Adelphi Theatre
The Strand, London WC2R 0NS 020 3925 2998
- Where to buy tickets
- Best seat advice
- Seating plan/s
- Getting to the theatre
Buying tickets online
www.lwtheatres.co.uk - the theatre group's own website provide the service for this theatre. This site allows seat selection and provides a view of the auditorium too.
Booking fees per ticket:
A £1.50 per booking, not per ticket, postage fee applies - if required and time allows. No fee for printing your own tickets at home or collecting them on the day at the box office.
About the show: Back to the Future The Musical
Other Online Choices (with genuine S.T.A.R ticket agencies):
Ticket agencies offer an alternative way to buy tickets, with booking fees differing from those charged by the theatre box office itself. They may have seats available or special offers when theatres do not.
Ticket agency prices vary in response to theatres implementing “dynamic pricing” - which alters prices according to demand for a particular performance. Prices stated here were compiled as booking originally opened, current prices are advised at time of enquiry.
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.
TheatreMonkey Ticketshop
When the theatre does not have the tickets you desire available, it is well worth trying the Theatremonkey Ticketshop agency, telephone 020 7420 9778 (0044 207 420 9778 if calling from outside the United Kingdom), charge £21.60 on £135, £18.40 on £115, £15.92 on £99.50, £13.60 on £85, £12 on £75, £10.40 on £65, £8.80 on £55, £7.20 on £45, £5.60 on £35, £3.13 on £19.55 seats Monday to Thursday / £28 on £175, £24 on £150, £20 on £125, £15.92 on £99.50, £15.20 on £85, £12 on £75, £10.40 on £65, £8.80 on £55, £6.40 on £40, £3.18 on £19.85 seats Friday to Sunday) booking fee per ticket - moderate by agency standards, though higher than box office fees, worth trying as they often have an alternative choice of seats available! Note that this system will confirm exact seat numbers prior to purchase. A £1.95 per booking, not per ticket, handling fee may apply on some transactions by telephone. NO handling fee applies for online purchases.
See Tickets
Another alternative is www.seetickets.com which charge charge £20.25 on £135, £17.25 on £115, £14.93 on £99.50, £12.75 on £85, £11.25 on £75, £9.75 on £65, £8.25 on £55, £6.75 on £45, £5.25 on £35, £2.93 on £19.55 seats Monday to Thursday / £26.25 on £175, £22.50 on £150, £18.75 on £125, £14.93 on £99.50, £12.75 on £85, £11.25 on £75, £9.75 on £65, £8.25 on £55, £6 on £40, £2.98 on £19.85 seats Friday to Sunday) booking fee per ticket, and £2.75 per booking (not per ticket) postal charge.
Ticketmaster
www.ticketmaster.co.uk charge £26.50 on £135, £22.50 on £115, £19.50 on £99.50, £16.75 on £85, £14.75 on £75, £12.75 on £65, £10.75 on £55, £9 on £45, £7 on £35, no fee on £19.55 seats Monday to Thursday / £34.25 on £175, £29.25 on £150, £24.50 on £125, £19.50 on £99.50, £16.75 on £85, £14.75 on £75, £10.75 on £55, £8 on £40, no fee on £19.85 seats Friday to Sunday) booking fee per ticket.
Encore Tickets
Encore Tickets telephone 0207 400 1253 / 0044 207 400 1253 if calling from outside the United Kingdom) charge £26 on £135, £22 on £115, £19.50 on £99.50, £17 on £85, £15 on £75, £13 on £65, £11 on £55, £9 on £45, £7 on £35, £4.45 on £19.55 seats Monday to Thursday / £34 on £175, £29 on £150, £24 on £125, £19.50 on £99.50, £17 on £85, £15 on £75, £13 on £65, £11 on £55, £8 on £40, £4.15 on £19.85 seats Friday to Sunday) booking fee per ticket. Discounts may also be available.
London Theatre Direct
Londontheatredirect.com charge £27.50 on £135, £24.75 on £115, £21 on £99.50, £18 on £85, £15.75 on £75, £13.75 on £65, £11.75 on £55, £9.50 on £45, £7.50 on £35, £4.20 on £19.55 seats Monday to Thursday / £36.75 on £175, £31.50 on £150, £26.25 on £125, £21 on £99.50, £18 on £85, £15.75 on £75, £13.75 on £65, £11.75 on £55, £8.50 on £40, £4.40 on £19.85 seats Friday to Sunday) booking fee per ticket. Optional Ticket Insurance is also available. Discounts may also be available.
Box office information
Telephone: 020 3925 2998
Operated by the venue, Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5:30pm.
Group bookings: 020 3925 2996
Operated by the venue, Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5:30pm.
Booking fees per ticket for telephone bookings:
A £1.50 per booking, not per ticket, postage fee applies - if required and time allows. No fee for printing your own tickets at home or collecting them on the day at the box office.
For personal callers or by post:
The Strand, London. WC2E 7NA.
No booking fee for personal callers.
Special Access Needs Customers:
Wheelchair users and other registered disabled theatregoers can book their seats and enquire about concessionary prices that may be available to them on 020 3925 2998
Operated by the venue, Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5:30pm.
www.lwtheatres.co.uk is the official venue website.
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.
- Stalls
- Dress Circle
- Dress Circle Boxes
- Upper Circle
Stalls
Layout
The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at row H. The top of the stage is not visible from row P backwards.
The front Stalls rows A to J are arranged in a curve in front of the stage. Rows K to X behind them are split into two blocks by a centre aisle.
The rake (sloped floor to help see over rows in front) is non - existent in rows A to E. Fortunately a high stage can compensate for this at some productions - when the stage is too high though... not so great.
It's fairly shallow through the rest of the theatre too, more noticeable from row J or so. Still, with seats not brilliantly "offset" in some rows either, the short may find the circles offer a better view.
The centre aisle seats in rows L, P, S, U and W have only short, flat, padded row-enders (like extra-wide arm-rests) in front. No extra legroom, but no head to look over either.
Legroom
New seating in 2015 means that legroom is acceptable throughout the stalls.
Row B30 and 31 and D4 usually have nothing in front. D5 has 9/10ths nothing in front, B6 3/4ths, E33 1/2 and K33 1/4th nothing in front across the seat width.
Seats 18 and 19 in rows K, M, O, R and T, plus V19 are a few inches wider than other seats, to accommodate those broader silverbacks.
Legroom is acceptable in all other rows, much better from row F to T unless you are exceptionally tall. For those with access needs, it is also possible to have a standard chair placed in the wheelchair area on row X if required, for maximum legroom.
Readers found O15 and 16 had nothing in front except a "spacer" (a gap with a short flat padded square of wood placed across it) for the row.
Choosing seats in general
The quality of row A varies according to the height of the stage. Normally, it's a way of being close to the action, and having a lot more legroom than the upper circle at the same price. At full price, go further back, it feels.
Often, the extreme ends of row A are the last pick as you may be sharing your breathing space with hefty stage lighting almost directly in front - and have a pretty acute angle to look up at the stage too.
For musicals, an orchestra pit means a conductor is be in view for some in central row A... it doesn't bother the monkey, but purists may wish to avoid this area - though others may find any ticket price reduction makes them worthwhile.
At top price, it's important not to get caught too far forward or back. In the very centre, seats in central rows G to J are often designated "premium" seats - your call if you feel them worthwhile, feels the monkey. There's plenty as good - and cheaper - around these, it thinks, making them the first to try for.
Go for G first, then, when the stage is low, otherwise K, then F or J. Then L, M before E and D (unless you are, like the monkey, a lover of being close to the stage to 'see faces.'). Centre aisle seats from K back are more comfortable for the tallest, with one leg stretching space.
Readers generally report that central rows F to J are providing best views overall. Those wishing to see most, or who are shorter, seem to find H and J preferable too, with K10 down as "fantastic," according to one reader. Having sat in row K 18, the monkey agrees the off-setting is excellent with a clear view between folk in front if they are not over-tall.
Often the end pair of seats in rows A to F are "restricted view" and thus cheaper. Monkey thought is normally that those not worried about an extreme side view might well find the innermost seat in each pair worth a glance. Take the one furthest back first - certainly you'll be closer to the stage for less cash.
The monkey quite liked the thought of B30 at a restricted view price, but notes they are not really a bargain - just a way to be closer to the stage for less money. Same goes for D and E 5, D31 and E32, for that matter. Not for purists or first timers, really, but the monkey would on a second visit at least normally. At second price, though, it would skip them as you may miss a bit more than you expect. D4 does have legroom, though.
Further back, skip rows S and T when they are at top price, as the overhang starts to kick in. A row back yields the same view for less cash.
At second price, you'll find the overhang of the circle really limits views at the back, but it's in direct proportion to what you miss, and the advantage is that these rows have more legroom than equivalent priced seats in the upper circle. The tall will have a far more comfortable evening in rows U and V as a result.
The back rows, W and X, are often keenly priced and the same applies regarding comfort and overhangs. The shallow rake is an issue for the shorter - go upstairs then - but they are still pretty fair deals, feels the monkey. Do remember if buying in the rear rows that the view is NOT the same as the more expensive seating, and that prices are lower to account for this. Row X, and the ends of row W at the same price are a decent budget option, perhaps, if willing to accept any shortcomings - upper circle rows D and E do edge these for view.
Two wheelchairs can suffer a rotten view in the rear stalls, but users can transfer to any other seat. . How about making some decent seats removable for wheelchairs or even... let users sit in the centre aisle row K space. Think about it guys. Single chairs can replace these spaces if not in use by a wheelchair.
General hazard notes
The monkey notes that the seats are rather narrow, and on one visit E14 was somewhat saggy in the centre from over use...
Neck ache is a possibility in rows A, B and C. If the stage is high, those even as far back as E won't see feet at the back of the stage - aspiring ballerinas may wish to sit further back.
The extreme ends of row A are very avoidable as you are be sharing your breathing space with hefty stage lighting almost directly in front - and have a pretty acute angle to look up at the stage too. For musicals, an orchestra pit means a conductor is be in view for some in central row A... it didn't bother the monkey, but purists may wish to avoid this area - though others may find any ticket price reduction makes them worthwhile.
A set of stairs leading to a door is on the right hand side of the theatre (looking from the stage). For some reason, this annoys Theatremonkey, as it seems distracting. Compensating for this, the bar is also on this side (as are toilets).
Seats extend out beyond the proscenium opening, meaning that outermost end four seats in rows B to R may face a wall rather than the stage. This prevents those seated here from seeing into the far corners of the stage.
Purists may still wish to avoid seats U 14 to 18, and V to X 14, to ensure the sound desk causes no disturbance.
Sound can be variable in central seats towards the back of the stalls from row M. Those at the back also found the air-conditioning equally unpredictable - too hot, mostly.
Changes for the current production
The stage is high - well above head height for those up to 5ft 11 tall. The front two rows at least will not see the floor at to the back of it fully, though that isn't a particular issue as nothing significant is missed.
The front row is A. Legroom is best in the centre - should be fine for those up to 5ft 9 or so. Outer 4 seats perhaps up to 5ft 7. Bargain, as 13 to 25 are fourth price.
End pair of seats in rows A to E are also bargains. There is a warning that they will be likely very noisy due to speakers in front. The monkey sat there and found that the beat was loud for less than 5 minutes of the show - very few will have a problem, it feels. Still, pairs on A and three (seat B31 has been removed) either end of row B are just £19.55 Monday to Thursday / £19.84 Friday to Sunday. Next to those on B, the next 2 seats are £35 (£40 Friday and Saturday) and an even bigger bargain. If you miss out on those, row C pairs on the ends are fourth price, D and E pairs behind are third. The monkey would go alphabetically if you are one of those not worried about an extreme side view – and you might well find the innermost seat in each pair particularly worthwhile.
Take the ones furthest back - E first - and certainly you'll be closer to the stage for less cash. Not for purists or first timers, really, but the monkey would always on a second visit at least. A great way to be closer to the stage for less money.
