Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue
Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1V 7HD 0330 333 4809
- Where to buy tickets
- Best seat advice
- Seating plan/s
- Getting to the theatre
Buying tickets online
www.nimaxtheatres.com
This system allows you to select your seat AND check the view from it when you do so.
Booking fees per ticket:
No booking fees.
About the show:
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle
John Cleese's Fawlty Towers - The Play
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
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle
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 £9.45 on £67.50, £8.05 on £57.50, £6.65 on £47.50, £3.85 on £27.50, £3.65 on £22.50 seats 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.
John Cleese's Fawlty Towers - The Play
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 £22 on £110, £16 on £80, £11 on £55, £9 on £45, £5 on £25, £4 on £20 seats Tuesday to Thursday Evenings, £24 on £120, £18 on £90, £13 on £65, £11 on £55, £5 on £25, £4 on £20 seats at all other times 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
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle
Another alternative is www.seetickets.com which charge £10.13 on £67.50, £8.63 on £57.50, £7.13 on £47.50, £4.13 on £27.50, £3.38 on £22.50 seats booking fee per ticket, and £2.75 per booking (not per ticket) postal charge.
John Cleese's Fawlty Towers - The Play
Another alternative is www.seetickets.com charge £22 on £110, £16 on £80, £11 on £55, £9 on £45, £5 on £25, £4 on £20 seats Tuesday to Thursday Evenings, £24 on £120, £18 on £90, £13 on £65, £11 on £55, £5 on £25, £4 on £20 seats at all other times / £20 on £100, £14 on £70, £10 on £50, £8 on £40, £4 on £20 seats Tuesday to Thursday Evening previews, £22 on £110, £16 on £80, £11 on £55, £9 on £45, £4 on £20 all other preview date seats booking fee per ticket, and £2.75 per booking (not per ticket) postal charge.
Ticketmaster
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle
Alternatively, Ticketmaster charge £13.25 on £67.50, £11.25 on £57.50, £9.50 on £47.50, £5.50 on £27.50, £4.50 on £22.50 seats booking fee per ticket.
John Cleese's Fawlty Towers - The Play
Alternatively, Ticketmaster charge £13.75 on £110, £10 on £80, £7.50 on £55, £6.25 on £45, £3.25 on £25, £2.50 on £20 seats Tuesday to Thursday Evenings, £15 on £120, £11.25 on £90, £8.25 on £65, £7 on £55, £3.25 on £25, £2.50 on £20 seats at all other times / £12.50 on £100, £8.75 on £70, £6.25 on £50, £5 on £40, £2.50 on £20 seats Tuesday to Thursday Evening previews, £13.75 on £110, £10 on £80, £7 on £55, £5.75 on £45, £2.50 on £20 all other preview date seats booking fee per ticket.
Encore Tickets
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle
Encore Tickets charge £13.50 on £67.50, £11.50 on £57.50, £9.50 on £47.50, £5.50 on £27.50, £4.50 on £22.50 seats booking fee per ticket.
Discounts and "Meal and Show" packages may also be available.
John Cleese's Fawlty Towers - The Play
Encore Tickets charge £21 on £110, £16 on £80, £12 on £55, £10 on £45, £5 on £25, £4 on £20 seats Tuesday to Thursday Evenings, £23 on £120, £18 on £90, £13 on £65, £11 on £55, £5 on £25, £4 on £20 seats at all other times / £19 on £100, £14 on £70, £10 on £50, £8 on £40, £4 on £20 seats Tuesday to Thursday Evening previews, £21 on £110, £16 on £80, £11 on £55, £9 on £45, £4 on £20 all other preview date seats booking fee per ticket.
Discounts and "Meal and Show" packages may also be available.
London Theatre Direct
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle
Londontheatredirect.com charge £14.25 on £67.50, £12.25 on £57.50, £10 on £47.50, £6 on £27.50, £4.75 on £22.50 seats booking fee per ticket. