STALLS
The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at row K and cuts off the view of the
top of the stage from row N back.From September 2008, the previous centre
aisle disappears and rows A to P form a single block in front of the
stage. Row R is
set in an alcove at the back of the theatre, fenced in by row Q in front - quite
a cozy arrangement, thinks the monkey.
Rows A to D are not raked, but the proximity to the stage makes them a
favourite of theatremonkey's. The viewing angle of the first and last three
seats in each row is a little annoying, so take more central seats first for the
same price, but value for money is at least acceptable in all seats. Neck ache
allergy suffers may want to sit further back, as might children if the height of
the stage is a problem.
Reader Phil Ellis notes:
"We sat in stalls C22 and C23 (for "As You Like It" - August 2005)...All the front
stalls seats are very close to the action"
The monkey will assess the new layout for seats in row E back in September
2008.
Legroom is just acceptable in rows A to D.
Stalls Boxes
Box A is behind row R in the Stalls. It offers a central view but without the
top of the stage. Try boxes 1 to 8 at Dress / Upper Circle level first. This box is
sometimes used to house the sound desk and is not always available to the
public.
Legroom is good in all seats.
DRESS CIRCLE
Called the ROYAL CIRCLE in this theatre.
The Upper Circle overhangs the Dress Circle at row C restricting the view of
the top of the stage from row C back.
Rows A to F seats 7 to 24 offer the most central view of the stage. The rest
of the seats at the ends of the row offer less value at the same price. A good
rake ensures reasonable sightlines in all rows, though rows D back are hovering
at the average mark at top price. One reader notes the good
view from row A, worth the slightly tight legroom!
Another reader notes that,
"D15 and 16 were central (I like that), comfortable and warm but I understand the problem people with long legs would have - I tossed my head back at one point and encountered the knees of the
guy sitting behind."
Row G on it's own at the back of the Circle offers a fair, if distant, view
at a reasonable price when there is a discount or it is low priced - but not otherwise - and can be considered over the Upper Circle for comfort.
Cheap standing places at the back of the Dress Circle are not bad either in
the monkey view.
Theatremonkey cannot get excited about the Dress Circle here, Row G aside,
the Stalls at all prices beats the Circle on comfort and view in it's opinion.
At top price (for "Shadowlands," October 2007) rear rows are just about average
- try for seats further forward first.
Legroom is poor in rows A to F, particularly tight for the tall in row A, but just adequate in row G.
Dress Circle / Upper Circle Boxes
Boxes 1 to 4 arranged in pairs either side of the stage between it and the
Dress Circle. Boxes 5 to 8 above them at Upper Circle level.
All offer sideways views of the stage, Narrow access down three stairs to
wheelchair space in box 3. See notes. The boxes have a very
restricted view and are poor in theatremonkey's opinion. Value at second price is
not good, take these after stalls for the same money, and before the Dress
Circle only if legroom is a factor. Choose boxes 3 and 4 first, then 7 and 8
then 1 and 2 then 5 and 6.
Legroom is good in all seats.
UPPER CIRCLE
Called the GRAND CIRCLE in this theatre.
This is far above the stage.
A lighting mount box protrudes from the front of the circle in front of row A
seats 14 to 19. It does not directly affect the view but is an annoyance just
for being there.
Rows B to D seats 7 to 23 are fair value for money here, offering a central
view of the stage and priced to take account of the distance from it.
Following this reader's comments,
"On a late November day, we went to the matinee and were frozen! It was a damp day and the air conditioning was on, freezing us in
the Grand Circle row D, seats 7 & 8 and our neighbours (who had been out protesting in Trafalgar Square all morning) in seats 5&6.
My husband went to see what could be done in the interval and they turned it off - for a while. So these are seats to be avoided I think."
The monkey suggests rows B and C seats 12 to 18 as the most frost free....
A reader also noticed less audibility standing at the back of the Upper
Circle in January 2007.