B 6 and 30 have nothing in front (the long-legged will appreciate these), and B29 is 5% clear in front too. The monkey would take 9 to 6 first, then 29. The outermost seats miss perhaps a seventh of the stage nearest the rear, but nothing happens there of any significance. The height of the stage missing the stage floor would be more noticeable.
Watch for outermost pairs of seats from row F back. Not discounted. Skip them for an improved viewing angle elsewhere, unless aisle seats are a must for you.
Central rows G to N (F to O Friday to Sunday) are at "Premium" prices. Monkey advice is go for central E or seats beside the premium ones. Then go on to take the seats around them - view is equally good until the outer 4 in each row.
Row T (ends only Friday to Sunday) drops to second price. Monday to Thursday, T 7, 8, 27 and 28 or central U are worthwhile if you don’t fancy the restricted view ones further forward.
Prices drop in rows V, W and X. All are more comfortable than any dress or upper circle seat at the same cash, even if the view is average. Worth thinking about, and your budget will determine which to take for same views at lower price. For the shorter, dress circle row P 3 and 4 are a better bet than W and X, for the elevation alone, though.
As a rough guide, once ends of D and E at third price are gone, V is worth taking. The monkey would save cash by having X over either V or W, though, if prepared to risk losing any action at the top of the stage.
A sound desk takes up seating in rows V to X. At £19.55 (£19.85 Friday to Sunday), those buying seat 11 shouldn’t have an issue, feels the monkey.
Dress Circle
Layout
The Upper Circle overhangs the Dress Circle at row C. Those in rows N back may miss action at the front and top of the stage.
Central seats face the stage. The first and last ten in each row are turned in toward the centre to enhance their view. This is disconcerting, especially in the last seat; since the angle gives both a view of the stage and fellow Dress Circle audience members equally! As a reader points out, this an exaggeration - the angle isn't that severe, but the seats don't face the stage "front on" as the rest do.
Rows E, H, K and L seats 12 and 13 and 24 and 25 have spaces between them to allow the row to "turn the corner."
The centre aisle seats in rows G, J, L and N have only short, flat, padded row-enders (like extra-wide arm-rests) in front. No extra legroom, but no head to look over either.
Row A seats 6 and 7 are tucked at an awkward angle into a corner beside the boxes, so you lean around them to see the stage. Row A 33 also has a bit of a "peering" issue, and is cheaper because of it.
Row P has been grafted onto two plinths at the back of the Dress Circle, in the curved gap between the row in front and the rail behind.
The circle rake is fairly shallow - the steps between rows are not that high except in row P. Reader Gary feels it perfectly adequate though. On the other hand, reader Siobhan feels,
"Do not pay full price for the dress circle (have noticed the monkey has marked the whole seats RED there) because the person's head in front of you blocks the view and you have to lean either side of the head in front to see, despite being close to the action."
Legroom
Choose with care, tall folk! Refurbished seats in 2019 have helped a little, but it still pays to be wary.
Legroom in the front rows of the circle is abysmal. The monkey noted this is partly because the seats are low to the ground for some reason.
Row B32 and 33 are set at an angle that means the seats touch. Intimate... only if you are a couple...
"Joke seat" D4 is on a ramp, and is low, making it a giggle to get up out of... not so funny if you have to sit in it, perhaps.
It is worst in central rows B and C, slightly better from D back - 6ft persons found D and L tolerable, for example. Theatremonkey has his knees in his ears in row C and evacuated its knees from K before damage was done. Legroom declines the further towards the centre of each block you go - more in the first 6 seats, then less as you reach the "turn" around seats 11, 12, 24 and 25, then a tad more again towards the centre aisle.
The "high numbers" side has a trifle more legroom at the ends of the row than the "low numbers" - C28 to 35 and D 25 to 28 having more still. B5 and K4 have nothing in front, C4 has nothing but an open rail, C35 is on the end of a row which sweeps back to provide legroom and J4 has a tiny bit more space for one leg.
A33 has been moved over slightly, and has a "spacer" (no actual seat, just a padded rest) next to it, meaning there is space for one leg - just tolerable for someone up to 5ft 8 or so. Rail is in view, though.
Row G "high numbers" side may suit those under 5ft 5 or so in particular.
P 3 and 4 have a tad more legroom (P3 in particular) and space the other side to put stuff.
Otherwise, tall people in particular - and rally anyone over 5ft 5 or so should choose the Stalls instead or find a great physiotherapist for afterwards.
Choosing seats in general
Few seats are recommended here due to poor legroom wiping out the benefit of the quite adequate views from the centre seats of rows B and C. Believe the monkey, you will not notice the stage as you squirm for comfort even if only 5ft 7 or so and thus many get a "red" rating due to comfort. Though seats at the ends of rows have a little more legroom, many are rated "red" on the basis of view. So, choosing is difficult.
Row A seats 6, 7 are alone in a corner of the front of the circle, between boxes and the main block but facing the stage. A6 really does peer around the side of a box, and loses a metre of stage. A7 on the other hand has a pretty decent view of almost the entire stage with just a shade of box to the side.
A33 is sold cheap as there is a rail to the side of it. This hardly intrudes into the view. In the 2019 refurbishment, it has also been moved over slightly, and has a "spacer" (no actual seat, just a padded rest) next to it, meaning there is space for one leg - just tolerable for someone up to 5ft 8 or so.
Central rows B and C are often "premium" priced, notes the monkey. The view is fine, but legroom lovers should always take stalls.
From some research on a visit in 2012, the monkey found that C28 to 35 and D 25 to 28 have legroom that a 6ft person might be able to cope with - around 2 inches. The reason is because the row in front is bolted to the floor in such a way as to leave an extra gap for those in the row behind. C35 also is set back on a curve, giving even more space. Thus it would pick these first. K4 is the other choice for the tall, nothing in front.
At top price, those up to around 5ft 7 or so will also be fairly happy with central row E 13 to 24 and the inner aisle seat from row F to M (G and H 18 excluded) - not too bad either for view or comfort. After that, the outermost 4 or 5 seats in rows E to O are acceptable for comfort if not view (outermost seats often miss edge of stage action).
At second price, row M back are fairly priced. The outermost 7 seats in rows M and O are particularly a decent trade off of comfort with view, losing the top and front of the stage. Compared with rear stalls at the same price, the monkey would take these for view - less risk of a lot of heads blocking views severely, but stalls for comfort.
At "Love Never Dies," a reader said,
"We sat towards the back of the Dress Circle and the view from here was superb! Even faces were clear to make out and the overall production was stunning!"
At third price, row P plinths... well... P31 is cramped and you will see very little from this eyrie. The overhang of the circle above cuts the top of the stage, and the sweep of the circle with seated folk in front cut the front of the stage off too.
P 3 and 4 offer "fair value" for the most broadminded, it feels. Those wider seats, privacy, tad of legroom and storage space, and the plinth giving a real rise over other seats made them worth a nibble, it felt. Be aware that with anyone tall / leaning forward in front you will miss as good an amount as P31, though. NOT a wholehearted recommendation, but as a fallback position for those not able to tolerate seats elsewhere, it worked for the monkey when it moved itself into it from the squash that is K10.
General hazard notes
Legroom in most seats.
Narrow seats (except P3 and 4).
B32 and 33 are set at an angle that means the seats touch. Intimate... only if you are a couple...
Crazy seat D4 on a ramp, C4 on a sloping bit as well.
Shallow rake between seats.
One report notes the sound is better in the rear corners of the circle than the front central area at some productions.
Changes for the current production
Central rows A to H are "premium" seats. The view is fine, but legroom lovers might prefer stalls. The aisle seats in row E have the most of the little going.
In the front corners, the “must have” restricted view seat is A33, with B5, C34 and C35 next up if you can’t get stalls rows A or C. A8, B6, C and D 5 then A7 are next pick in that order. The outer pairs in rows D and E are also fair value at third price – the monkey would take them before the ones on row O Monday to Thursday and even row P 3 and 4 Friday to Sunday unless wanting privacy and a bit of extra space those provide.
Monday to Thursday, ends of L and central M drop to second price. Ends of N and central O hit fourth, ends of O and all seats in P are fifth. The monkey prefers stalls for the same bananas, and if going for row O it would take O 5, 6, 30 and 31 at fifth price instead – tiny bit more legroom and cheaper for the same view as seats next to them. Row P at fifth price has 3 and 4 as a very good alternative to the upper circle for those wanting a bit more legroom or feeling the rear stalls have too many heads to see over easily.
Friday to Sunday, only ends of L and M, plus central N drop to second price. Central O hits third, worth a look, though the monkey would take only the bits of row O that have a tiny bit of legroom – but would probably take stalls instead. Row P and for in front either side go to fourth price - pretty good compared to the alternatives – remembering that ends of B and C are the same price (see above).
Readers comments
"A13: (Mark Lane). As I'm only 5'6 this caused me no problem at all and the view was great."
"A13 and 14: "Love Never Dies" (March 2010). The view was fantastic with no safety bars or lighting rigs to spoil the scene. The seat wasn’t very comfortable, though, and legroom was pretty poor even for someone of my average height."
"A 15: The view was spectacular and as the circle was very close to the stage I felt very much a part of the show."
"A17 and 18: "Sweeney Todd" (March 2012), (Chris B). I would strongly suggest these are the best seats in the house. Right in the centre of the front row of the dress circle, they have good legroom and the view is outstanding. You really feel part of the show and quite a bit is raised up on the stage so you are on eye level with the actors. Having sat in the stalls and upper circle, I would say these seats are by far the best."
"A33: "Love Never Dies" (March 2010). A restricted view on the left but being in the front row rather made up for that and, as there was nobody in any of the end seats behind me all the way to the back of the Dress Circle, I could safely lean well forward with no fear that I was blocking anybody's view. I also had extra room either side of me - which helps with long legs - so I was happy with the seat at the price."
"Row B: "One Man, Two Guvnors" (November 2011). (Gail). Premium centre seats. The whole play was spoiled by the seating. My husband, who is 6ft 2ins, could not sit with his knees together as there was not enough room, so he spent the entire performance with his legs splayed, his right knee forced against the binocular fitment. Even my daughter's knees - she is 5ft 7ins - touched the seat in front. I did not suffer particularly with the lack of legroom, although I was conscious that it was a bit snug, but the same cannot be said for my view of the stage. The seats in Row B are directly behind their counterparts in Row A, with no discernible rake, so the head of the lady in front of me completely obscured my view at all times. We all had the same problem and spent the entire performance moving from left to right in an attempt to see the action through the gap between the heads in front. This is appalling, and how they have the gall to charge a premium for such seats is beyond me. It's a very funny play, but it's difficult to enjoy something when you are physically uncomfortable and feel you have been ripped off to boot."
"B5: "Waitress" (March 2019).Sat in B5 which is at the rightmost end of the row (facing the stage). It is sold as restricted view because of the safety rail. Felt it was fantastic value. Whilst the safety rail is certainly visible, it’s not in the way most of the time and it’s easy enough to look over/under if things are happening in the lower corner of the stage. Unlimited legroom as there is no seat in front, and space at the side of the seat to store coat/bag/etc. And the Dress Circle view in general is excellent - you feel very close to the stage but at the same time have a good view of the whole set."
"B19 and 20: "Love Never Dies" (March 2010). (Paul Nicholls). Excellent view. Rather cramped but not a problem as I'm not very tall!"
"B30 to 32: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). They were great seats!"
"B33 and G34: "Joseph," (December 2008). (Tracey). restricted view seats which we thought great value for money (we are both short and had a perfectly acceptable view - only missing the action from the very far left of the stage which was mainly the interaction with the children's choir)."
"Row C: (Stuart). I sat in the Dress Circle about 3 rows back. The seats were appalling - very cramped and uncomfortable. The theatre was stiflingly hot. I had decided to leave at the interval, but was persuaded to stay and managed to get an aisle seat which had a bit more room. Noticed that there were several empty seats which had previously been filled. Complained by letter to the theatre - reply said ' Thanks for comment - shall pass them on..''
"C 26 to 31: (Claire Crome). These were good seats (a little cramped, if you are taller than 5”6), but allowed you to see the whole stage very well."
