints & Features
Top Five Charts
GUEST SERVICES
Theatremonkey Ticketshop
Hotel plus Show Deals
Venue Access Guide
View Show Video Clips
Theatre Dictionary
FAQ's
Contact Us
Links To Other Sites
CD and Gift Shop
TICKETS FOR TODAY
For more, click any title.
Updates constantly on
every performance day.
FUTURE DATE OFFERS
Or click here for more...
If you can't see offers
above, please check your browser is permitting "ActiveX" controls to run.

 

 

 

 


Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

TRAFALGAR STUDIOS TWO
(Formerly the Whitehall Theatre)
For TRAFALGAR STUDIOS ONE, Click Here.



 CLICK HERE TO BUY The Original Broadway Cast CD

 CLICK HERE TO BUY the Original Film 2 DVD Set
 

 

STATE FAIR (musical)
Ends 11th September 2010.

The Iowa 1946 State Fair - several years before Bill Bryson tried to sneak into the strippers' tent... but the monkey digresses... The Frake family leave their rural farm life in search of a little colour. This Rogers and Hammerstein show - first a film then adapted for the stage - follows their story.

Directed by Thom Southerland. Musical Direction by Magnus Gilljam. Choreography by Sally Brooks.
Designed by Philippa Mumford. Lighting Design by Howard Hudson amd Mike Robertson.

Cast includes Gemma Boaden. Karl Clarkson. Lewis Grant. Jodie Jacobs. Michael Kent. Robine Landi. Laura Main. Gillian McCafferty. Stephen McGlynn. Helen Phillips. Phillip Rham. Susan Travers. Richard Vincent. Anthony Wise.
 
 

Theatremonkey Opinion:

Not available.
 

Your Reviews: Add your own by clicking here.
Important: Some reviews below can contain "spoilers" - please don't read if this bothers you!

(2 reviews)

I really really enjoyed this. I almost didn't go as I'm not a big Rogers and Hammerstein fan, but was very pleasantly surprised. It's also really nice to go to a R&H show and not know every single song and all about the plot before they even start.

It's also very different from standard R&H shows. Rather than being set in the South Pacific/Burma/Austria etc. and taking itself fairly seriously, this really should be labelled as a comedy. I'm not sure if they've added some one liners to up the comedy level, but if so it works.

If you're looking for challenging and thought provoking theatre, you really should look elsewhere, but this was totally and utterly delightful and charming, and I can't really imagine a more pleasant couple of hours.

This is now probably my favourite R&H score, with some lovely songs, and some real surprises. They were sung beautifully by the cast too. This show also contains a fair amount of dancing which is very cleverly done in a small space and really adds to the fun.

SPOILERS AHEAD I don't know how much they've updated it, but it didn't really seem that dated for an old musical - one dance was performed Fosse-style, and another song became a smoky-jazz number, which probably helped and worked really well. The plot elements about pickles/chutney/sows may sound twee, but they're played for laughs and actually then become an asset to the show. For example, "More than just a friend", a 4 part barbershop number which is an ode to their Pigs, is hilarious - "Sweetheart of mine" becomes "Sweethog of mine" etc.

This production also runs really fast - there's no messing around or time to get bored - scene changes are done as part of the action, or covered by "announcements" which are pretty funny from a State Fair official.

Special mention must also go to the scenery and props people - the scene where the luggage becomes the car is very well done, and as the family arrive at the State Fair, the whole theatre "becomes" a State Fair - very simply and effectively done, a real "theatre-magic" moment. SPOILERS END

The whole audience clearly enjoyed themselves, with lots of laughs and huge applause at the end. Go while you can!

Also, thought I'd give a few thoughts on the venue as others haven't much yet.  I really really liked it - a bit like Jermyn Street but better as it's been designed as a space rather than making the best use of an existing space.  It was big enough for some dancing, without fearing being kicked in the face like at the Union, yet didn't lose the studio intimate feel.

However, the tip-up benches seem to me totally unnecessary and just a bit weird - there really isn't enough space allocated for every person.  Luckily I'm not big and neither were those around me, but anyone even a little large is going to be uncomfortable.  For state fair the metal barriers have been removed (replaced with fake wooden fences) but these were low enough not to protrude into view really. 

As regards sightlines etc., I'd say it's fine up to A19/B26/C26 then A/B/C/D4 - but further towards the stage than this and you'll be seeing a lot of backs of heads.  As the stage is deeper than most studios with this type of seating sitting on the sides is not such a problem.