Row A seats 2 to 5 and 26 to 29, B 2 to 4 and 28 to 30, C 2, 3, 28 to 30 and
D 2 and 29 are designated restricted view. Boxes cut a fifth of the view of the
sides of the stage off. These seats are no bargain unless offered at the same
price as the balcony when being closer to the stage, for the same money, is an
advantage.
Legroom is poor in all seats, worst in row A.
BALCONY
This is situated behind the Upper Circle and very slightly above it.
Two safety bars run across the front of the balcony affecting the view in all
rows. Row B seats 5, 15, 16 and 25 are officially recognised with this issue due
to bars at the ends of the aisles.
The seats are split into two blocks by a central aisle. Seats A 5 and 26 are
also split from the main blocks by aisle space.
All seats here offer a view in direct proportion to the price paid. To be
fair, value for money for those on a tight budget is fair - you can see the
stage through the bars and are not so far away as to require oxygen.
Normally, pick rows B to D seats 9 to 22 first, then the others, leaving A 5
and 26 to last.
A reader reports of A26,
"I was in A26 of the balcony, which is marked both on theatremonkey and by the
box office as "restricted view" due to the lighting rig that obscures part of
stage right (audience left), so I only paid about £20 for it. That was a great
price for the view I got - I could see some facial expressions (not too well but
some) and the lighting rig didn't take away from ANY of the action as most of it
takes place on stage left anyway and the light only took up at most 1/10 of the
stage. I was next to the safety pole so that wasn't a problem, and I had the
balcony rail right in front of me that didn't obscure the view at all, only gave
me a place to put my programme and ice cream and to lean my elbows on as I
watched the show. I was sad that at times some of the actors had their backs to
me as I was in the curved to the left section of the balcony, but otherwise it
was a great view.
The comfort I cannot say the same for. There was barely any leg
room at all, I sat scrunched, longing to lean my legs over the balcony rail but
knowing that I really shouldn't be that crass, the entire night - the most
comfortable position I ended up being in was when I brought my knees up to my
chest. Also, the seat, or what little there was, was extremely uncomfortable -
straight back, no give at all to either the cushion or the back. Plus the
bleacher-style seat was almost non-existent, it was so tiny that even my 90lb
little butt was hanging off it the whole time! The theatre really should do
something about this, but as I suspect they won't, the best thing I can do is to
say pick A26 balcony for the price and view ONLY if you're OK with being
scrunched up into the foetal position in a barely-there uncomfortable "padded"
bleacher for 2.5 hours! At least there was ice cream to cheer me up... and a
really wonderful show to watch!" There are many flights of stairs up to this circle. The less than fit should
think before attempting the climb. For the rest, take ropes and comfortable
climbing boots. Cheap standing places at the back are not bad either in the
monkey view, but try for stalls / Dress Circle ones first at the same price.
Legroom is poor in all seats, worst in row A. Rows B to D seats 15 and 16
offer the central aisle to stretch one leg out into. Take advantage of this
combination of space and view.
Notes
Total 780 seats.
Air-conditioned auditorium, but the balcony still gets very hot in summer
according to many.
Infrared system using headsets for the deaf, plus some signed performances.
Some audio described performances for the blind, and guide dogs allowed in
theatre or dog sat outside. Narrow access down three stairs to wheelchair space
in side box. The box has a very restricted view and is poor in theatremonkey's
opinion. It has a private toilet, too narrow to take a wheelchair, but better
than nothing, which is the usual alternative in the adapted toilet department.
Tries hard, given the constraints of the building. 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 details
from the theatre group dedicated phoneline on 0870 011 7574 or
www.delfont-mackintosh.com
or Artsline 020 7388 2227 email artsline@dircon.co.uk.
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.
Four bars; Stalls, Dress Circle, Upper Circle and Balcony.
8 Toilets; Foyer 1 gents 1 cubicle, 1 ladies 4 cubicles; Stalls 1 gents 1
cubicle, 1 ladies 2 cubicles; Dress Circle 1 gents 1 cubicle; Upper Circle 1
ladies 1 cubicle; Balcony 1 gents 1 cubicle, 1 ladies 1 cubicle.
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