"C28: "Love Never Dies" (March 2010). Bought at a £40 discount. I can't see why this would be red as I didn't have any restriction and legroom was absolutely fine (I'm 6ft 2). Sitting here was so much better than the upper circle. I could actually see their faces!"
"C31, C32, C33: (Lizzie). Seats were absolutely fine. My husband is well over 6 foot tall - and he didn't find the leg room a problem for the duration of the show. And my daughter is quite little, even with a booster seat - and she could see well."
"D4 and 5: (Rich). are excellent value for money. They are designated restricted view but all that you miss is the children's choir on one side for Joseph (December 2008). Otherwise the view is great - book them!"
"D11 and 12: Actually not as bad as expected due to the almost total negative reviews about this section on the monkey's website. Yes the rake is not brilliant but my view was fine and found the seat very comfortable, I've certainly sat in a lot worse."
"D15 and 16: superb, albeit that it was a bit tight on my knees."
"D19 and D20 (Paul). Were good and comfortable for each half. I have had much, much worse seating in other theatres".
"D26: "Evita" (Gary). I had been very nervous about it after reading site comments as I am 6'2" tall, a fidget at the best of times and generally opt for an aisle seat. When I arrived at my seat, I really couldn't understand what the problem was, the leg room was very reasonable for a London Theatre, I've sat in far worse over the years. My knees brushed the seat in front slightly but certainly didn't press into it and the seat itself was well padded so I didn't get "dead legs". My only criticism was the seat width, it did feel a tad narrow but, again, I've sat in far worse in theatres and on planes. It may be a squeeze for the obese, but most people would find it acceptable. The view was excellent, I could see all the action on the stage perfectly."
"D 29 to 32: "Love Never Dies" (March 2010). The seats were slightly on the side but this didn't affect the view at all - all parts of the stage were visible and legroom was fine."
"D 32 and 33: "Waitress" (March 2019). Great seats sold at restricted view because over to the side. However, you don’t miss anything and there is no safety rail so overall an excellent view."
"E13 and 14: "Love Never Dies" (March 2010). Having read the comments on the site about the poor leg room in the dress circle and being tall I was pleasantly surprised to find there was no problem regarding that at all in these seats. There did not appear to be any problem either in the seats in the immediate vicinity."
"E27 to 32: "Love Never Dies" (March 2010). (Lizzie). Good view – little tight on the leg room and a bit hot too but nonetheless great seats and probably just as good a being in the stalls – especially at the end – not to give anything away!"
"F 7 and 8: I must say I was actually quite happy with these seats. They are certainly not anything special but you get a very good view of the whole stage, allowing for a good overview on the production. And the leg room was much better than I experienced in the stalls at the Aldwych Theatre."
"F 18 and19: "Love Never Dies" (March 2010). (Ben Grower). These were perfect. Good view, enough leg room and not too hot in theatre during show."
"F23: (Mark). Nice for a good over-all view of the stage for 'Love Never Dies,' but prefer the stalls for this show."
"F29 and 30: "The Bodyguard" (November 2012). There was more room in Row D when I was sat there."
"Row G: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). Good view, bit tight on my knees."
"Row G 6, 7, 29 to 31: Sat here twice now (for "Joseph" in July 2007), once in seats 6 and 7, the second time seats 29 to 31. Both gave a great view of all the stage. I notice lots of people complain about leg room but I found there was plenty (I'm 5'6"). Have to agree with the grumble that if someone taller is in front you need to lean to the side to see though."
"G 23 to 26: (Sharon). The view was fine. As we are all on the short side the lack of leg-room didn't bother us, but I could see others in our row squirming to get comfortable at times."
"J 11 and 12: "Waitress" (March 2019). Great view! Definitely worth £25 "day seats" price."
"K4: "Back To The Future The Musical (August 2021): My friend was in K5. It's a big circle and a large-ish head two rows in front did block part of my view, but it didn't affect my enjoyment. I was lucky that there was no one in the row immediately in front for the first half and no one behind for the whole show, so I didn't feel bad moving around a bit when necessary. I do think that further forward in the Dress Circle, or somewhere in the stalls would put you more in the action, so that's worth considering for people who want the absolute best experience of the effects. Legroom in K4 is a huge luxury and I always like aisle seats anyway. Given that I paid £25 for a rush ticket on the day of the show, I have absolutely no complaints and felt I got very good value for money."
"K31 and 32: "Love Never Dies" (March 2010). (Mark Lane). Got at TKTS for £48 each instead of £67.50. As a rule I generally go for stalls in the Adelphi, and have seen many shows from there. I have only sat in the dress circle twice before, and always a lot nearer the front and from a more central position as well, so I was a bit apprehensive about the seats we had. All I will say is I would have been happy if I'd paid full price for the same seats. The view was fantastic especially of the projections, and the sound was fine. From these seats you still feel surprisingly close to the stage. I agree with the monkey that the rake is not great in this circle, it's certainly not like being in the Prince of Wales circle where even row C is pretty vertigo inducing. The only negative I could find is that the seats seem pretty low down, and although the legroom appears good it can be a bit uncomfortable - and I'm only 5ft 6."
"L 25 to 29: (Gail). Plenty of leg room ( I am 6ft tall). Viewing only restricted when Evita and Peron sang sat on floor (once). Would recommend that the more vertically challenged sat nearer the front."
"M17 and 18: "Back To The Future - The Musical (September 2021). I sat in M18, daughter in M17. Dress Circle. Perfectly central and clear view of stage. Would certainly sit here again. M18 has a little table instead of left armrest. Row in front of us was mysteriously empty despite rest of theatre being packed which helped improve the view."
"N 6 and 7: "Love Never Dies" (February 2010). (James, regular contributor). It sounds a long way back in the circle but I was very impressed with the view and the sound from here. Admittedly I had no-one directly in front of me and can see how with a shallow rake, even someone short in front might have been a problem. At top price, a little steep perhaps, but would definitely recommend if they're discounted at all."
"N 7 to 10: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). Bought as part of Kidweek promotion Face value £65. Pleasantly surprised. I've seen the show before where we sat further forward but more to the side but these seats were fine and gave us a good, clear view. Lost a little bit of the atmosphere perhaps (though that might be the difference between attending a mid week matinee and a Friday evening show) My kids who are not very tall loved the show and had no problems with the view."
Dress Circle Boxes
Layout
Two on each side of the theatre, about half way between the stage and the Dress Circle.
Boxes seat 4 people.
Legroom
Good, as all have movable chairs.
Choosing seats in general
The position of boxes C and D make viewing the rear of the stage difficult. Box C has a slightly better view, but not much. If you are happy to miss action at the side of the stage is missed, these are adequate, otherwise have a look at same priced stalls.
General hazard notes
Loudspeakers for the whole theatre can be placed in any box.
Changes for the current production
Boxes are not on sale.
Readers comments
"Box B: "Waitress" (March 2019). Offered B1 and B2 in the Boxes, or the very last row of the Stalls, or the RV seats in row A of the Dress Circle as day seats. I went for the seats in the boxes and the view was better than I thought it would be. I sat in B2 and could actually see about 90% of the stage, my friend in B1 had to lean over a few times though, but I guess for £25 you can't go wrong! The BO lady was helpful and did say out of all these seats, the boxes are the best."
"Box C seat 1: (Daryl). I am a avid box user and find that many get "bad press", I have seen many shows from them and few of them impair the enjoyment of a show and "cut off" much of the stage as said. Recently I sat in Box C seat 1 for the final performance of Evita on the 26th May. Seeing the show previously I had to see it one final time before it closed. This box provided a very good view at 3rd price and none of the show was missed (yet if in Box B opposite - Peron's Mistress's song "another suitcase in another hall" would have been quite difficult to see). Overall I was highly pleased with the view the legroom (as well as having a box to myself :) ) and the sound quality. I think this will have some use in the those booking for Joseph and I personally will be experiencing that show in the same seat."
"Box C: Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street" (March 2012). Very comfy, pretty good view of the stage too. There was just a little of the gantry that we couldn't see, but excellent views for this production."
Upper Circle
Layout
Very high above the dress circle.
The circle is split into front and rear sections by an aisle in front of row J.
The front section is a continuous block of seats.
In the rear section Row J seats 2 to 37 are on a gangway that divides the front and rear sections.
Stairwells cut the section into 3 blocks. Row N seats 11 and 23 have stairs in front.
Row A seats 3, 4, 33 and 34 were restricted view seats at the edge of the theatre, and were not often sold. A reader elaborates,
"A3/4/33/34: they’re not there any more on account of a followspot on both sides. One of the two seats does survive on each side but the followspot operator was sitting in it while “off duty”. Very unlikely they would be able to sell that seat to anyone unless it comes with a hard hat for when the followspot swings round!"
Legroom
Cramped in almost all seats, unbearable for those over 5ft 6 or so. Row H is by far the worst.
The best in found in seats that have nothing in front, like D1 or just safety rails, which cut into your view. In K 12 to 22 you can at least put your feet through the gaps in the rails.
Only row N seats 9 to 11 and 23 to 25, plus O 1 and 2 escape this, with staircases in front instead. Be aware there is nothing to rest your feet on in front of row O 1 and 2, though, unless 6ft tall or so.
Side blocks in row J - have rails, but unlimited legroom thanks to the cross-aisle. Seats B5 and 34 have rails in front but nothing else, C 36, D 36, L22 and O 39 have space for 1 leg to stretch - around 20% clear ahead of them.
Some quirk of architecture also gives K 28 to 30 enough space for someone up to around 5ft 9 to be comfortable - 28 has the most. O 3 to 7 are also acceptable up to 5ft 9 or so, with O 37 to 39 likewise if willing to cope with the straight backs of the seats.
Choosing seats in general
Front Section:
Rows D to F seats 10 to 30 offer the best view and value, combining a central position with the least disruption from the front circle bar. These seats feel a medium distance from the stage and the open theatre design makes them feel closer to it than the higher priced rear stalls.
Seats at the ends of rows A to E suffer a real loss of the edge of the stage, due to the angled nature of the theatre design and lighting hung at the sides. Row A used to be discounted due to legroom and view... since they took out a rail, it isn't any more. You will have to lean to see - which makes row B a problem if seated there and someone does.
Reader feedback has lead the monkey to raise the rating in A 12 to 25 to "white" considering price and view - comfort for the tallest and losing a small strip at the front of the stage should be taken into account, however. The monkey would skip A ends unless you are happy to take the trade off, and also avoid row B 10 to 28 behind as, potentially, those in row A choosing to lean forwards would block your view.
Besides these, the monkey felt that B 6, 7, 32 and 33, C 6 to 8, D 4 to 6, E 3 to 5 and rows C to E 32 to 34 the most problematic. The angle to the stage / leaners won't spoil your enjoyment much, but it just felt it worth noting there's better seats at the same price - hence the "red" rating. You will miss action at the sides of the stage.
On the plus side, some other nearby seats are usually discounted to allow for the problems - fair value here, thinks the monkey... When pricing has end pairs from B to F at a lower price - fair value, feels the monkey, who might select these if it felt like being closer to the front than usual. From row B seat 5 and 34 and row D seat 3 don't expect to see more than 60% of the stage - the near sides and rear corners will be lost to you. People on a tight budget might consider these over row J and K restricted view seats. Other restricted view seats in the section - C to F seat 35 also otherwise prove good hunting for some willing to miss about an eighth off the side of the stage. Take F then E, D, C, B, and the seats closest to the full price ones first, if choosing and not requiring an aisle seat.
Moving back, the rest of the central block offered just about fair value in the monkey book - though horribly expensive in real money terms, of course.
Rear Section:
The centre of row K, seats 13 to 22, offer a little extra legroom and an uninterrupted view of the stage without the back of a persons' head directly in front - though there is a rail... You can look over or under it, if the stage is high - and put your feet though the gap for comfort, too.
Row M seats 8, 9, 25, 26 and 27 are behind a wall of bars above a stairwell. Taller people get the best view here, but poor legroom. Avoid unless long of body or addicted to dropping things on the heads of stairwell users in the dark.
