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

VAUDEVILLE THEATRE



For details of "West End Men" click here.
 

THE LADYKILLERS (play)
Previews from 29th June, opens 9th July 2013.

To Mrs Wilberforce's King's Cross household of parrots are added Professor Marcus and his four criminal friends. The professor thinks Mrs Wilberforce might be the ideal distracter for their van robbery scheme. Sadly, the best laid schemes of parrots and men...

Graham Lineham adapts William Rose's 1955 Ealing film comedy. Sean Foley directs a revival of the production first seen in Autumn 2011 at the Gielgud Theatre.




 

Theatremonkey Opinion:

(From the 2011 Gielgud Theatre production)

Not available - the reason may one day appear in the monkey's memoirs, but not before... anyway... the professional reviewers are full of praise for a film adaptation that plays up the farce element for the stage and seldom flags thanks to writer, director and cast (no mention of the scenery or lighting, nor stage crew, but the monkey assumes all also contributed strongly too).

As robbery escalates into attempted murder, the skills of Ben Miller, James Fleet, Peter Capaldi, Stephen Wight and Clive Rowe - plus Marcia Warren as the honest landlady in mortal peril - move into overdrive that alters the original film but delivers many laughs still. One reviewer felt it missed the darkness of the original, but that the update is still better than any film remake ever was. A sure seasonal pleasure, seems to be the opinion.

 

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

(8 reviews from the 2011 Gielgud Theatre production)

We saw 'The Ladykillers' in preview last night (30th November 2011).

Tickets are very expensive (like most London shows nowadays) but we took the Theatremonkey's advice and got £45 seats in Box F. This is actually a great little collection of seats because it's right at the back of the Dress Circe but with its own entrance, which makes it feel quite private.

Visibility is as good as most of the Dress Circle, bearing in mind that the Upper Circle extends across a good deal of it. In this show you can see all the action on stage including a very novel depiction of the robbery. My only comment would be that my hearing is no longer in its prime, so I did have to listen very hard. if you've good hearing, go for these seats definitely.

Now to the show: If you've seen the stage version of 'The 39 Steps' and enjoyed it, you'll definitely enjoy this. It states in the programme notes that the director took his inspiration from the former show, and the robbery in particular definitely pays homage to its long-running companion.

We saw it in preview (although I didn't realise this when buying the tickets) so it's still being tweaked. By the time it settles in it should be pretty slick. Lots of great touches and clever ideas plus an excellent cast all round. The first act drags slightly at the moment, while the second act zips along - but that may change as they tighten things up. I would be reluctant to highlight individual performances as everybody is excellent, but Clive Rowe was very funny as "One Round" and Steven Wight as "Harry Robinson" reminded me of Lee Evans or Norman Wisdom, endlessly finding himself a the receiving end of a revolving blackboard.

If you liked the film, I think you'll enjoy this too.
__________________________

What can I say. In a year when I have eulogized about 'One Servant and Two Masters' and only this week sung the praises of The Old Vic production of 'Noises Off,' all still very highly thought of, but all surpassed by the triumphant production that is 'The Ladykillers.' I got a day seat, A8, in the stall for a tenner at 11am. The view at 5 foot 7 was fine for me. I was the man who was moved to a spontaneous standing ovation. A first for me.

The casting is perfect, the script is perfect and I found myself beside myself with laughter. Oh and the set is perfect and the direction. Go see and enjoy.

Taljaard
__________________________

From Stalls row Q seats 7 and 8 there is a good view of the amazing set for 'The Ladykillers.' Ideally I would have liked to be a two or three rows forward to be able to see the top tip of the house that is cut off by the overhang of the circle, and to perhaps the faces of the actors a little more clearly. Personally I did miss a few words of dialogue that I might have heard from further forward but this was usually just due to audience laughter. The legroom was sufficient for someone of my size just over 6 foot and being a little further back in the stalls there is a reasonable rake that helps you see over the head of the people in the rows ahead.

The play is one of the most entertaining nights I have ever had in the theatre after attending regularly for the last thirty years. Thinking back I can't remember laughing so hard and so often at something before, it is just so well done. The design is just stunning from the huge multi roomed huge rotating house set to the little visual tricks that are much better not spoiled, shame on you some of the professional reviews on this! The really isn't just a straight transposition of the film at all, Graham Lineham has added so many absolutely classic lines and situations. The cast can't be praised highly enough and especially Peter Capaldi and Marcia Warren would seem irreplaceable in this production. I can't recommend this enough.
__________________________

We popped up to see "The Ladykillers" for the matinee on the 29th December 2011. They would not sell me tickets for box B, so I had to sit in the stalls looking at a fabulous box being wasted. Ah well.