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

Performance Schedule:
The monkey advises checking performance times on your tickets and that performances are happening as scheduled, before travelling.

Monday to Saturday at 7.45pm
Thursday and Saturday at 3pm and 7.45pm

Runs 2 hours approximately.

 

Ticket Prices:

Offers May be available - Click Here


All tickets: £25
Concessions may be available, priced £20 each. Contact the venue box office for details.

 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

Buying Tickets Online:

Other Box Office Information

Tickets offered differ between outlets. Outlets also may offer different seats via their phone and online systems. Offers may be available click here.
Theatre Box Office:
Ambassador Theatre Group, the theatre group's own website provide the service for this theatre.
This site allows you to select your own seats from those available.
 

Booking fees per transaction for online bookings:
£3 per booking, not per ticket.

Other Online Choices (with S.T.A.R. genuine ticket agencies):

www.ticketmaster.co.uk provide an alternative with a £2.50 per booking NOT per ticket handling fee applying to each transaction. Be aware that the computer offers tickets at random. If you are unhappy with its choice, keep re-selecting using the "Back" button on your browser, NOT the "reselect button" on the page, until you get tickets you consider worthwhile. Note that the tickets offered may differ between phone and online sources.

Encore Tickets offer £25 seats with a £6.50 booking fee per ticket - plus optional UK postage of £1.50 per booking, not per ticket, available if time allows. Discounts and "Meal and Show" packages may also be available. Quality and Value hotel / theatre ticket packages are also available.
 

Other Independent S.T.A.R. ticket agencies may also offer an alternative choice of seats.

 

 

Box Office Information:
Tickets offered differ between outlets. Outlets also may offer different seats via their phone and online systems. Offers may be available click here.
Theatre Box Office:
Telephone: 0870 060 6632
( 020 8544 7424 if you cannot use the 0870 number)
Operated by the Ambassador Theatre group's own phoneroom from 9am until 10pm (Sundays 10am until 8pm). Outside these hours the Ticketmaster agency answer calls on their behalf.

Booking fees per transaction for telephone bookings:
£3 per transaction (not per ticket) fee is made.


For personal callers or by post: Trafalgar Studios Theatre, Whitehall, London. SW1A 2DY
No booking fee for personal callers.

Special Access Needs Customers:
Wheelchair users and other registered disabled theatregoers can book their seats on 0871 297 5477 and enquire about concessionary prices that may be available to them. The wheelchair users line connects directly to the theatre chain central phoneroom in London during working hours. See Notes.

 

 
 
Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

Theatre Seat Opinions:
Please remember that cheaper seats often do not offer the same view / location quality as top price ones, and that ticket prices are designed to reflect this difference.

Seating Plan Diagram

Notes
This theatre has flexible seating. For the current season this is the Seating Plan.

On first viewing, the monkey gained the following impression. Obviously it takes time for a new venue to "settle in", and reader comments are particularly welcome: Contact Us.

Imagine the Donmar Warehouse Theatre indulging in a romance with a cute little Edinburgh Fringe venue. The Trafalgar Studio Two is most certainly how any offspring would look. A small, black painted room in space that was formerly the rear stalls of the old Whitehall Theatre. The low ceiling was originally that of the Whitehall dress circle, and is now the floor of Studio One above. The cornflake box shaped space is compact, with attention focussed on a wide but shallow stage space at floor level. The sort of space that any director would want to try small but intricate theatrical experiments in, feels the monkey.

Like the Donmar Warehouse stalls, seating is on three sides of the action. It comprises modestly comfy padded "tip up" benches that can be moved to suit production needs. No arm-rests between seats, and each bench tips to provide two seats - allocating about 50cm per person, guesstimates the monkey. Arrive early to stake out your claim on your portion. There is a shallow but probably sufficient rake to the seating, meaning that only an exceptionally tall person in front of you is likely cause a problem.

Reader Kevin Hailes found a teething problem in December 2005 (since corrected!):
"We had row A seats 1 and 2 and ended up having a row with a woman who was plonked right in the middle. Let me explain - the seats are pull down style and each one is supposed to seat two people. The seat numbers are on the underside of each pull down section. Rather bizarrely seats 1 and 2 on row A also have number 3 on them as well - consequently 3 people on one pull down section designed for two."

There are no pillars or other obstructions to interrupt the view, the only drawback is that at the extreme ends of the side blocks - rows A to D seat 1 and row A22, B29 and C39 - the rows end not in an aisle but metal barriers. Some may find this either claustrophobic or mildly irritating - the monkey didn't, but thought others might like to know. Shortest people may find the corner end in their eye line, it felt.