Of the rest of the rear section pick rows K to M seats 14 to 20 first for the most central view. With all seats in the rear section at a single price (low, as you will again miss a lot of front stage action), any further back isn't worth it unless the legroom of N9 to 11 and 23 to 25 tempts you.
Among the very cheapest seats row N varies in price depending on whether stairwell rails are in view. These cheapest seats are worth taking, despite the rail, over the seats in row O - with N9 at first pick for a bit of extra leg space.
Row O is a last resort, tucked at the rear of the theatre, but it is among the cheapest seating in the venue. Go for seats 4 to 7 first - or 1 and 2 with a view down the aisle but nothing to rest feet on unless tall. Seats 37 to 39 could have offered an opportunity for a little back seat romance, if they had restricted it to only two seats. Perhaps that is why they didn't. Be aware that the seats have bolt upright backs. The advantage is they are much higher than the row in front, though.
General hazard notes
There is a rail behind row H. Decide if you can tolerate this before buying row J or K - side block seats in particular. The rail lines up with the stage about a fifth of the way back, and some of the "uprights" holding it in place are also a nuisance for many.
A further rail in front of row K seats 12 to 22, plus seats B 5 and 34.
Light leaking into the view from row K from an Exit sign and if curtains are left open by the doors.
Row D seat 3: the floor slopes sideways here.
There is a "spacer" (small flat extra-wide armrest) between C 28 and 29 - allowing D 28 a view between folk ahead.
Upright backs to seats O37 to 39.
Warm in the front section, cold in the back rows, notes one reader. Monkey would be interested to hear from any passing physicist who can explain the heat phenomenon...
Changes for the current production
The front section splits into four very reasonable prices – nothing up here is above fourth price. Be aware that you may miss a strip at the front of the stage from A and B unless leaning.
Clear view seats are cheaper from row E (F Friday to Sunday) back, so take E (F Friday to Sunday) there. For legroom the rear stalls and row P dress circle are better, but the view from the upper circle is superior if nobody leans.
The end pairs in all rows are also cheaper. At bargain £19.55 Monday to Thursday / £19.84 Friday to Sunday, once same price stalls are gone then A 5 and 32 will be loved by those happy to accept the legroom. Behind, end pairs in B and C are the same price but the view isn’t the greatest – consider rear upper circle perhaps (see below).
If paying the next price up, take H (if less legroom isn’t an issue) or G first, then F then E, D. Accept you lose the edge of the stage – so maybe consider the rear section too.
In the back section, side blocks J, plus restricted view seats in M and all of N and O are £19.55 Monday to Thursday. Take the most central you can on J, then N 9 and 25 (nothing in front) and the others. You won’t be disappointed.
Friday to Sunday, Just ends of N and O, and restricted view seats on M are that price, still worth a look.
A price up, be wary of central row K - be prepared to look over or under bars. The monkey liked K 28, 29 and 30 for legroom and less rail in view. N 12 to 22 will provide less of a railed view as well.
With the seats in the back corners the same price as those further forward, the monkey would leave row O to last, except the seats with extra leg space if required.
Readers comments
"Row A: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). Booked through a link on your special offers page. Fab seats - front row of Upper Circle for £25! Absolute bargain. Thanks a lot."
"A9: "Love Never Dies." Thought the view was brilliant for the cheaper price. Pretty sure I did not miss anything. Yeah legroom is tight on account of the wall in front but I’ve sat in far far worse (I’m 6ft by the way), here I still had about 6” in front of my knees. Worth a note to definitely avoid A10 and A11 (and I imagine the corresponding on the other side) because these two angle awkwardly towards each other far more than is normally acceptable (so one seat’s limited legroom basically projects over the other one’s). All other seats in the front row don’t have this problem, just the pair where the bend in the balcony front wall is."
"A 11 to 15: "Love Never Dies." (Mike). View was fantastic. No obstruction or need to lean forward, the action was always in the middle of the stage. I would definitely recommend these seats for the price."
"A12: "The Fast Show" (April 2024). Very pleased with the seat. Good view, no rail, no need to lean forward - unlike other theatres that high up.
It was a sauna in there after being 15 degrees at Oval in April! Better after the interval - bit of a breeze - but at 3 hours including an interval it was toasty warm, which some don't like. So beware."
"A15 and 16: "Love Never Dies." What a great view, although we can see why the theatre charges a lower price for row A. When sitting back in your seats you can't see the front few feet of the stage. Some action does occur in this area and often the actors' legs are "cut-off" by the front of the balcony. Also, in the final scene you can't see one actor for a time. Despite this, and the fact that personally I feel you are just a little too far away from the action, I would certainly recommend these seats. Being some distance from the stage does allow you to take in the superb sets, special effects and video projections, many of which are quite awe inspiring. My immediate neighbours were pretty impressed judging from the oohs and aahs coming from them! At £37.50 they're a bargain and I would certainly sit in them again! Legroom was poor, but because I was riveted by the show I just forgot about my legs! One interesting point to note about the Upper Circle is the temperature variance. Perhaps surprisingly it was warmer at the front of the circle than the rear. In fact, standing by the exit doors at the back wall, it was positively chilly! So much for the physics that teaches you that heat rises!"
"A 15 and 16: Moved from Row K to Row H in the Upper Circle. We were happy with this, but when we saw that a few seats in the front row of the Upper circle were empty, we decided to move during the interval. We were sat in Row A seats 15 and 16 and the view was amazing. Only the very edge of the stage was obscured and it didn't affect us in any way. We were especially pleased during the finale that we had moved seats. The seats were slightly cramped, as others have said, but it didn't affect either me or my Mum as we are both under 5' 6"."
"A 16 and 17: "The Bodyguard" (December 2012), Matt & Win. Good seats but overpriced for this mediocre show."
"Row B: "Joseph." Comfortable seats and a great view (although very tight leg room for anyone like me at over 6 feet) and to be eye to eye with Lee as he rose from the stage was just great"
"B15 to 18: (Rochelle). I had my doubts about being in the Upper Circle after reading some reviews but we couldn't have asked for more for the amount we paid! (Discount used). You couldn't see the very front of the stage unless you leant forward but you don't miss much of the action as most of it goes on further back. Otherwise we had a great view - especially of Lewis at the end when he rose up on a platform (much to my friend's delight!). The people in front of us leant forward most of the time but a few minutes into the show, we didn't notice them and they didn't really get in the way. I didn't feel that there was bad legroom (and my legs are too long for my own good!) but, to be honest, I was concentrating more on the show."
"B29 and 30: "Sweeney Todd" (March 2012). Upper Circle (why on earth there is such a high wall at The Adelphi I’ll never know – ridiculous! You could put barbed wire along the front and barricade yourself in up there!) View was excellent as people in front didn’t lean forward – though I did use the binoculars to see if I could figure out how they did the throat cutting!! Just interested in the stage craft ‘tis all – I don’t run a pie shop… I felt there was a good rake at the front, Row A seemed low enough to look over heads in front. £36.50 didn’t seem too greedy for a seat compared with other Upper Circle ticket prices I’ve previously paid… but perhaps just the lower side of £35 might have been a fairer price. Dress Circle probably best for this show – a lot happens upstairs, centre stage, in the Barber Shop and I can imagine that neck-craning might be an issue for sitting in the stalls..!"
"C12: (James). Felt very far away and people in front kept leaning forward to see which obscured my view too. Didn’t seem great value for money."
"C36: "Joseph". I didn't feel too far from the action at all, but my view of about a third of the stage on that side was obscured, partly by people in front and those on the side leaning forward. This seat is definitely worth avoiding if you want to see 'Close Every Door,' as I was only able to see the last couple of lines, when the action moved closer to the centre of the stage."
"Row D: "One Man, Two Guvnors" (November 2011). (Sophie W). £16 a ticket, and we had a perfect view of everything apart from about 3 minutes when the action was around the first couple of rows of the Stalls, but this didn’t detract from the show. In fact I think they could have charged a lot more for these seats, and as such they are a bargain."
"D10: "The Bodyguard" (December 2012). Not much leg room in the Upper Circle, but the view is pretty good, the only exception being that you may miss anything which is right at the edge of the stage. According to the couple next to me, despite that the view is much better than that from the Dress Circle. A great tip for this seat is that it is a corner seat, and I had a large arm rest rather than a seat in front of me, so no issue with someone’s head blocking the view."
"D14 and 15: "Back To The Future" (September 2021). We got these discounted tickets as part of the OLT New Year Sale, and these were great value. Clear, central view of the stage (you only miss the very top, which doesn’t matter for BTTF; the odd head when people in front lean or turn to follow the action), and you don’t feel far from the action at all. Rake is steep, so it’s not great if you don’t like heights, and the legroom isn’t comfortable if you are above-average height."
"D18: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). I go to the theatre a few times a year and have never been as cramped as I was here (I am only 5 foot tall). Will definitely choose a different seat next time."
"D18 and D19: Sweeney Todd" (February 2012). Offered a pretty reasonable view of the stage. Only the very front of the stage wasn't visible but this didn't matter as none of the action took place there so we didn't miss a single moment."
"D 22 and 23: "Love Never Dies" (February 2010). (Stephen). My friend was affected by the rake and had to hold the rail tightly while walking very gingerly to his seat. At 5ft 8 and 5ft 6 we are not tall, neither are we overweight, but the seats were very cramped. My friend's view was spoiled a bit by the leaners, but I was fortunate in that my view wasn't too bad. At £47.50 each these seats were not good value at all. At those prices, and very cramped seats, I won't be returning."
"E12 and 13: "Made In Dagenham" (October 2014). Leg room OK I guess (as 6'3). Unable to see cast when they move to front of stage, or when the selfish in the front lean forward."
"E16 to 19: "Back To The Future" (August 2021). Central, right in the middle of a row so slow to get in and out as there is no central aisle. Not much legroom but could have been worse (see above lol!). Very low seats but a steep rake. Reasonable view which was impacted by people in front leaning forward at some points. Don’t think we missed much by being high up as it was still very spectacular and impactful. The sound was also excellent. It was also very hot in the theatre so wear layers!"
"F7 and 8: "The Bodyguard" (January 2014). The Monkey's seat plan shows F7 as red but F8 as white. Having sat in these, we would keep the Red Flag flying on both of them. I sat in 'red' seat F7 (being tallest so most likely to avoid view issues) and my wife in 'white' F8. From both seats we had clear view over the heads in front, but lost the front corner of the stage. Not a problem with this production (The Bodyguard), but if the stage was extended over the Orchestra Pit then it would become an issue. Leg room was adequate, but anyone taller than my 5'10" would be struggling after a while. It is worth noting the opera glasses are in front of F8 but did not cause an obstruction or loss of leg room."
"F33 and 34: Both my friend and I were happy with these seats and we found them comfortable with plenty of leg room space, and I am 5ft 7 and my friend is taller than me. View is perfect. The price is definitely worth it!"
"G16 and G17: "Love Never Dies" (February 2010). (Mrs Thomas). Priced at £47 each - which we found a bit on the high side considering where they were. Our view was OK but not recommended if your sight is a little weak, as you can't see the Phantom's makeup. Most people kept still throughout the performance until the end scene when most of the performers were at the very front of the stage and most people lent forward."
"Row H: "Sweeney Todd" (February 2012). (Taljaard, regular contributor). I bought a £20 ticket about 50 minutes before curtain up and was given tickets with a face value of £38.50 in row H of the Upper Circle. Apart from a few heads being cut off, excuse the pun, when actors are in the gantry the view was fantastic."
"H5: "Love Never Dies" (February 2010). The view was great, there is nothing that happens above the stage so the overhang for people downstairs should have been no problem. The leg room was fine for me and I am over six foot. There is nothing major that happens at either corner of the stage so there should be little restriction in the Dress Circle "restricted view" seats."
"H8: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). Which was recommended for a decent view, (true), but the leg room is abysmal and I certainly wouldn't recommend to anyone over 5ft 1 in! I am well over that and my legs were cramped for most of the time. Mind you, at £15 for a great view I guess I shouldn't moan too much (but I did a bit)."
"H17 and 18: "Sweeney Todd" (February 2012). We paid £22.12 per ticket through an online promotion. At 6ft tall I thought the legroom was a bit tight but just about bearable. The seats were perfectly staggered with the row in front and apart from when those people leaned forward we had a fantastic view of the entire floor of the stage. However, we couldn't see the top halves of actors standing further back on the raised platforms but this wasn't really much of an issue to be honest at this price."
"H 24 and 25: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). Very pleased with these seats for the price, £35. The seats are lined up so that you can look between the people in front and although you can't see the very front of the stage, I thought these seats were excellent. It was quite warm, but it was a cold night so that wasn't a problem."
"Row K: (Kyrsty Mewett). I was sitting high up - row K in the Upper Circle, and though I didn't miss much from that position, I felt as though I was outside the action, and the actors were all performing to the lower levels, which is in complete contrast to other shows such as " Saturday Night Fever" and " Les Mis". Also, the fire exit sign was really bright, and the curtains leading out of the auditorium were left open."
"Row K: "Sweeney Todd" (February 2012). An uninterrupted view of the stage (apart from the very top and very front) but I was glad there were binoculars available!"
"K 3 and 4: A distant but clear view of the stage. Row J sits directly onto the aisle / corridor behind the front block of Upper Circle seats and there is a rail which I would think restricts the view from these seats. It didn't obscure our view in K even when we were sitting back."
"K7: End of row, with bar by left side - but only comfort intrusive rather than view which was good."
"K18: Not a bad seat! Probably the best of the cheaper seats at the back of the upper circle as there is nobody directly in front of you. The only thing bad is that it is a distant view. Still with the binoculars you can get a nice view of the facial expressions, which I used during some of the more intimate moments."
"K21: I am 5ft 6" and the rail was in my eye line in row K seat 21, the only way to see properly was to lean forward. The rail cuts through the legs of the performers. I would totally agree with your readers comment ' felt I was outside the action".
"L16 and L17: Great view, you’re close enough to pick up on every expression. And just the smallest sliver of front stage is lost (no-one would be standing there). But the seats are small. And cramped. And could do with better springs. Sit here and expect to need to fidget."
"M23: "Joseph." Had to lean forward but that's only because I had someone rather tall in front of me and I didn't want to miss a moment of Lee!!"
"N18: (James). right at the back of the Upper Circle. For the money, the seat was very good value. Worth noting that they also stick Lee (in "Joseph") on a platform and raise him up near the end so the people above the stalls get to see him closer up which is a nice touch seeing as many people will go to see it for him only."
"N24 and 25: "Joseph." (Tracey). had a safety rail in front of us which did not impede our view - we were far away from the stage but dead centre, so did not miss any action, nothing to block your view but stairs are steep and probably not good if you suffer from vertigo!"
"N25 and 26. (Pip). For a (almost) back row, the price is cheap and that is good. You can still see everything and in great detail. Not like some shows where the back row is dreadful. You can hear everything clearly too. The stairwell is by these seats and legroom is good. Seats are comfortable BUT do not have arms and I kept getting annoyed at that as I like to rest them when I sit. The rail in front did not ruin either seats view."
Row O: (Peter Kirby). We were in the back row of the Upper Circle for "Evita" (2006) and the only criticism is that "Don't Cry For Me" started too far upstage. The bonus was that we could see all the superb chorography patterns which you would not see from the stalls."
Row O (Christina Brooks): "Make sure you do not sit in the circle at the back - very poor and not worth compromising a good show."
"O 5 to 7. "Joseph." Until a tall big man sat in front of us the seats were amazing value for money, however with a large person in front of you they're not worth seeing the show for. We sat in seats 7 and 6 and stood at seat number 5 and swapped between us throughout the show to make it fair. Would have been great value for money if it wasn't for the restriction from the large person in front. The theatre did also not offer booster seats for anyone in the Upper Circle at the time (does now - editor)."
"O 37 to 39: These tickets are so high and far from the action as to be not worth doing, even when using opera glasses! The height made 2 of us feel extremely queasy for most of the show as your eye has to keep adjusting between looking at the ceiling (which we were perilously close to) and the stage miles below. Everyone seemed to have a big head which blocked the stage and we spent the whole performance craning our necks and moving from side to side for better views. The actors never included us in their gaze and it all became a bit boring... I am surprised the seating hasn't had a revamp as its not worth sitting in the last half of the Upper Circle at all as views are terrible."
Notes best seat advice
Total 1500 seats.
Air-cooled auditorium. Not as effective as proper air conditioning, so be prepared for a hot and uncomfortable time in the height of summer, alas. To minimise the effects, seating in the front stalls is normally coolest as heat rises - and is also trapped in Circle overhangs. Just a bit of advice from someone in the theatre industry who has a grasp of physics...
Reader Victoria noticed that in June 2006 she was fine in Stalls E 15, and could feel the cool air, but people further back "mentioned that they were roasting." The better news is that by July, reader Gary reports that,
"I found the bar area a bit stuffy, but that was in the middle of a heat wave (the London papers actually reported it as a "5 day heat wave") and the theatre had an almost full house. The auditorium (row D, Dress Circle) was at a perfectly comfortable temperature and I think, perhaps, air conditioned."
Another reader says,
"It was so hot in this theatre last Thursday matinee (24 May 2007) that my husband and I had to leave at interval - hugely disappointing but he was just not feeling at all well in the atmosphere. My advice is to avoid this theatre during summer matinees - perhaps all summer?"
The theatre is air-cooled still, but more effective in some parts of the theatre than others, according to the venue.
Food: Ice Cream and confectionery available.
Four bars. Side and rear stalls, Dress Circle and Grand Circle. One reader notes that if seated in Stalls row AA:
"The front row seats give you easy access to the bar at the front of the theatre on the left, which was little used at the interval, and much more civilised than getting crushed in the main bars."
Infrared loop for the deaf. GalaPro App to live subtitle the show on phone, available on both iOS and Android. Some signed and audio described performances. Guide dogs can be dog-sat. Wheelchair spaces in stalls with a restricted view. Wheelchairs also have their own slope up from the street to the foyer, with automatic doors at the top to allow the user inside easily - and a low box office counter for chair users is also available.
Fuller details from the venue on 020 7087 7966.
10 toilets in all; Side Stalls bar 1 Gents cubicle, 5 ladies cubicles, below stalls 8 Gents cubicle 12 ladies cubicles, Rear stalls bar 1 Gents cubicle. Ground floor foyer 3 Ladies cubicles and a disabled unit, Dress Circle bar 1 Gents cubicle 6 Ladies cubicles, Grand Circle 1 Gents cubicle 6 Ladies cubicles in 2 restrooms.
In August 2014 a reader says, "The Adelphi is one of few London venues to have modern and sufficient toilets to cope with the capacity." A 2022 reader agrees, "Adelphi toilets very smart and no queues before or during interval in Ladies."
This theatre is haunted by the ghost of Mr. William Terriss, an actor tragically murdered in 1897. The gentleman also haunts Covent Garden underground station.
General price band information
Theatres use "dynamic pricing." Seat prices change according to demand for a particular performance. Prices below were compiled as booking originally opened. Current prices are advised at time of enquiry.
Based on paying FULL PRICE (no discount!) for tickets, site writers and contributing guests have ALSO created the colour-coded plans for "value for money," considering factors like views, comfort and value-for-money compared with other same-priced seats available.
For a full discussion, opinions, reviews, notes, tips, hints and advice on all the seats in this theatre, click on "BEST SEAT ADVICE" (on the left of your screen).
On the plans below:
Seats in GREEN many feel may offer either noticeable value, or something to compensate for a problem; for example, being a well-priced restricted view ticket. Any seats coloured LIGHT GREEN are sold at "premium" prices because the show producer thinks they are the best. The monkey says "you are only getting what you pay for" but uses this colour to highlight the ones it feels best at the price, and help everybody else find equally good seats nearby at lower prices.
Seats in WHITE, many feel, provided about what they pay for. Generally unremarkable.
Seats in RED are coloured to draw attention. Not necessarily to be avoided - maybe nothing specific is wrong with them, other than opinions that there are better seats at the same price. Other times there may be something to consider before buying – perhaps overpricing, obstructed views, less comfort etc.
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.
By value for money:
By price
For latest prices see www.lwtheatres.co.uk
Notes
Note that seats behind safety bars may be unsuitable for shorter persons, and much of the Dress Circle, along with row A Upper Circle may not be suitable for the taller theatregoer. Also be aware that there are padded spaces between dress circle seats E, H, K and L 12 and 13 and 24 and 25.
Some details may change. The monkey will update as available.
Please note: The seating plans are not accurate representations of the auditorium. While we try to ensure they are as close to the actual theatre plan as possible we cannot guarantee they are a true representation. Customers with specific requirements are advised to discuss these with the theatre prior to booking to avoid any confusion.
51.5100524, -0.1228806
Nearest underground station
Charing Cross - Bakerloo (brown) and Northern (black) lines. Also Main rail network terminus.
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 side street, 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 and 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.
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.
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, if you cannot hail one in the busy street outside the venue.
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 and clearly visible as you walk.
The "Theatreland Parking Scheme" may be available. See www.q-park.co.uk for details and to book. At this car park, parking under the "Theatreland Parking Scheme" allows a 50% discount in cost for entry after 12 noon and for a maximum of 4 hours (after that parking is at the normal rate).
If you choose the "Theatreland Parking Scheme", you must book in advance at www.q-park.co.uk and have a theatre ticket stub dated for a theatre performance on the day you are parking there.
For a full list of car parks and theatres that participate in the 50% off theatreland scheme see www.q-park.co.uk.
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Readers comments
"Stalls: Have sat in a number of different rows at the Adelphi, and have to say for seat comfort and leg room they are probably the best in the West End."
"AA 27: "Waitress" (February 2019), (Mark). £59.50. This is the end seat on the front row. There is unlimited legroom and although the stage is high it’s OK as you are far enough back to compensate having to look up so much. Can’t see feet but can see everything from the shin up. The side view didn’t affect the view here as the stage is considerably narrower than it is in New York, and with this seat you are still "inside the proscenium" Could see all the way to the back and see the kitchen scenes."
"Row A: (Zena). thankfully my front row seat had lots of legroom and a nice view."
"Row A: "The Bodyguard" (November 2012). Apart from awkwardness of dancing a foot away from you, row A is a perfect view at Adelphi."
"Row A: " Evita (2006)." on the front row and it was fine as the orchestra is big. No neck ache and PLENTY of leg room."
"Row A: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). Centre. Day seats. Great view."
"Row A: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). Sitting in the interval now for Kinky Boots, a Todaytix lottery cheap deal, front row, which is excellent."
"A9: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). £15 via @TodayTixUK lottery. Great legroom, low stage, good 'stagey' view bargain."
"A9: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015), (thespyinthestalls). Good view and stage not so high as to cause neck ache - very stagey, able to spot lots of in the wings action - lots of legroom too. If you don't like bass heavy speakers nearby, sit elsewhere."
"A9: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). Got through the TodayTix lottery, for £15, which felt like good value overall. A9 is the furthest right in the front row and as such offers a side on view of the action, although because of the set design of the factory you don’t really miss anything. One entrance is obscured for a few seconds because of the ensemble standing in the way. The stage is just about at eye level so you don’t miss anything from that perspective although overall you spend the performance looking up and to the left. You can see into the stage right wing so you see some stage hands milling about, which won’t be an issue for most. More importantly, the newly-revamped sound system (including one massive subwoofer) is about 6 feet in front of you, so this show is loud. Chest-vibratingly loud. If you want that rock concert experience this is the seat for you."
"Row A 9 to 12: were too low down – a lot of neck craning. Would recommend from Row J and back. All round, well worth the ticket price"
"Row A 9 and 10: "Made In Dagenham" (November 2014). Day seats, Great seats. "
"A13: (Daniel Vincze). My seat was A13 in the Stalls. Excellent view, enough legroom and feels like being in the action. The intimate scenes are really effective because you're not that far away as you'd be in the Dress Circle or Upper Circle."
"A15: "The Bodyguard" (November 2012). (Day Seat). Seat was excellent. Though you might miss the big picture of the whole projection but that didn't take away from the enjoyment at all and especially for that price, it was a bargain! Agree that you shouldn't go for A17-19 *SPOILER ALERT* as you will miss the view on the extended stage at the very end *SPOILER ENDS*. Leg room quite limited but I'm fine with it. (I'm about 6" 1' and quite big)."
"A15 to A24: "Love Never Dies" (2010), (group organiser). ten people (including us) were sitting in the front row and these seats had a severely restricted view. A19 is directly behind the conductor, so this additionally limits the view in A18 to A20. You can seldom see a full view of the performers who are often cut off from the waist down. The impact of the scenery and special effects is also diminished from this row. The full price of £67.50 is unreasonable and we feel purchasers should be advised that the view from these seats is restricted.
I have read good reports of row A here, but I guess these were for other shows. For 'Love Never Dies' the stage is built up to accommodate the revolve and trap-door, and from Row A this results in neck-strain and severe sight-line problems - in some scenes people at the back of the stage could only been seen from the shoulders up, and the climax scene with a character on the floor also causes difficulty. People sitting behind us in row B were quite happy with their view."
"A16 and A17: "Chicago" (2000). were great - we felt part of the action (certainly excellent value at £27 each). Legroom OK (we are both 6 foot). It was interesting to be able to look into the orchestra pit and we were close enough to tap the Musical Director on the shoulder (we didn't - thought it might put him off)."
"A17 to 19: "The Bodyguard" (2012). I'd recommend giving the centre seats A17 to 19 a miss as they miss something at the finale."
"A19: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). For me is the best seat in the house if you want to feel part of the production. The stage is quite high but you miss nothing and get such a great close up view of the colourful costumes and make up detail. The orchestra directly in front is a bonus, and only the musical director's head is visible, but not a problem. Legroom and seat comfort extremely good."
"A19: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). Fantastic, bang in the middle behind the conductor."
"A23: "Kinky Boots" (June 2016). Brilliant seat, almost central and far enough back that you don’t miss any of the stage!"
"A26: "Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street" (March 2012), (Uni student who loves musicals). sat here for the first half, and then B26 for the second half. My friends who were sitting at A29 and 30 were completely blocked by the stupid table on stage right that does absolutely nothing except make A30 a terrible seat, which is why I gave him my A25. Discounted for a reason, A25 gives a very good view of the stage, and the actors, and for their price, I would definitely use these seats again. The stage itself isn't raised that high, but Sweeney's barbershop is on a raised platform, but you can still see the all important chair so its fine. At one point the platform actually moves to the forefront of the stage, so you actually have to be horizontal in order to keep Sweeney in view. [SPOILER] One moment where the front row really came into their own was during the asylum scene, when one of the inmates actually spat at my friends in the front row while descending the stairs under the stage. [END SPOILER]."
" A29 and A30: "Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street" (March 2012). I had the misfortune of sitting in A29 and A30 in the stalls (in the oddly allocated day seats). Yes, they were only £25 but I could have just bought a CD and listened to it at home for much the same experience! What isn't obscured by the pointlessly protruding staircase is blocked by a [insert swear word] table and chair that sit at that side of the stage the entire show. I'd avoid the entire left side of the theatre if you want to e.g. see Mrs Lovett in her pie shop as more than a torso.
We moved to 23 and 24 in the interval, which just highlighted how poorly staged this show is for the venue. The majority (probably 80%+) of the show takes place on the back half of the stage for no real reason. I'm not bothered by not seeing feet, but there are several points with people lying on the stage. If I didn't know the show I'm not sure I'd have had a clue what happened as the entire climax was out of sight. This easily replaces the neck strain from 'Jersey Boys' as worst front row experience. I never say this, but avoid the stalls and go up to the circle!"
"A 29 and 30: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). Got seats for £20 each. The best front row view for a show in my opinion."
"Rows B, C and D: "Made In Dagenham" (November 2014). My coach party had seats in rows B, C and D of the stalls. I was concerned that they may have been too close, but no one complained - and many said what good seats they were. They were comfortable and had plenty of leg room."
"B6: "Waitress" (February 2019). If you want little bit cheaper ticket the low numbers side is best as there nothing of significance happening on that side that you miss. Unlimited leg-space as no seat in front. Front row AA is also good for that."
"B8 and 9: "Back to the Future - The Musical" (September 2021) (Bob Pickett). Very close to the stage. For this production (the stage is high) you are looking both up and across which can get uncomfortable. Thankfully there were some empty seats next to us, at the interval we moved to B11 & 12; moving that bit more central meant you were looking straight ahead (still upwards), a far more comfortable experience. Shorter theatregoers will lose the back of the stage, taller ones will still lose the very front. All four seats were very comfortable (not a fidget) and legroom is decent."
"B10: "Love Never Dies" (March 2010). Being fairly short, I could only see the action from the waist up. At the interval I moved back to a slightly better seat."
"B18: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). Immediately behind the MD, but his head was below the level of the stage and I barely noticed him. Good legroom – enough for a 6’2” bloke to shuffle down in his seat a little and still be comfy. This theatre sometimes has issues with the height of the stage, but the Kinky Boots stage was low enough to allow me to see the full surface of the stage when sitting upright. When I shuffled down, I could see all the important feet – and most of the heels on those boots render this irrelevant. At no point (even shuffled down) did I get the slightest impression that I was missing anything due to the height of the stage. Some neck-craning for the (few) scenes that took place on the upper level of the stage, but most of the action takes place at stage level and is very comfortable to watch, even this close. I’d definitely consider row A for day seats."
"B20: "Love Never Dies" (March 2010). I paid £35 through the GILT ticket offer (runs January to March each year). I'm 6ft tall and felt I had satisfactory leg room. Being so close to the stage means you have to look up resulting in a bit of a neck ache, plus you miss the the performers feet at times. When some of the performers are on the ground or the video images are rolling you have to strain yourself to get a full view. The conductor only once got in my way, but otherwise wasn't an issue. Overall, it's an OK seat for the price I'd say, but would sit further back if I went again."
"B20: Kinky Boots" (August 2015). Perfect view, middle of the row, stage floor was pretty much on eye level. Legroom was good enough to sit reasonably comfortable, not good enough to stretch my legs."
No, I don’t want to be a Drag Queen, but if I had any inclinations this might have pushed me over the edge. Matt Henry is divine, he brings not just the glamour to the show, but also lots of heart. There are a few raunchy jokes, but while the boots may be kinky, the show is not. At its core it’s rather a sweet story, heartwarming, good-natured, and funny.
"B 22 and 23: "Love Never Dies" (March 2010) (Darren). Fantastic seats giving superb views - almost putting us in the show, especially during the breathtaking projections. The performers feet were often missing though. The legroom was great too. I would consider changing these to Green."
"B24 and 25: "Love Never Dies" (2010), (Karyn). Enjoyed an excellent view of the action, although we did get a bit of neckache towards the end. No matter, what we lacked in neck comfort was made up for in legroom...we had LOADS!! Why do people complain of there not being any legroom from row B back? We had plenty and we're what you'd call short. They must be made up of Peter Crouch proportions is all I can think!"
"B24 and 25: (Tracey) almost felt like we were on the stage - right in the action!"
"B25 to 28: Although when I sat in these seats it was to see "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," I would avoid sitting in these seats for 'Love Never Dies.' One of the main features of 'Love Never Dies' is the visual presence of the show. In order to appreciated this I would recommend sitting further back. Row B25 to 28, although allowing you to feel part of the action, are just too close to the stage for a production of this scale! You would without a doubt leave the show with a sore neck from straining to take in the full view of the staging. The leg room in Row B is also quite uncomfortable."
"B31: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015), (Glen Morranjie). B31 Others behind me got end of aisle seats further back in stalls but with a very acceptable view. One of the people in my row didn't turn up so I was able to move along one seat and get a perfect view."
"B31: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). Got seat for £20. The best view for a show in my opinion."
"Row C: "Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street" (March 2012). The seats are being sold at top rate but the sight lines are terrible. SPOILER ALERT A lot of the action takes place well back on the stage and also on the floor of the stage. Sitting in row C last night I was unable to see what was happening – particularly at the end and also the pivotal scene where Sweeney discovers he has killed his wife. She is dead on the floor and he goes to pick her up and cuddle her. Frankly he could have been cuddling an old blanket for what the audience could see. SPOILER ENDS. I am sure that rows A and B have an even worse view. It is totally wrong that for this production these rows are top price.
I sat in row C for Evita and the view was good but then not much was happening down below."
"Row C: "Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street" (March 2012). We sat in stalls row C and still found the stage high. I think its dreadful that they can charge £67.50 for rows A, B and C as you do not get a full view of the stage. I (also) found the sound a bit soft in the first half."
"C10: was good for Derren Brown (July 2009). No cricked neck - from previous comments I imagined the stage would be about 6 feet above us, it was actually on eye level, and there was plenty of leg-room both between knee and seat in front, and also to stretch out lower leg. Was surprised how intimate the venue actually was and how close the dress circle was to the stage (maybe I'm just used to huge music arenas). "
"C 7 and 8: "Made In Dagenham" (September 2015). Leg room was abundant and for Made in Dagenham you also have Gemma Arterton and other cast members standing at your side at various points. The view was not restricted, nor had any heads in the way due to the stage height, but was far enough back to also take in the stage as a whole. A great "day seat" bargain for £25!"
"C10: "Love Never Dies" (March 2010) Bad set design meant I had a very poor view of the Phantom and Christine in the final scene."
"C9 to 12. A little to the side, but a great view. None of my group had any problem with the stage height, and we felt almost part of the action. I found the legroom to be adequate (remembering I am well above average height!). Maybe, had the show been a long one, I might have had trouble, but for 'Joseph' I didn't notice."
"C 15 to 18: The view was good - big heads in front do obscure slightly but that is the luck of the draw. Leg-room was plentiful too. No neck ache at all and you certainly feel in with the action - sweat and spit can be clearly seen."
"C18: a great seat with great views but alas, the seat looked like it was in need of a good steam clean it was filthy."
"C18 and 19: "Love Never Dies" (2010), purchased through the annual www.getintolondontheatre.com offer for the bargainous price of £25! Legroom was actually very good, and the view of the stage was excellent."
"C22: for "Love Never Dies" (March 2010), (Linda O'Reilly). Perfect!... Plenty of leg room, which surprised me. Most of us were happy in our seats although a couple in Row B moved at the interval to further back. Maybe they found it loud? Not sure. I think if you were in Row A, you could be distracted by the handsome conductor. But then again you may not notice him - but I would go for Row C or D."
"C23 and C24: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). Perfect seats giving an excellent full and close up view. Comfort and leg room extremely good."
"C24: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015), (Tonyloco). Saw it from C24 on a special offer that afforded me quite a large discount. The seat was excellent except that the sound of the orchestra was very heavy, but perhaps that’s what Cyndi Lauper wanted. Good lighting, too, that never shone in my eyes in row C."
"C26, C27: "Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street" (March 2012). The stage is somewhat raised making it impossible to see the floor from rows A to C. Sweeney Todd has several scenes that use a trap door and some pivotal action on the floor that is impossible to see from these rows. There are also several important scenes at the back of the stage that can’t be seen; the view of the back of the stage from seats 22+ is obscured by a large spiral staircase on the stage. Occupiers of these seats are also occasionally blinded by stage lights from the side. Avoid."
“C27 and 28: “Back To The Future The Musical” (September 2021), (Bob Pickett). Great seats. Comfortable (if a little narrow), decent leg room. Very close to the stage - the Adelphi has a high stage but row C is just far enough back to avoid craning the head (though it’s unknown if any performer has feet from this location). A row or two back would give a rounder view, but I’d happily book these again.”
"C 27 and 28: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). (A. Oakley). As many readers of this site I confess to becoming a Monkey addict and refuse to book a show before consulting the monkey, so, onto Kinky Boots, I sat in the seats C 27 and 28, not normally where I would book but the seats had a good review and I was not disappointed, great legroom and a fantastic view (although standing at 5' 5" I could not see much below the ankle of the performers)."
"C30 and 31: "Love Never Dies" (March 2010). The stage is very high and for the first time ever in the theatre I had neck ache. The stage is very high and we generally saw from the actors knees and above. It was close enough to see the actors every expression but that's about it, so I would highly recommend sitting further back or ideally in the circle."
"Row D: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). The leg room in row D had to be seen to be believed – I could almost stretch my legs out straight in front of me!
"D7 and D8: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). Are quite towards the end, and although we didn't miss anything, we do prefer to be more central. I would not have wanted to be in end 2 seats."
"D 8 and 9: "Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street" (March 2012). Had a good view but as the stage is very deep could not quite see the back. Seats further forward in my opinion would be too close as the stage looks quite high. When I go again I will try for Row E or F or even Dress Circle."
"D8 and 9: "Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street." I thought they were great. I have never, repeat never, been in a London theatre with so much leg room! I'm 6' 1" but could stretch my legs right out and didn't even need to stand to let people past. Awesome. Seat was perfectly comfortable too. It is indeed steep for some aspects of the staging, notably when Sweeney comes right out to the front at dress circle height, but this is no problem, I like the innovative staging and it meant that sightlines were no problem at all from these front stalls. We could see every aspect of the staging except the floor surface but this is irrelevant as it isn't a relevant part of the show. I reckon you'd also get away with D7 but anything lower than that is basically restricted view, in my opinion. I'm very happy to consider D8 and 9 as top price tickets."
"D10 and 11: "Love Never Dies" (March 2010), (Ali). Very good seats for seeing details of the makeup, costumes and expressions, however, the stage is quite high, and I think we may have missed some movement and action further towards the back of the stage. Loads of leg room in front of the seat, but the seat itself is one of the narrowest I have ever sat on. Oh, and take a cardigan along - the air conditioning is quite fierce!"
"D16: Previously I was sitting in the Dress Circle, seat A14. Last night I was in the stalls, D16. What a difference a seat makes, which is the main reason I'm writing to you now! 'Love Never Dies' is one show where it really does pay to sit mid-way back in the stalls or towards the front of the Dress Circle. I've read yours and other reviewers comments about seating at the Adelphi and offer some further opinions.
Good points about D16. A relatively comfortable seat with excellent legroom. It doesn't matter that the rake is non existent here because you have to look up at the stage, over peoples heads. You are also close enough to feel part of the action and to see the expressions on the actors' faces and all their little mannerisms!
Bad points about D16. The stage is high and you can't see the actors' feet, even though this is not a dance musical. Several pieces of the set are quite low down and are hidden from view which was annoying. You are often aware of the conductor. David Charles Abell is very animated and stands quite high up and I really pitied the people in row A sitting right behind him. In fact, I wouldn't recommend row A at all, especially as the seats are sold at full price. I'll go back and see the show again - just not from row D."
"D 19 to 22: "Joseph," (Celia). "We had terrific seats,2 stalls, almost dead centre and with a clear view of the stage. No problem in getting a booster seat for my son and despite some rather large heads in front of him he had a really good view of the action."
"D24 and 25: "Evita," (Richard Bradbury). Great seats, superb view most of the time. The only faults with these seats are that some of the action on the left is obscured and the back wall of the set is difficult to see with the heads in front of you (nobody in front of us was particularly tall but it was a struggle to see)."
"D27: "The Bodyguard" (November 2012). A good seat, perfect view of the stage so long as you don't mind not seeing the actors feet, and there is nobody hugely tall in front of you. It is a little to the side but nothing is missed as a result. Legroom was surprisingly good for me at 6' 5", I had room to sink into my seat a little in order to avoid the inevitable moaning from behind but given the people behind were more interesting in talking through every quiet part of the show I soon sat upright and could see everything perfectly."
"E10 and 11: "Waitress" (March 2019). Good legroom. Decent sightlines but had to do a bit of head-bobbing. Two rows in front, and fortunately not immediately in front of us, there was a woman with a MASSIVE hairdo, all her hair piled on top of her head, adding about ten inches to her height. It was like sitting behind a man in a top hat. DON’T DO THIS, LADIES!!!!!! The poor people sitting behind her moved in the interval."
"E15: (Victoria). I found that I had plenty of leg room and felt the air conditioning - people further back mentioned that they were roasting. However, the seat in front of me was not at all staggered and so I struggled to see past the head right in front of me when someone was on the floor - and did have to crane my neck a bit to see the balcony scenes, although I'm only 5'1."
"E18: "Love Never Dies" (February 2010). This was a very good seat, a bit narrow, but with masses of legroom. I’m only 5’8’’ tall but I could fully stretch my legs under the seat in front! The seats aren’t as staggered as further back in the theatre, though. Luckily the people in row D in front of us weren’t particularly big and so the view of the stage was almost unobstructed. And, monkey was absolutely right, I hardly noticed the conductor, even though it was the animated David Charles Abell! Oh, and the two seats to my right were empty so I could spread out a bit!
One thing that did surprise me a little was that I could almost see the whole of the stage floor from where I was sitting, so a plus point there! Comparing rows E and O (where I've sat previously), I do prefer E provided there’s no-one too big in front of you, purely due to it’s closer proximity to the stage and actors, although to fully appreciate the projections you do need to be a few rows further back. You pays your money and takes your choice!"
"E22: "The Rat Pack" (September 2009). In the stalls for £15! Very good seat could see everything very well."
"E32 and 33: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). Wonderful seats bought as day seats with a completely unrestricted view. No action missed at the side of the stage and far enough back to avoid any potential neck ache from being front row. Leg room more than adequate, very spacious in both seats. I think the theatre may have undergone a refurbishment, as seats were almost pristine and perhaps seat rows shifted a bit to increase space as my legroom experience contradicts what was previously written on the site."
"Row F: "Love Never Dies," (February 2010). Great seats as you could see the whole stage. Really super show and lots to look at on stage."
“F3: “Back To The Future: The Musical” (September 2021). Pretty good view for being on the side. Missed a tiny bit on the side close to me but didn't matter at all. Good legroom. Would sit here again!”
"I sat in F4 in the stalls. The view was not bad, some of the action lost on the right hand balcony and right at the back of the stage in the arches."
"F 9 and 10: Found the Adelphi to be a cosy theatre with very comfortable seats, especially for the smaller person. We had a good view and there was of plenty of leg room."
"F 13 to 15: "Love Never Dies," (February 2010). The view of the stage was great, legroom adequate. This was far enough back to get the full impact of the projections, but close enough to get the nuances of the performances. That said, due to the shallow rake, if someone with big hair, or a continual fidgeter or (dare I say it!!) someone exceptionally tall sits in front of you, you may have a few viewing problems. Obviously I had no such problem! For me at 6'5" these seats were excellent!"
"F20 in the stalls: "Love Never Dies," (February 2010). Great seat, plenty of legroom, and very close to the action. Also being bang in the middle of the row meant that there was minimal disruption from people leaving / returning to their seats, so I’d highly recommend a seat in this area."
"F21: "Love Never Dies" (at it's last performance in 2011). Wasn’t bad in that there was plenty of legroom, although the rake is pretty poor at that point in the theatre. Funnily enough, I preferred stalls C22 which I sat in at another performance. Again, there is plenty of legroom, and because you have to look up at the stage, you are looking over peoples heads! The downside is that you can’t see the actors’ feet! Oh well, I suppose you can’t have everything, but like the monkey, I prefer to be closer to the stage than further away."
"F27 and F28: (Paul). Purchased when they were "premium" seats for "Joseph" (2008). Can't quite see what makes them special except the price!!! The rake was poor and a young girl of average size sat in front and obscured some of the view to left of stage."
"Row G: The view was superb. Not too close to crane your neck but close enough to feel part of it".
G7 and 8: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015): These seats were cheaper than those further back, presumably because the rake is not as good, but I felt they were good value for money. Decent legroom and a good view of the stage, even though we had a couple of taller people sitting in front of us."
"G13 and 14: "The Bodyguard" (May 2013). We booked tickets for this show through a Lastminute.com offer at £39.50 each, and were delighted to find ourselves in the so-called ‘ premium seats ‘ which are nominally priced at a colossal £95!! The view is very good but the rake is shallow so would have been obstructed had we been sat behind taller theatre-goers. The legroom is good but as there’s no aisle in the centre of Row G there was a lot of standing up as people shuffled past to their seats."
"G14: "Made In Dagenham" (October 2014). A decent view of the stage and good legroom. Rake does seem worse here than further back."
"G 17 and 18: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). A very good place from which to see Kinky Boots for the fourth time … especially when almost the only empty seat in the stalls is in front of you!"
"G seats 19, 20 and 21: I am 6ft 2ins and the legroom was terrific and I had plenty of room to stretch out. My view was also excellent but my wife and daughter (being somewhat shorter than me) had there view slightly obstructed by heads in the row in front, the rake at row G being very shallow. The lack of a centre aisle meant a bit of a trek from the side aisle over bags / coats / refreshments and other people despite us arriving early."
"G20: "Joseph" (James in Finchley): couldn't have had a better seat in terms of being close to the action but not too close that you have to move your head from side to side to see the whole stage. I had to crane my neck a little but the person in front was particularly tall so I don't reckon it would usually be a problem. Given the choice I'd have probably gone a couple of rows further back just to be safe."
"G27 and 28: (Tracey) great view (especially as the row was curved) and on our preferred side of the theatre"
"G28: "Sweeney Todd" (March 2012). I found the legroom was adequate, I have only ever had real problems towards the back of the Adelphi stalls , but this seat was comfortable without being generous. The back left corner of the stage was obscured, more so for this particular production due to the stairs that were placed near the front. I would keep them as white as in general the view was great, but I feel for full price you should see the whole stage uninterrupted. However, definitely worth considering."
"G28 and 29: "Love Never Dies" - great view."
"G seats 30 to 34: (Matthew Wright). I agree with your 'value' guide to these seats as the view was good but just too off-centre I think for full price"
"H 3 and 4: "Love Never Dies" (2010). (James). You do miss quite a bit of the set being at the end of the row, but the sound is great from here. Good at a discount."
"H12: "Love Never Dies" (2010). Had so much leg room, I could spread my legs out fully (I’m 6ft) – shame a few inches couldn’t have been added to the width of the seat as this was very narrow."
"H12, 13, 14 and 15: "Sweeney Todd" (February 2012). We had a fantastic view, could see every part of the stage including the floor."
"H14: "Love Never Dies" (2010). Brilliant seat. I wouldn't have gone again had it not been a decent place to see from! I'm one who likes to be as close to the action as possible (without affecting the view) but thought it was a perfect distance back with an excellent view."
"H14:"Love Never Dies" (2010). The Adelphi Theatre is quite small and the seat was fairly comfortable with a good view."
"H15 and 16: "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" (June 2015) Brilliant seats. Almost dead centre and a perfect distance to the stage. The offset of the seats enabled a good view between heads. Legroom was OK for me at 5'7""
"H 22: "Love Never Dies" (2010). The seat was great and provided a great view of the stage, however the stage is very high so I would advise people to sit from row F back if possible. I also think that the stalls is the best place for this show.
A word of warning though, don't sit to far to the left of the stage (high end numbers) due to the stupid end scene! For the £40 (access rate) I thought the seat was excellent, even if this rate is one of the most expensive in London."
"H29 and 30 (Nicki): seats were perfect - didn't have to look up or down, close enough to see everything. A little off to the side, but not a restricted view."
"J7 to 10: "Kinky Boots" (September 2015). Proved an excellent choice. Good leg room for all, close to the stage to feel thoroughly involved, and good views. Slight blocking of view by the head in front was useful when the lights reflected off the shiny set too much in one scene near the end, but otherwise was only noticeable in one song when someone on stage stayed still a while – and that doesn’t happen much in this show. As we were slightly to one side, I took note of the Monkey’s comment about the large speakers – and I was glad not to be any nearer the stage – the sound does get loud at some points."