I have nothing to add to the other reviewers, cracking cast, cracking play, plenty of laughs. Thankfully they do still make them like this.
__________________________

We saw 'Ladykillers' between Xmas and New Year 2011 - it was sooo funny and as for the set... WOW!!!
__________________________

Fans of the classic Ealing film – of which I am one – will not be disappointed by Graham Linehan’s splendid theatrical version of The Ladykillers.

Expanding on the film by making the protagonists more fully rounded characters, the play still remains faithful to both the story and spirit of its source material. At the same time it adds plenty of fresh wit and physical comedy, and some surprisingly macabre violence.

Peter Capaldi makes a wonderfully cadaverous Professor Marcus, being charming, cool and composed one moment, and ghoulish, frightening and manic the next. His voluminous black clothing and seemingly endless scarf coupled with his ghastly pallor and elaborate Celtic brogue give him the semblance of some ghastly, revivified Welsh mummy.

James Fleet is provided with some priceless laughs by Major Courtney’s fondness for cross-dressing, as is Ben Miller by Romanian gangster Louis’s phobia of old women and Stephen Wight by cockney spiv Harry’s drug-induced mania for cleaning.

But Clive Rowe’s One Round benefits most from the growth of his role from the film, proving you should never judge a book by its cover. He particularly shines in the second act during his confrontations with his partners in crime and in his remarkable, and surprisingly touching, death scene.

Marcia Warren makes a splendid nemesis personified as the redoubtable Mrs Wilberforce, perfectly combining physical and mental frailty with a steel backbone that proves the downfall of the criminal gang residing in her spare room.

Special mention must be made of Michael Taylor’s remarkable revolving set that presents in painstaking detail Mrs Wilberforce’s perilously subsided and railway-shaken home from both inside and out, as well as the scene of Professor Marcus’s demise. It also incorporates an ingenious and highly amusing miniature representation of the gang’s robbery.

Ealing’s Ladykillers is rightly regarded as cinema’s greatest foray into black comedy – a genre that it’s difficult to really get right. This theatrical version does nothing to tarnish that reputation – in fact, it enhances it.

The Ealing power of The Ladykillers is the perfect antidote to the winter blues. If you need a boost and a bloody good laugh, go and see it asap!

Jonathan Marshall
____________________________

Everyone loved this - thoroughly enjoyed it and found the ingenious set very entertaining in its own right. A hugely enjoyable show with a talented cast.

We sat in the Dress Circle B26 and 27, C13 to 24 and E1 to 18. All these seats had good leg room - even for those over 6' tall - and an excellent view of the stage. The rake is good, so there is no having to peer around the head of the person in front.
____________________________

7th March 2012. What an enjoyable 2 hours of pure entertainment. There were ripples of laughter passing across the auditorium for just about the whole of the performance.

The acting was superb, but surely the star of the show had to be the scenery. SPOILER ALERT The car chase, involving was it four complete cars, will be remembered for a long time. The furniture dancing across the stage when a train passed by. For me, the best piece of scenery was the rooftop because of its attention to detail: the ridge tiles, which were just right for this part of London, and the brickwork which was trying hard to be flemish-bonded, but only just making it - just as in "real-life". SPOILER ENDS.

I really wanted the set-designer to be invited onto the stage to share in the applause. Shame he wasn't.



 

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
Wednesday and Saturday at 3pm and 7.45pm

Runs 2 hours 15 minutes approximately.




 

Ticket Prices:

Offers May be available - Click Here

View this information in diagram form.


Monday to Thursday:
Stalls
Rows AY to O: £47.50 except
"Premium Seats" rows D to H seats 7 to 12: £85
Rows P to S: £42.50


Dress Circle
All seats £47.50 except
Restricted view seat G19: £20


Upper Circle
Rows A to F: £35
Rows G to J: £20

Boxes: A and C £47.50 per ticket, when sold.