The central block of seats probably should be taken first purely as the actors may choose to centre performances, but the side blocks most likely won't miss out on anything, being such a small space. Prime in the centre block are row A, row B seats 20 and 21 and row C 9 to 12 and 28 as they have the most legroom. Nothing in front of any of these seats, take row A first, then B, then C 28 or 12 to 9 in that order for maximum comfort.

Regular reader and observer James says of his first visit,
"I really really liked it - a bit like Jermyn Street but better as it's been designed as a space rather than making the best use of an existing space. It was big enough for some dancing, without fearing being kicked in the face like at the Union, yet didn't lose the studio intimate feel.

However, the tip-up benches seem to me totally unnecessary and just a bit weird - there really isn't enough space allocated for every person. Luckily I'm not big and neither were those around me, but anyone even a little large is going to be uncomfortable. For "State Fair" (the show I saw in August 2010), the metal barriers have been removed (replaced with fake wooden fences) but these were low enough not to protrude into view really.

As regards sightlines etc., I'd say it's fine up to A19/B26/C26 then A/B/C/D4 - but further towards the stage than this and you'll be seeing a lot of backs of heads. As the stage is deeper than most studios with this type of seating sitting on the sides is not such a problem."

A reader rated A15 and A16, "great."

Another opines,
"Seat A9. I would recommend sitting along the "front" rather than the sides. At the production I saw in October 2009, it would appear people at the far sides of the space would have missed out on a lot of the facial expressions when he came forward. With every seat the same price, definitely take the sides only if the front block has no seats left."

One regular reader reports,
"Studio 2 is such a wonderful, intimate space, it's almost like 3D TV, although there is a problem with space and it was very stuffy. A group of us sat in the middle of Rows A to C in the front block. A friend and I were allocated B 12 and 13. I actually found the seats quite comfortable despite there being absolutely no leg room to speak of. Others sat in Row A seemed to get the best deal and I would certainly recommend anyone taller than 5ft 9, to try and sit there. In terms of sight lines, there is nothing to really worry about as the space is very intimate and the actors are actually so close, you can almost touch them. It was also very hot and stuffy and so I would recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing."

Reader Pip says,
"Sat in C27 and 28. The fact that most the seats are a joint folded chair it was an amusing day. As we were at the end at a stairwell we had lots of legroom but letting people past was a nightmare. Because there was no legroom to get to the other seats, you BOTH have to stand up at the same time so the seat goes up, and then BOTH sit down at the same time otherwise the chair hits the back of your legs as the other person leaves you standing. Of course the view is amazing and you can see everything (it is a tiny venue). Lovely to be so close and up personal with the cast. Comfortable seats but not the best."


Next for comfort are row C seats 29 and 30. These are at the top of an aisle, at a forty-five degree angle to the stage. If you are happy with the slightly different viewing angle, good hunting may well be found here, feels the monkey. In the side blocks, row B seat 22 also has nothing in front of it and should be your next choice, along with side blocks row A.

Row B seat 23, and row C seats 8 and 13 have legroom for one leg, as the row in front is "staggered," beginning half way across the width of these seats. In B23 and C13 the space is on your right side, C8 on your left - check when booking that nothing has been altered, though, if such detail is vital to your comfort, as things can change in any flexible venue.

From C21, another reader reports,
"The two-seat fold-down benches just aren't big enough for two people. You are literally rubbing shoulders and thighs with the people sat on either side of you. The two seats next to me (C19 and C20) were occupied by a married couple. One of them had to lean forward throughout the whole play because there wasn't enough room for both of them to sit back.

This was my first visit to this venue. Perhaps it was due to the setting of this particular play, but the experience was akin to inviting a group of actors round to perform a play in your living room - I liked it."

Moving round to the side blocks, once past the legroom of row A, the other item of note is to be aware that row D has a sound control desk behind it. Purists may dislike this, though it is high enough above the row not to bother any but the paranoid who may fear problems from "on high!"

Once the "legroom lovers" and pedants have been satisfied, of the rest of the seats, the monkey would take centre block row B then C first, followed by aisle seats in the side blocks.

Apart from the front row, and seat numbers highlighted in other rows, legroom in all other seats is extremely tight. For someone 5ft 7 there is minimal gap between the edge of your seat and the one in front once sitting. For anyone much taller this could well become exceptionally uncomfortable quite quickly, especially when the auditorium is full.