"J11: "Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street" (March 2012). Imagine my surprise when I could hardly hear the words in the opening chorus because of what sounded to me like a seriously over-amplified orchestra and under-amplified singers. I thought: ‘Oh, I’ll get used to it.’ But this effect continued as the show progressed to the extent that I felt Anthony was a complete washout vocally, and Michael Ball sounded seriously overparted most of the time. Imelda seemed to be pushing her voice through ‘The worst pies in London’ although she was better in ‘Have a little priest’. Pirelli and the judge were OK, but Joanna’s voice sounded horrible. I was at all times bothered by the sound of traditional instruments in a sparse, lean orchestration (cellos, flutes, etc) seriously too loud, not blending and overwhelming the vocal lines."
"J 13, 14, 15: "Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street" (March 2012). (Nadia Ansari). The view was excellent! I love being able to see the characters faces and being close to the action. There is barely any staggering to the seats here so you do find yourself looking up but from this row it is was fine. The seats are very comfortable and I didn't find myself fidgeting as I normally do."
"J18: "Kinky Boots" (September 2015), (Taljaard). Booked a discounted ticket in the Upper Circle and on arrival was upgraded to J19 on the Stalls. An incredible seat."
"J27: "Made In Dagenham" (October 2014). Got this ticket through TKTS in Leicester Square and this was a very good view. All the stage was visible and the incline is just starting. I read a review that the overhang starts to affect the view at P, I would be dubious of this however as the overhang starts directly above this row, however the 2 or 3 rows behind this would have had a decent view as well."
"J 29 and 30: "Joseph." (Gill). Gave us a good view, only part of the staircase where the children sat was partially obscured."
"K19 and 20: "Joseph". (James, regular reader). Having sat in row G last time I preferred being a few rows back as I could see the whole stage without turning my head from side to side. The view was perfect (especially as there was no-one sitting in the row in front) and the sound is great here too."
“K33: “Back To The Future: The Musical” (September 2023), (Broadway John). Good view. Tons of legroom! Found the seat uncomfortable. Quick access to men's room!”
"L 11 to 16: We all enjoyed a fine view, as well we should at £55 a pop (for "Evita in 2006)!"
"L15 and 16: "Love Never Dies" (February 2010). These seats were fantastic! You are far enough away from the stage to enjoy all the visual effects which are happening in the show but near enough to not have to strain to see the performance. The seats also offer fantastic leg room! We saw the show on a Wednesday matinee at the end of a stay in London and as a result both of us had a rucksack each and still felt like we had ample leg room."
"L23: "Kinky Boots" (August 2016). Turned out pretty good - the rake in there is shocking and looks like it barely kicks in until about row H... So L worked out well. Nicely raised over row in front, and not too off centre. I got lucky and ended up with no one directly in front of me so had a perfect view."
"L 27 to 32: "Made In Dagenham" (October 2014). Very good view and surprisingly ample legroom."
"M: (Rob). Great view for me; my parents are shorter and found even the 13 year old in front it slightly obscured their view."
"M9 and 10: Love Never Dies (version 2). (James, regular contributor). Great view and sound from here but lucky not to have anyone tall in front as the rake is very shallow."
"M13 and 14: Love Never Dies (version 2). (James, regular contributor). Good view and sound as long as you don't have someone tall in front as it's a poor rake."
"M13 to 15: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). Good rake, good view and adequate legroom. Sound can sometimes seem a bit quiet for vocals here - that's what we've found (was same at Made in Dagenham)."
"M16: "Made In Dagenham" (October 2014). Good seats and legroom with great view of stage from row M. Worth paying the extra for. Usual slight Adelphi rake issue so fingers crossed who you get sitting in front!"
"M23 and 24: weren't great because a rather tall men sat in front of me, so I had to lean to the side every time anyone moved. The rake is dreadful in the Adelphi."
"M23 and 24: "Love Never Dies". (James, regular contributor). The view is great from here as long as you don't have someone tall in front of you as the rake is very poor. Sound good from here too."
"M27: "Kinky Boots" (November 2015). (Yasmin, Bromley). Had a fantastic view of all the stage. My friend who is 5'11" had plenty of leg room which was why we went for stalls as we were alerted by Theatremonkey that Dress Circle seats were terrible for leg room and the show is quite long."
"M32 and 33: Love Never Dies". (James, regular contributor). These end of row seats are a little too far round to justify top price, but a good rake and great sounds makes them fair with a discount. My comment about the end of row M with a good rake goes against an earlier comment to this site about a bad rake. Maybe it's the ends of the aisles that make it feel better, or have I suddenly grown?!"
Reader Mark adds for the same show,
"M32: Not bad considering it's right on the edge, but if better seats towards the centre are available take those."
"Row N: We got three seats together in the side stalls on row N (which are red on the theatremonkey plan but I didn't find them a problem at all) - I think any further back and you do get a restricted view at certain points in the show".
"N9 and 10: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015): Got a very good deal – there are a lot of those around just now. Good view and close enough to the stage to feel comfortable, but we did have empty seats in front of us. No problems with leg room."
"N19 to N24: "Joseph". (James). The view was great and the sound is really good here. I also found legroom pretty good compared to some theatres. The only problem was the heat - it was absolutely boiling throughout the show."
"N29 and 30: "Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street" (March 2012). (Debbi). The legroom was great and the seats were pretty comfortable with a great view, except if there was action taking place on either of the two upper platforms - none of the main action took place here, but the ensemble often congregated to join in with the songs or to react to a certain scene. I was unlucky enough to have someone who was very tall and had a rather large head in front of me, but that was remedied in the second half as there were seats free further down the aisle which we moved to after the interval. These seats were on the outer edge but we also had a great view (still in Row N)."
"O4 and 5: "Back To The Future The Musical" (July 2021). Great seats had a perfect view. Adelphi toilets very smart and no queues before or during interval in Ladies."
"O 4, 5, 6, 7: "The Bodyguard" (August 2014). I got tickets for £39.50 in a sale (RRP £60), which were excellent seats. The Adelphi is also one of few London venues to have modern and sufficient toilets to cope with the capacity."
"O15 and 16: "Love Never Dies" (2010). Bought under the excellent 'Get Into London Theatre' event (January to March). The seats were £35 each reduced from the full price of £67.50. They are situated three and four in from the aisle, on the right hand side of the auditorium, and - due to the fact that the rows are staggered - there is no-one directly in front of you blocking the view, although if anyone tall is sitting in front, parts of the sides of the stage may be obscured. The seats were pretty comfortable and one good point is that there was plenty of legroom! The view was generally fine, although I think I would have liked to have been a couple of rows further forward. The projections and surround sound were brilliant, though!"
"Row O 8 and 9: "Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street" (March 2012). These were fine, the seating isn't hugely racked and so if someone sits in front of you in the stalls with a big head, hair etc you are always going to struggle. There is a bit of action stage left which is obscured but this doesn't detract from being able to enjoy the production."
"O13: "Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street" (March 2012). Managed to get it on deal for £37. It proved to be an absolute bargain. Nice and central with plenty of legroom and sound was superb from this position. This is a production that absolutely uses the full height of the stage, but despite the dress circle overhanging at row H, this seat seat provided a perfect view of everything that happened."
"O17: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015). A bargain at £29.50 from TKTS. Apparently reduced from £75, then £45. Legroom is adequate. No complaints. The overhang from the circle is not a problem here and you could probably chance a row or two further back before it becomes a problem. Seats could be positioned better, they are almost behind each other I found myself having to adjust according to which way the lady in font of me was looking and she was clearly doing the same. The main issue was lake of rake in this theatre, or rather lack of so anywhere in the mid section of the stalls will have minor sight issues. However it's also a high stage, so too near and you will be straining your neck. If I were going again I'd aim for the monkey's recommended seats on the plan."
"O17 and 18. (Sara Levene). The overhang of the balcony did nothing to spoil the view. The stagger let us see well despite the absence of a rake. There was plenty of leg room"
"O27: "Back to the Future - The Musical" (September 2021). Surprisingly tons of legroom. Very good view, no obstructions. TodayTix day seat for £25."
"P17 and 18: "One Man, Two Guvnors" (November 2011). Sight lines even from centre aisle seats in the stalls depend on the bulk of the people in front of you. The bloke two rows down from me effectively blotted out the band’s lead singer from the nipple line downwards in the opening number. On the upside the seats themselves are not completely uncomfortable and the leg room not unreasonable."
"P30: "Love Never Dies," (February 2011). Good seat, it's just in the red on the map as towards the edges and naturally if you were paying full price you would try and get as central as possible. However if you got a bargain like me (£25 on an offer) then there is nothing wrong with the seats. Being towards the edges makes no real difference to viewing 'Love Never Dies;' it doesn't obstruct anything or cause you to miss anything. It is not a particularly wide theatre, so if you get a seat towards the edges for a bargain price... go for it. Leg room is excellent, I am 6ft 4 and can tell you it is some of the best leg room you will ever get. Row P is quite a good distance back to view the show, you can see the whole stage easily without being too far away - and the rake is better to the middle and rear of the stalls."
"Row S: (Michael). Yep the circle above does cut off the top of the stage but you still didn't miss anything. I'm 6ft 3 and its the best legroom I've had in a theatre."
"S 16: "Love Never Dies" (February 2010). (Mark). Got this seat from TKTS as part of the 30th Anniversary Celebrations, and because I was one of the first 30 in the queue, I got it for free! How they can charge top price is beyond me, it was a good seat, but to see those up close facial expressions you would need to be closer. Third row dress circle was better. Definitely go for further forward in the stalls at top price. I'd also avoid the seats for £62.50 in the back couple of rows, it would be worth the extra £5 to sit closer to the front."
"S25: "Love Never Dies" (February 2010). (Mark). Good seat, but would definitely want to be further forward at top price."
"S26: "Love Never Dies" (February 2010). (Mark). Too far back, preferred row M, even though this was more central."
"Row T 21 to 24. (J.D.). The view was excellent... (you can't account for big heads though)."
Row U 17 and 18: "Joseph" (2006). The tallest member of my group at 6'4" had asked for an aisle seat which was very unfortunate for him as I had to allocate him U17 and 18. If only he hadn't asked, any other seat back to row T would have have given him plenty of leg room. There is at least a foot difference in leg room between row T and U, at least for those seats that are immediately in front of the mixing desk. He literally could not sit with the seat down and had to perch on it in the upright position. The row does widen in the lower numbers past the mixing desk but it really is bad for those 6 to 8 seats that are immediately in front of the mixing desk. Even fairly short members of my group sitting near him had their knees crammed against the seat in front."
"V32 and 33: "Joseph." (Tracey). Might have been a problem if we had taller people in front, but we were lucky and only down side is that you don't get to see the 'uplifting' part of the encore."
"W 11 and 12: "Kinky Boots" (August 2015), (Alison Clark). I purchased these tickets direct with the theatre, on the day of the show, for £35 each. I was advised that our seats meant the top of the set would be cut from our view but that it wouldn't affect anything of 'Kinky Boots'. Good view and missed nothing. However, for me personally, the balcony overhang was distracting, (as was the sound desk towards my right), and being so far back I felt slightly disconnected from the show. I didn't feel completely immersed in the show. (The show itself however is absolutely fantastic, a feel good factor show.) I guess you pay for what you get but in hindsight think I would have preferred to pay a little more and sit further forward."
"W14: "Waitress" (March 2019). Got for £35 which turned out to be a good seat, comfortable with 2 spare seats next to me and no seat behind (restriction by a tiny corner of the sound booth but nothing happened on the stage at all in the corner.)."
"W 28 and 29: Sweeney Todd" (March 2012). It was basically OK - there was no-one in front of us - but it wasn't till a few minutes in that I realised the chorus were actually on the metal steps and scaffolding at the top... because we couldn't see them! That didn't matter much but when the barber shop staging came right forward at one stage, it completely cut off seeing Michael Ball's head! Fortunately, that was for a very brief time but if we had paid £55 each instead of £55 for two I think I should have been most annoyed!"