 




Friday and Saturday:
Stalls
Rows AY to O: £55 except
"Premium Seats" rows D to H seats 7 to 12: £85
Rows P to S: £47.50


Dress Circle
All seats £55 except
Restricted view seat G19: £20


Upper Circle
Rows A to F: £37.50
Rows G to J: £20

Boxes: A and C £55 per ticket, when sold.

 

Some details may change. The monkey will update when available.
 

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:
Shared between two companies at this venue:
www.nimaxtheatres.com or www.seetickets.com.

 

Booking fees per ticket for online bookings:
With See Tickets: £4.75 on £47.50, £8.50 on £85, £4.25 on £42.50, £3.85 on £8.50, £2 on £20 seats Monday to Thursday / £5.50 on £55, £8.50 on £85, £4.75 on £47.50, £3.75 on £37.50, £2 on £20 seats at Friday and Saturday performances. A £2.75 per booking, not per ticket, handling fee also applies.

With Nimax Theatres Online: with a £2 per ticket booking fee on all seats.
 

 

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

When the box office does not have seats available, or you require an alternative choice of seats, the Theatremonkey Ticketshop, telephone 020 7420 9778 (0044 207 420 9778 if calling from outside the United Kingdom), agency service can offer seats with a variable "per ticket" service charge - £7.25 on £47.50 tickets, (£12.50 on £85, £6.50 on £42.50, £5.25 on £35, £3 on £20 seats Monday to Thursday / £12.50 on £85, £8.25 on £55, £7.25 on £47.50, £5.75 on £37.50, £3 on £20 seats Friday and Saturday). More than the box office, but well worth trying as it often has tickets when other companies do not! Note that this system will confirm exact seat numbers prior to purchase.

Alternatively, through
Ticketmaster with a sliding scale of per ticket booking fees: £4.51 on £47.50 (£8.08 on £85, £4.04 on £42.50 seats Monday to Thursday / £8.08 on £85, £5.23 on £55, £4.51 on £47.50 seats Friday and Saturday. A £2.85 handling fee for your booking on top of that. This system allows you to choose your own seats from the selection the company has available.

Encore Tickets (telephone 0207 400 1253 / 0044 207 400 1253 if calling from outside the United Kingdom) offer £47.50 seats with a £1.50 booking fee, (£4 on £85, £2.50 on £42.50 and £35, £2 on £20 seats Monday to Thursday / £23 on £85, £15 on £55, £12.50 on £47.50, £10.50 on £37.50, £6 on £20 seats Friday and Saturday) per ticket. A postage charge of £2 per booking, not per ticket may be applied to bookings made from UK addresses more than 5 days before the performance. The "Flexiticket" Exchange Service, allowing FREE transfer / cancellation (credit note up to 12 months) of your booking up to 3 days before the performance is also available for £2.50 per ticket. "Meal and Show" packages may also be available. Quality and Value hotel / theatre ticket packages are also available.


Lastminute.com offer £47.50 seats with a £3.80 booking fee per ticket (£6.80 on £85, £3.40 on £42.50, £2.80 on £35, £1.60 on £20 seats Monday to Thursday / £55 seats with a £4.40 booking fee per ticket (£6.80 on £85, £4.40 on £55, £3.80 on £47.50, £3 on £37.50, £1.60 on £20 seats Friday and Saturday). NOTE: Seat numbers are NOT available in advance from this company. All seats booked in the same price group will, of course, be together or at the very least be in front or behind each other in the theatre. In the very unlikely event of this not being possible this company will call you and give you the option of cancelling your booking. However if booking in two or more price bands, you will not be sat together. Please DO NOT purchase if this is unacceptable to you, as all tickets are sold subject to this condition. Discounts and "Meal and Show" packages may also be available. Quality and Value hotel / theatre ticket packages are also available.


Londontheatredirect.com offer £47.50 seats with a £12.50 or £10 booking fee per ticket (£10 on £42.50, £3 on £35 seats) Monday to Thursday / £12.50 or £10 on £55 seats (£10 on £47.50 and £37.50 seats) Friday and Saturday.  A box office collection fee of £1.50 OR, if time allows, postage charge option of £2.75 (£3.75 to non-UK addresses) per booking, not per ticket applies to all bookings. Optional Ticket Insurance is also available.
Discounts and Meal and Show Packages may also be available.
 


ALSO SEE Tickettree.com for great value "hotel and theatre ticket" packages.

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:
Shared between two companies at this venue
Telephone: 0870 830 0200
(FREE call if using BT.com Calling Plan at your chosen times)
Operated by See Tickets on behalf of the venue.

