Ambassadors Theatre

Uncomfortable for those over around 5ft 8 (though you can put your feet into the space under the seats in front, which helps) in all seats except A to C.

It is unlimited in A if that is the front row. Rows B and C are also suitable for those up to 5ft 10 if they are not the front row.

Rows F, H and P seem to have a little less legroom than the others, perhaps for those up to around 5ft 6.

Seats C1 has about 50% clear ahead of it, while C14 has space for one slim leg to stretch perhaps.
 

Row A has it for legroom, and the view is fine, but a little neck ache may be encountered looking up at the stage. A good discount make these a worthwhile choice in the monkey's opinion.

Seats in rows F to H offer the best views, H probably as good as it gets unless someone tall is in front.

B and C are also fine with the stage height likely to cancel out any other issues, D and E perhaps without the slope so not quite as good.

Beyond row G, maybe worth going 4 seats off the aisle in case the circle above reduces the view of the top of the stage for some production.

Otherwise, you are pretty safe all the way back to J at top prices, most likely.

K and L may feel a little far back unless discounted.

M and N are great value if cheaper, and the monkey would take N over M if there is a price drop and you feel tall enough to see over rows in front – otherwise there is the circle option with its steep steps.

Row P is probably best avoided. Squeezed into “box” like areas either side of the sound desk there seems no advantage to them unless discounted. In particular, if anyone tall is in the row in front, the view in row P is likely to be affected quite considerably.
 

High stage.

Not much slope raising rows A to E, and little seat off-set there either.

Row P feels separated by the walls and row ahead, and seats are not off-set nor raised enough to see around a tall person in front.
 

Paranormal Activity
Row A is the front row, third price. Fair value, but be aware the stage is high - eye-level to a 5ft 7 monkey - and you will look up. You will also not see to the back of the upstairs level of the set, but as action takes place at the front of that level, only a few moments are out of sight. The price well compensates for this, and the legroom is a treat for all up to 6ft 10 at least.

Behind it, row B is second price. Beware the high stage and second level - may as well go for cheaper A, or take a look at row L to see upstairs more easily. You can also go for the pairs of seats on the ends of rows C to K. Take G, H, F, E, K, D, C in that order for the best view of upstairs, and perhaps high numbers end over lower numbers end to see the downstairs hallway more clearly.

Rows C is top non-premium price. Beware the high stage and second level - may as well go for cheaper A.

Central rows F to J are "premium" priced (middle seats "premium plus" on Saturdays). If you must, take G or H, to be on the safe side.

You can go around seats in F to J, or play safe with central K at top non-premium price for near-identical views.

If taking F to J 3 and 15 (J16) remember the seat next to you is cheaper, with the same view.

The monkey would go for third price seats anyway row A first.

Monday to Friday, it would skip third price M and take fourth price row N - cheaper for the same view.

Saturday, it would take third price M5 to 15 once same price A has gone.

Row P is fourth price at all times. Fair value if you are not claustrophobic, and don't wish to be further away - but it is more comfortable for legroom in much of the back of the dress circle.

1536
Row A is the front row, with unlimited legroom. Third price at it is looking up at the stage - which is above eye-level to a 5ft 7 monkey. 

Central seats A3 to 9 are tolerable, in fact, a pretty good deal - you won't miss much, just see the cast from mid-calf upwards. Outermost pairs are worth avoiding as they are closer to the stage and look up more sharply. 

Behind it, row B is “premium” price in the centre, top non-premium price at the ends. Rows back to J follow the same pattern.

Miss row B as the neck ache isn't worth it, and C is not much better for the price. By D, the stage does not feel quite so high. E and F progressively more comfortable too.

If you are going premium, take G or H, to be on the safe side. Row J 7 to 12 are also well worth a thought, as you get a “package” of extras for less than the row in front, and pretty much the same view.

At top non-premium price you can go around premium seats in E to J, or play safe with central K, for near-identical views to the more expensive stuff.

Skip L 5 to 15. The seats next to you are cheaper second price, with the same view.

At second price, also take M 3 to 17, central as possible, for a decent view if you do not fancy the neck ache of the front row.

Row P is third price, fair value if you are not claustrophobic, and don't wish to be further away - and it is more comfortable for legroom in much of the back of the dress circle.

"Stalls:  "Kathy & Stella Solve A Murder!" (June 2024). The stage for the current show (Kathy and Stella) is possibly one of the highest I've ever seen. Those sitting in the first three or four rows had barely any view at many moved at the interval. I felt very sorry for those in row A - they would need to see a chiropractor after the show!"

“B1 and 2: “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (October 2024), (Broadway John). Had to look up slightly as this was the second row.  Felt like I could see everything. Unlimited legroom. Was really close to the cast.”

"H15: "Kathy & Stella Solve A Murder!" (June 2024).That stage is insanely high, but stalls row H seems to have clear view - but stage right cabinet and top is not viewable from H15.
The sound is too loud. The theatre is too small for amplification! If 'London Tide' (in the huge Lyttelton Theatre) didn't need amplification, this show does not."

"L 13 to 16: "Kathy & Stella Solve A Murder!" (June 2024). Very good view with a tiny amount of overhang from upstairs and some of the lighting rig, but no problem for this show. Moderate leg room."

“M1: “Vardy V Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial (April 2023), (Broadway John). Seat is on the aisle. Tiny bit of the right side of the stage might be out of view but could see everything for this show. Decent legroom. Comfortable seat. The heads in front of me were a little in view but I could look around them if needed. Would definitely sit here again.”

“N19: “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (November 2024), (Broadway John). Fairly good view except you miss 10% of the stage on the left and anything on the upper level. Not a huge deal. Surprisingly good legroom.” 

Once notorious, most seats still will not please anyone taller than 5ft 7. Attempts have been made to increase “dangle room” by raising the seats so legs can hang down a little. There is still no space to stretch forward in most seats, though.

Row A 3 to 20 is suitable for those under 5ft 6 or so. Row A 1 and 22 for those under 5ft and 2 and 21 for those under 5ft 5.

Rows B to E for up to 5ft 7 willing to tolerate not being able to stretch forward. Note that there is an inch or so more legroom in the central seats than the outermost two.

Row F is about the same as the rows in front, with F1 having 1% clear in front for a slim leg to maybe move into slightly.

Row B 1 and 22 have nothing in front.

Row G does not curve and so the centre does not gain legroom. 

Row H has an inch less legroom than the row in front, perhaps for those under 5ft 6.

Row J has an inch more legroom if able to slide toes under the brass rail.

Row K shares the limited legroom of row H.

Row L is suitable for those up to around 5ft 9 with some extra space.

Row M seat 1 has nothing in front, 2 is also almost clear, 3 will suit someone up to 5ft 10 or so, 4 to around 5ft 9. Only seat 5 is not suitable for those over 5ft 6.
 

The view is fine from all seats, so if you don’t mind the legroom, at top price take rows A to D in that order, going centrally as possible and maybe not A 3 and 20 if squeamish about a rail nearby.

Row A seats 1, 2, 21 and 22 are pairs of seats apart at the edges of the circle. The view of the stage is sideways, but if offered at a good discount is worth considering over rear circle seats, provided again that legroom isn't a factor. Normally, skip them - there are better seats for the same price or less.

Behind, and just offset from them, B 1 and 22 have unlimited legroom and will appeal to tall singles wanting a view – even if there is an aisle rail, easily ignored.

Moving back, the newly raised seating makes rows feel slightly closer to the stage. Row F is possibly the limit at top prices, as the wall reminds those in G and H just how far from the front they are. 

Rear stalls L or M may well feel closer than J back, for those willing to look over heads.

The monkey would look for where prices drop. Row J is a thought for those who don’t mind the foot rail, but it would go for L and M at the back if they are cheaper still as you get roughly the same view and more legroom.

Take M1 and 2 for legroom, and M1 has a clear view straight down the aisle. If wanting a central seat, L is fine for most, and even M3 may feel reasonably in the action.
 

A very low wall runs in front of row H.

Paranormal Activity
In the main block, central A and B (plus C and D on Saturdays) are "premium" price. Central A rises to "premium plus" price on Saturday as well. Skip them unless very short - the view is excellent if you are, the legroom intolerable for everyone else.

Ends of row A are "package" seats. Again, not worth it for comfort reasons alone.

At top non-premium price, same applies - if you are unconcerned about your extremities, go as close to the premium seats as possible in A to C, or behind in D (E on Saturdays). Monkey really would not, though.

Monday to Friday
Top non-premium prices goes back to central E. Take them if you must - sideways out into the aisle for one leg in B to E may provide some relief. The monkey probably would not.

Prices drop to second at the ends of F, and F1 has a tiny bit more end aisle leg space, so is a possible if you have to. Skip G as legroom there and in H are not the best.

J is also just fair at second price for those wanting to see the upstairs of the house and not look over heads from the rear stalls if shorter. You can have row B or end pairs of seats B to K downstairs, though, for the same bananas and be more comfortable.

Likewise, if wishing to pay third price,  you can also have stalls row A or M for the same bananas. Far closer in A, if you prefer that to a view of the upper set.

The monkey would instead take L or M at lowest price for legroom comfort and similar views to J and K. 

If seeking cheap, and you don't fancy neck ache / can't get front stalls row A or don't feel like a side view box for the same bananas, rows L or M will do fine.

To carry on the theme, at third price, take M 1 to 3 first, good value and preferable to stalls row P / circle box C for the same bananas. The row wins on legroom and circle overhang / side view not cutting your view off as it does in the other seats.

Finally, dealing with row A and B corner seats, they are lowest price. B 1 and 22 are worth it for price and comfort even if the view is through rails.

Saturday
Top non-premium prices goes back to central H. Take them if you must - sideways out into the aisle for one leg in B to F may provide some relief. The monkey would not.

Prices drop to second at the ends of H, but legroom there is not the best. The monkey would take second price stalls, row B or end pairs of seats B to K downstairs, though, for the same bananas and be more comfortable. If you must have a second price circle seat, take L for legroom...

BUT row M is third price - far better in M1 to 3 for legroom comfort, and similar views to rows in front.

If seeking cheap, and you don't fancy neck ache / can't get front stalls row A or don't feel like a side view box for the same bananas, row M will do fine. It wins on legroom and circle overhang / side view not cutting your view off as it does in the other seats.

Finally, dealing with row A and B corner seats, they are lowest price. B 1 and 22 are worth it for price and comfort even if the view is through rails.

1536
In the main block, central A and B are "premium" (A 9 to 12 “premium plus”) price. Skip them unless very short - the view is excellent if you are, the legroom intolerable for everyone else.

At top non-premium price, same applies - if you are unconcerned about your extremities, go as close to the premium seats as possible in A or B, or behind in C.

Top non-premium prices go back to central D. Miss D 5 to 13 as the ends of the row are cheaper for the same view.

At second price ends of D or central E then F are the way to go if you don’t need legroom, or don't feel like a side view box for the same bananas. The box will be more comfortable for the taller.

Prices drop to third at the ends of H, but legroom is not the best. If wishing to pay third, squeezing the ends of H provide that aisle legroom if able to stretch one into it sideways.

J is average at third price. The monkey would instead take L or M at lowest price for legroom comfort and similar views to J and K.

If seeking cheap, and you don't fancy neck ache / can't get front row stalls at the same price, rows L or M will do fine.

To carry on the theme, at lowest price, take M 1 to 3 first, good value and preferable to stalls row P for the same bananas. The row wins on legroom and circle overhang / side view not cutting your view off as it does in the other seats. Third price stalls row A are a better consideration for being much closer, though the stage is very high and you will look sharply up. The monkey prefers close, but does not advise it for anyone under 5ft 7 or so.

Finally, dealing with row A and B corner seats, they are second price. B 1 and 22 are worth it for price and comfort even if the view is through rails.

"A3: "Rose" (May 2023). Should really be sold as restricted view. Attended "Rose" and had booked A3/4/5 but view was severely restricted from A3 and would have obliterated the view of Dame Maureen for the entire show as she doesn't move from her place on the bench.
The theatre were very understanding and moved all three of us to Dress Circle D 13/14/15 from which we had an excellent view, helped by the fact that no one was sitting in front of us! The leg room is non-existent and none of my party are tall!" 

"A13 and 14: "Rose" (May 2023). With the Circle overhanging the Stalls at Row G, the view from the front row of the Circle is absolutely perfect. 
However...the leg room is atrocious. I am only 5'6", but my knees were jammed against the wall of the balcony, couldn't even cross my legs to shift position. Would strongly advise taller people from booking this row."

"B10: "Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder!" (June 2024). Legroom was horrific; I had to invade my neighbours' space on both sides, and my knees were still digging into the seats in front. Avoid if even vaguely tall. I moved to row A in the Dress Circle in the interval, and that was a bit more comfortable." 

"D8: "Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder!" (June 2024). Good central view with decent rake and good staggering of seats. Seating is a bit tight though: there was a bit of overhang from the seat neighbour, and people around me were complaining about legroom (5 foot nothing me thought it was OK at best, so pity anyone taller). Dinky little place."

"Row E: "One Woman Show" (December 2022). The legroom was dire and I am not that tall. Fortunately the usher allowed the two people sat next to me to move down the next row which was next to empty sadly so I was able to spread out a bit."

It's been 40 years since I last visited the Ambassadors Theatre, 'Loot,' starring Leonard Rossiter, and I'd forgotten what a gem it is."

"H9 and 10: “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (October 2024).  Very difficult to access the seats as this is a row with seats that don’t fold up and you have to squeeze past people which is very tricky. You can also only access the row from one end so may have to go past many, many people. The view was good as it is central and reasonably unobstructed but I wouldn't relish sitting here again."

"J3: Harry Clarke" (March 2024), (Taljaard). Great, although the leg room would have been tight for a taller person."

Fixed chairs. The third one has very limited legroom.

A restricted side view from chair 1 nearest the front. Chair 3 has a decent view, missing only the side fifth of the stage, but it has limited legroom.

That leaves chair 2 as the best of the bunch, most view without leaning.

Side view of stage.

Paranormal Activity
Third price. About fair, feels the monkey. Worth it for legroom over same price dress circle seats, in particular.

1536
Second price. Well worth it as little happens at the edge of the stage, so you won't miss much. The stage is high as well, so this is at the right level at least, and more comfortable on legroom than most circle seats at the same bananas.