STALLS
The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at row J making the top of the stage
invisible from row M back.The first and last two seats in rows A to G should be chosen last among the
top priced stalls as they are outside the proscenium and have a slightly
restricted view of the edges of the stage.
Rows A to J are prime value for money. At top price rows K to L are a little
overpriced, you could sit further forward for the money. The rake however means
the view is at least clear, and the theatre, being small, encourages an intimate
feeling between stage and audience from all seats.
One reader comments,
"Stalls seats J6 and J7 were perfect: excellent view, just the right
distance from the stage."
Reader Daf says,
"We were in the stalls K3 and 4 and were more than happy and could see most of
the action."
For "The Female of the Species," (July 2008), seats in row AY is
sold cheaply. If so, then for the money, the monkey rates them highly,
though be aware set items could be in the way. A reader in fact rates them, with
a low stage, "a steal" at the price. For "Female of the Species,"
though,
"Just thought I’d warn you and the monkey readers that for this play they’ve
added an extra stage so it juts right out into the front row - hence the heavy
discount, I presume, at £15… I had a neck-ache after as it’s 1 hour 40 straight
of looking up and although we had lots of legroom that stage coming out into us
made it feel slightly oppressive… my friend has been there before where the
stage from front row was perfect… low and back and not so for this play…"
Row P, at second price is also worth a look, while the back three rows offer fair value for money allowing for the
overhang of the circle affecting the view. May be more comfortable than seats in
the Upper Circle for the tall too - worth a few extra pounds, the monkey
feels.
Pillars at the sides of the
auditorium around row N add a claustrophobic effect but do not especially interfere with the
view. It is worth avoiding the ends of the row though, just to get maximum value
for money.
Legroom is good in all seats.
DRESS CIRCLE
The Upper Circle overhangs the Dress Circle at row C, affecting the view of
the top of the stage from row F back.
The front of the Dress Circle is enclosed behind what this monkey calls a
wide picture frame. The depth of the frame causes the front of the stage to be
invisible for those sitting in row C. Legroom is also a little less in row C,
though better designed seating has helped this situation.
The 'frame' also affects the view from seats 1, 2, 18 and 19 in all rows.
Pillars at the ends of row F add to the woes of these seat numbers from row G
back.
Rows A, B, C, D and E, seats 3 to 17 offer the clearest view of the stage. Seats
here are fair value for money.
Reader Alan notes,
"Row B12/13 seats, afforded us an excellent view of the whole stage."
Rows F to H are less good value at top price
take stalls instead.
Theatremonkey prefers the rear stalls to rows
J and K for the same money on grounds of view and legroom. Out of this pair, row
J 3 to 17 the monkey feels hovers at 'just about average' at the price.
Rows A and B seats 1 and 19 are designated restricted view due to being
outside the picture frame opening. Row G seat 19 is squarely behind a pillar -
it is discounted as leaning is required. The value for money is not
outstanding, but as a way of seeing a sold out performance this monkey cannot do
better. A19 is also discounted due to the lean - but is not as comfortable.
Legroom is slightly cramped in all rows, worst in row A and noticeable less
in row C.
Dress Circle Boxes
A, B, C and D are in pairs either side of the theatre between stage and Dress
Circle at Dress Circle level. Box C can take two wheelchair transferees. See notes.
Boxes A and C seat 3, boxes B and D seat 4.
All boxes offer a clear but sideways view of the stage with an eighth of the
edge of the stage not visible. At second price value is moderate and those who find
Dress Circle legroom tight should consider these seats after the stalls are
full.
UPPER CIRCLE
This feels further from the stage than the monkey expects for such a small
theatre.
Like the Dress Circle the first and last two seats in each row suffer a poor
view of the stage.
In all rows seats 4 to 16 offer the clearest view of the stage. These seats
are priced to provide exactly fair value - you get the view you pay for in each
case. Seats in the rear stalls at the same price may be a little more
comfortable for the taller, though. Remember that those in row B will lose some view of the stage / have lean
forward thanks to a bar in the way - and the reduction is proportional to that. If sitting there, consider
those in row C behind and try not to upset their view. The monkey would take row F
last, perhaps, as for less money you
could sit a row behind (in G) and get roughly the same view - but that is
just as an aside thought really...
Rows H and J feel far from the stage, but are priced accordingly.
Legroom is poor in all rows, worst in rows A and B.
Notes
Total 700 seats.
Air-conditioned auditorium.
No hearing aid loop. Space for manual wheelchairs in Dress Circle boxes - but
users do have to negotiate a (sometimes filthy) alleyway and two steps to get
there. No adapted toilet either. Guide dogs can stay in the theatre and watch
the show though. Fuller Details from
www.theatre-access.co.uk, or
Artsline 020 7388 2227, artsline@dircon.co.uk.
No food except Ice cream and confectionery.
Three bars; Foyer, Dress Circle and Upper Circle.
5 Toilets; Stalls 1 gents no cubicles, 1 ladies 6 cubicles; Dress Circle 1
gents 2 cubicles; Upper Circle 1 gents 1 cubicle, 1 ladies 2 cubicles.
American visitors in particular should note that this theatre does not
actually stage vaudeville acts, despite its name. It is known for plays. The
name came from a long previous incarnation.
Since Theatremonkey has the privilege of owning the site he wants to record
that he finds the staff in this theatre are among friendliest in the West End.
For encouraging this young monkey as a teenager by putting the best value
tickets his way, and making him feel at home in the auditorium, thank you all.
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