OR

Telephone: 0844 482 9671
Operated by The Ticket Factory on behalf of the venue.

 

Booking fees per ticket for telephone bookings:
With See Tickets: £4.75 on £47.50, £8.50 on £85, £4.25 on £42.50, £3.85 on £8.50, £2 on £20 seats Monday to Thursday / £5.50 on £55, £8.50 on £85, £4.75 on £47.50, £3.75 on £37.50, £2 on £20 seats at Friday and Saturday performances. A £2.75 per booking, not per ticket, handling fee also applies.

With The Ticket Factory Agency for Nimax Theatres by telephone: with a £2 per ticket booking fee on all seats.




 


For personal callers or by post: Strand, London. WC2R 0NH
No booking fee for personal callers.

Special Access Needs Customers:
Wheelchair users and other registered disabled theatregoers can book their seats on 020 7087 7960 or 0844 412 4648 (Minicom 020 7087 7839) and enquire about concessionary prices that may be available to them. The wheelchair users line connects directly to the See Theatres phoneroom helpdesk in London. See Notes.

www.vaudevilletheatre.org.uk is the comprehensive website about the venue, with a "view from seats" facility in the "booking" section.

 

 
 
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.

www.vaudevilletheatre.org.uk has a "view from seats" facility in the "booking" section.

 

Seating Plan Diagram

Stalls Dress Circle Upper Circle Notes
STALLS 

Layout:
The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at row J making the top of the stage invisible from row M back.

Pillars are located at the sides of the auditorium around row N.

Legroom:
Good in all seats.

Choosing Seats in General:
If seats in rows AY or AZ are sold cheaply, the monkey rates them highly, as does a reader, ‘with a low stage, "a steal" at the price.’ Be aware that with a higher and shaped stage / props like a table or other furniture in the way, the view diminishes.

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.

The rest of rows A to J are prime value for money.

At top price rows K to O are a little overpriced, you could sit further forward for the money. The rake (sloped floor to help see over rows in front) however means the view is at least clear, and the theatre, being small, encourages an intimate feeling between stage and audience from all seats.

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.

The price normally drops to second at either row P or Q. At second price either is worthwhile.

Even the back two rows of this theatre offer fair value for money allowing for the overhang of the circle affecting the view.

Rear rows at the same (or slightly higher) prices than the upper circle may be a more comfortable option than that balcony. This applies particularly for the taller.

Wheelchair users can use a stair climber to access a space made if S 8 to 11 is removed. Not a bad view at all - way better than the boxes alternative, in the monkey opinion.

General Hazard Notes:
The front 4 rows are not raked, the shortest may not see over heads in front.

Changes for the current production:
Central rows in the region of D to H at "premium" prices are totally your call, feels the monkey, who notes that there are plenty of great seats around them at a lower price.

The price drops at row P, making P 4 to 12 a good bet in the monkey opinion.

Reader Comments:
"AY: In A Forest, Dark and Deep" (2011), (Taljaard). I bought a day seat for £10 and was on the front row. As the theatre has one of the lowest stages in the West End this was a fantastic bargain."

"AY: In A Forest, Dark and Deep" (Beth). We got day seats which were £10 and front row. They were brilliant views as the stage is very low, I don't think you could have asked for better seats. Comfortable seats with loads of leg room and a low stage. All excellent. However the play is quite an uncomfortable one and you are very close to the actors, they feel on top of you at some points - so beware if you are easily embarrassed!!"

“AY1 to 3: "Piaf" (October 2008). It was great to be so close and be part of the action."

“AY3 and 4: "Private Lives" (January 2010), (Thomas). We sat at first row,. First half was bit sore neck as it’s a balcony scene, and the stage was built-out. In the middle of the stage was a plant pot, so I wouldn't advise getting centre row seat as it's right in front of you. Second half was perfect as they used the whole stage and our seat is basically the best in the house I reckon. Comfortable viewing till the end."

"AY6: "Little Voice" (October 2009). Great value at £15. You miss some little bits of the action which take place in the "upstairs" of the house, but really only 10 minutes of the whole play take place up there, and most of it you can still see."

AZ: "Piaf" (October 2008). I sat in the second row AZ - it was close but not too close, e.g. I didn't get a sore neck!"

"A9: "An Ideal Husband" (November 2010). I paid £25 through the GILT ticket offer (runs January to March each year). I'm 6ft tall and and had excellent legroom and a fantastic view (note: no one was sat in front of me, but I doubt it would have been a problem if there had been). The stage is lower than other theatres I've been to, so while you do have to look up, it isn't uncomfortable. Overall, a wonderful seat and thoroughly deserves its green status!"

"B12 and 13: "Volcano" (August 2012), (Regular reader). We paid £22.12 per ticket through an online promotion. At 6ft tall my knee-caps touched the back of the two seats in front but there is plenty of space under those seats to stretch your legs and thus I would say it is fairly comfortable. The seats are perfectly staggered with the row in front meaning we had a perfect view of the entire stage. The stage itself is relatively low and therefore neither of us experienced any neckache luckily from being so close!"

"C8: "The Flying Karamazov Brothers" (June 2011). Just about the right distance back and a great view."

"C8 and 9: gave a super view of the stage and were very comfortable."

“C17 and 18: “Masterclass,” (Chris B). These seats are to the very far right as you look at the stage and a bit too close for my liking. There is the added bonus that there is only one row in front (unoccupied for our performance so a good coat rest) but you are looking to the left the whole way through and you might miss a very small sliver of the right hand side of the stage. There is good legroom too. But I’d recommend being further back and more central if possible. However, you do get an incredibly close view of the actors facial expressions etc. and these seats would be ok if you are seeing a play with few actors and a basic set, such as Masterclass.”

"D14: (Hannah M). A bargain at £20 on student standby an hour before the performance. The view was excellent as you were far enough back not to crane your neck whilst still being close."

"Row E: (That Fulham Couple). Very close to the action but no neck crick."

"E11 and E12: Very good seats with a full view of the stage."

"E11 and E12: (James – regular reader). Excellent."

"E15 and 16: (Avril). Great seats, with an excellent view and plenty of leg room."

"J6 and J7: Perfect: excellent view, just the right distance from the stage."

“J11 and 12: : “What the Butler Saw,” (Chris B). These seats are nice and centrally located about halfway back in the stalls but as it is quite a small, intimate theatre, you get a good clear view and feel quite close to the stage. There is plenty of legroom and the stage is quite low so you have a good eye line with it. I would definitely recommend these seats as you are about the perfect distance from the stage, not too close, but not too far, just right, as a blonde girl once said.”

“J15 to 17: "What The Butler Saw" (March 2012). A clear view of the stage and not a bad place to sit at all. Small theatre so no-one will ever be that far from the stage whilst sat in the stalls."

"K3 and 4: (Daf). Were more than happy and could see most of the action."

“L9 and 10: Using an offer at the time, we paid £19 each to sit in Stalls (normally £46 a seat), where legroom was perfectly adequate for someone of height 5” 8” and the view was excellent. We thought this was an absolute bargain for a show of this quality."

"N11: "The Prisoner of Second Avenue" (June 2010), (Mark). Got for £12 through the Old Vic Young Persons' offer. Very good seat, although would obviously go for further forward if paying full price."

"Row S: "Master Class" (February 2012). The circle does overhang very low but for 'Master Class' you miss nothing. Plenty of leg room and quite comfortable. There is no amplification in this show, so as my father's hearing is not too good he had difficulty catching some dialogue - though mainly because of people fidgeting in creaky seats rather than projection from the actors."

 


DRESS CIRCLE 

Layout:
The Upper Circle overhangs the Dress Circle at row C, affecting the view of the top of the stage from row F back.

A single block of stepped seats.

Pillars at the ends of row F.

Legroom:
Slightly cramped in all rows, worst in row A (one reader found it fine, though, for somebody of 5ft 5) and noticeable less in row C, despite slightly elevated seating in that row.

Choosing Seats in General:
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.

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, though watch for the legroom in row C.

Rows F to K are less good value at top price - take stalls instead. Got cheap, and if you don't require legroom or close-up views, K3 to 17 are a bargain at the price, feels the monkey.

Rows A and B seats 1 and 19, plus G 19 are designated restricted view due to being outside the picture frame opening. Row G seat 19 is squarely behind a pillar. All three are often discounted as leaning is required. Value for money is not outstanding in this trio, but as a way of seeing a sold out performance this monkey cannot do better – though the tall may wish to take the row A seats last for comfort reasons.

Theatremonkey normally prefers the rear stalls to rear circle for the same money on grounds of view and legroom. As it says, if rows J and K are not cheaper, the monkey would take them second if stalls are available instead - again for view and comfort reasons.

General Hazard Notes:
The wide circle front restricts views of any extended stage front.

A wall blocks views from the end seats in row A.

Pillar block views from one seat in row G.

Changes for the current production:
Rear circle seats in row K drop to second price. If you can't get more comfortable stalls, then accept K 3 to 17 as a last option.

Seat G19 is cheaper, though, so worth taking if you want a single dress circle seat and don't mind the restrictions.

Reader Comments:
"A2 and 3: (Beth). They were absolutely brilliant seats, plenty of leg room (as I'm only 5ft 5) and amazing view of the stage. I would say beware of A1 though, no one was sitting there at my performance, but it would definitely be quite a restricted view."

"Row B12/13: (Alan). Afforded us an excellent view of the whole stage."

"C9: "Little Voice" (October 2009). Had a very good view of the stage BUT if I was shorter (I'm 6ft 1, so maybe for people 5ft 8 or below) I might have struggled to see, because there was quite a tall guy in front of me and his head was directly where LV stands for the start of her performance, I missed just the bottom of her legs but you would miss more if you were shorter. (Not something the monkey noticed, so further observations are welcome).”

"C11: "Master Class" (February 2012), (Taljaard – regular reader). Arrived at the theatre 40 minutes before curtain up and was offered C11 in the Dress Circle for £25. Fantastic seat with a perfect view."

"Row D: A couple of weeks ago I saw Volcano from Dress Circle seats in row D. I have long-ish legs and was comfortable throughout, but the people in front of us in row C had to move back during the interval because a couple of them were virtually sitting sideways because of the lack of legroom. Last night I went to see Paul Merton there and this time we were in row C and yes - very uncomfortable. A choice of sitting (a) with knees apart touching the people on both sides of me, (b) sideways with both knees to one side only rubbing against one neighbour but getting a twisted neck after a couple of hours, or (c) knees forwards and wedged in, ending up with a ridge gouged in my knees. Fortunately Paul was excellent, which eased the discomfort a bit."

"D7: "The Prisoner of Second Avenue" (July 2010). A good central seat, but I would rather be in the front half of the stalls, just to feel that bit closer to the stage."

"D16 and 17: "Swallows and Amazons" (December 2011). Our tickets cost £35 each through the Get Into London Theatre ticket promotion. I'm 6ft tall and felt I had comfortable leg room in D17. We only had children sat in front of us which give us a lovely and unobstructed view of the entire stage (apart from the few occasions the children stood up to better see the actors as they went among the audience but we didn't care about that because the show was so very good). Having now sat in both the Dress Circle and the Stalls of the Vaudeville I would prefer the central Stalls at the same price for the extra legroom and to feel closer to the action."

"G8: Felt a long way from the stage, but the sightlines are good, and I had a £15 bargain ticket, so I was happy with this."

 

Dress Circle Boxes

Layout:
A, B, C and D are in pairs either side of the theatre between stage and Dress Circle at Dress Circle level.
Boxes A and C seat 3, boxes B and D seat 4.

Legroom:
Acceptable, as seating is on movable chairs.

Choosing Seats in General:
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.

Box C can take two wheelchair transferees. The stalls alternative is better.

General Hazard Notes:
Side views with a small edge of the stage missing.

Lighting / speakers may be placed nearby, noisy.

Changes for the current production:
Boxes A and C are acceptably priced if you want privacy. The view is better in the stalls for the same money, though.

Boxes B and D may not be on sale.

Reader Comments:
"Box C: (Annie Gross). Sideways view, but for the play we saw it was an excellent view. Most of the action took place centre stage, so the box was ideal for comfort and view." A second and third visit to other productions confirmed her feeling about it being her favourite box in this theatre.

“Box C: "An Ideal Husband" (December 2010), (Mark). Got £10 day seats in box C, view very good and missed nothing."

 



UPPER CIRCLE

Layout:
This seems higher up than the monkey expects for such a small theatre, but is odd. The front few rows feel quite close to the stage, the back ones a long way away...

Seats are a single stepped block, that doesn’t curve noticeably towards the stage like most other circles elsewhere do.

Legroom:
P
oor in all rows, worst in rows A and B.

Choosing Seats in General:
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.

Those in row B used to lose some view of the stage / have lean forward thanks to a bar in the way - with a reduction proportional to that. New blocks under the seats should make a difference. If sitting there and having to lean, 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.

These seats are priced to provide exactly fair value - you get the view you pay for in each case.

Seats in the rear stalls (often at the same price) may be a little more comfortable for the taller. Even if stalls are a little more expensive, the long legged may even feel it worth paying a little more for that.

General Hazard Notes:
A rail across the front of the circle...

...Folk leaning forward to see over the circle front bar.

Changes for the current production:
None.

Reader Comments:
"A16: "In A Forest Dark And Deep" (March 2011). Was alright, if a bit restricted due to the bar. However at least the bar was not directly cutting through the stage as it would the rest of the front row. It kind of raises higher, and with some good head tilting you can see the whole stage clearly through this gap."

"J9: "The Prisoner Of Second Avenue" (June 2010). (Taljaard – regular reader). Felt a bit distant, but could hear every word."

 

 

Notes
Total 700 seats.

Air-conditioned auditorium.

Hearing aid loop - Infra-red headsets available, system by Williams Sound. Patrons should ask at the Stalls Bar / Concession counter which is located to the left of box office. There is no deposit required at this time, though patrons are required to leave a name, address and phone number as a security against loss of the equipment. It should also be noted that they have a limited number of headsets and they are therefore subject to availability. An ATT Major stair climber is available take wheelchair users down to the stalls, where space can be made replacing seats S 8 to 11. Please arrive at least 45 minutes before the show to use this equipment. No adapted toilet on site - there is an arrangement to share the one nearby in the Adelphi Theatre. Guide dogs can stay in the theatre and watch the show though. Fuller Details from www.seetickets.com, www.theatre-access.co.uk, or Artsline 020 7388 2227, artsline@dircon.co.uk. 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.

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.

 

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.

For mobility impaired audience members, the Society of London Theatre provide a "photo map" - illustrated walking route to this venue from a near landmark and also Waterloo Station (the nearest fully accessible station) on their website www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk, via the theatre's listing page on that site.


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.

Turn to your right and walk past Brook Street Employment Agency, keep walking towards the pedestrian crossing. The theatre is on the other side of the road, past the Adelphi Theatre. The neon sign above the door, showing the play title is clearly visible as you walk.

If you pass the main station and see a large space full of taxis, you are going the wrong way. Turn around and head for Brook Street Employment Agency.

 

Buses:
6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 30, 77A, 176. All stop outside the theatre.

 

Taxi:
A rank for Black taxis is at Charing Cross Station - a short distance from the theatre. Best chance of hailing one is in the street outside.

 

Car Park:
Trafalgar Square Spring Gardens.

From the car park, turn up the road on the left to bring you on to Trafalgar Square. Face Nelson's Column and turn to your right. Cross Whitehall and Northumberland Avenue (you'll pass a branch of Tesco and a bookshop), and walk on towards Charing Cross Station, passing more shops on the way.

Once past Charing Cross station forecourt, cross at the next pedestrian crossing. The theatre is on the other side of the road, past the Adelphi Theatre. The neon sign above the door, showing the play title is clearly visible as you walk.

The "Theatreland Parking Scheme" may be available. Call Q-Park car parks on 0870 442 0104 or see http://www.q-park.co.uk 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 24 hours using this scheme and it is endorsed by the Society of London Theatre.

 

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

 

EXTRA EVENT

Saturday 25th May until Saturday 22nd June 2013
 

THE WEST END MEN

A theatrical concert with songs from the shows, with a full choir and band.

Starring Lee Mead, David Thaxton and Matt Willis, the show also has special guest stars at many performances:

Until 22nd June 2013: Stephen Rahman-Hughes
Until 15th June 2013: Kerry Ellis
 

 

Performance Times:
Monday to Saturday at 8pm
Saturday at 3pm and 8pm

Runs 2 hours 10 minutes approximately, including one interval.

 


Seat Prices:
Stalls: £65, £47.50, £35
Dress Circle: £47.50
Dress Circle (restricted view) £25
Upper Circle: £25, £20
Boxes: £47.50

VIP Packages including a glass of Champagne and a signed brochure are also available for £75 or £57.50.
 

A £3 per ticket booking fee applies on £75 and £57.50 seats.
A £2 per ticket booking fee applies on all other prices.






 

 

 

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