Regular reader Mark advises,
"If you are tall, go for a seat on the aisle. I am 6ft 2 and have never had any real problems with leg room apart from in this studio."

 

Notes
Seats 98 approximately, depending on production demands.

No food except Ice cream and confectionery.

Two bars; Foyer and Stalls. Foyer bar not always in use. 
Barfly Lucy comments that:
"The Stalls bar was good, although tended to get a bit busy closer to the show, it's almost like a 'holding pen' for people to wait before they go in because there's not really a foyer."

A "venue access guide" from the team who created book "Theatremonkey, A Guide to London's West End," is available to download in PDF format by clicking here.

4 Toilets; Stalls leading from the bar: 1 gents 2 cubicles, 1 ladies 3 cubicles; At circle level near the entrance to the highest rear rows of the theatre, there is another: 1 gents 1 cubicle, 1 ladies 4 cubicles.

The fabric covering the seats is bright red, being the favourite colour of benefactor Christina Smith, without whose generosity this theatre would not have been possible. The monkey salutes her here!


 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

Getting to this Theatre
Find this theatre on a Street Map
Nearest Underground Station Buses Car Park
Nearest Underground Station:
Charing Cross - Bakerloo (brown) and Northern (black) lines. Also Main rail network terminus.

Plan your tube journey to this station using the button below:

For a photograph illustrated version of this walking route, click here.

Leave the station by following signs from the platforms to the STRAND street exits. Walk straight ahead into the underground shopping arcade and keep going straight on into the light. If, underground, you pass Davenports Magic shop, turn around and walk the other way.

Take the left-hand staircase up to street level. In front of you is a very busy road, the Strand. Brook Street Employment Agency must be on your right as you face the road.

If you see a sidestreet, with Brook Street Employment Agency on your left, turn around and walk towards the busy road instead - you took the wrong stairs.

Now facing the busy road: Walk to it and turn to your left. Walk towards Trafalgar Square - the big open area in front of you! You'll cross the front of Charing Cross station as you walk there, so mind out for the taxi entrances.

Go straight on, and follow the street as it curves. Use the first  pedestrian crossing that you come to to cross Northumberland Avenue. Once over it, turn slightly right (so you face into Trafalgar Square) and follow the path around the big building in front of you. 

Once around it, bear left at the next street you come to. Use the pedestrian crossing to cross to the theatre, which will be ahead of you to your left down the street called Whitehall.

 

Buses:
3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 77, 77A, 88, 91, 139, 159 and 453  stop nearby.

 

Car Park:
Spring Gardens. On leaving the car park walk into Trafalgar Square. The first major road you come to is Whitehall. Turn down it and the theatre is clearly visible in the same side of the road. Call Westminster City Council car parks on 0800 243 348 or see www.westminster.gov.uk/carparks for details. At this car park, parking under the "Theatreland Parking Scheme" allows a 50% discount in cost. Spaces CANNOT be reserved at these prices, so choose whether you would prefer to book and pay more, or use this scheme.

If you choose the "Theatreland Parking Scheme", you must get your car park ticket validated at the theatre's box office counter (the theatre attendant will insert the car parking ticket into a small machine which updates the information held on the magnetic strip on the reverse, thus enabling the discount). When you pay using the machines at the car park, 50% will be deducted from the full tariff. You may park for up to 72 hours using this scheme and it is endorsed by the Society of London Theatre.

For a full list of car parks that participate in the 50% off theatreland scheme here see www.westminster.gov.uk/carparks/theatreland.cfm, and for a full list of theatres that participate in the scheme see www.westminster.gov.uk/carparks/theatres.cfm.

 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.



 

  


Site © Theatremonkey.com 2000 to 2010. "Theatremonkey"® and "Theatermonkey are a Registered Trade Mark. Buy your tickets with confidence here: Theatremonkey.com is an Affiliate Member of STAR - The Society Of Ticket Agents and Retailers. All rights reserved. Information on this site may not be reproduced in any form, by any distribution media, in whole or in part, without permission. This means that you MUST NOT copy graphics or text for posting on another website. Opinions expressed are those of the site owner and / or contributors, and are not those of the site host or service providers. Tickets sold from links on this site are the responsibility of the supplying company, not theatremonkey.com. Comments about this page are welcome  Contact Us. No responsibility is taken for accuracy of information, No liability can be taken for loss relating to individual use of data contained on this site. Use of this site constitutes agreement with the above. E&OE. Last Update: 04 September 2010 15:03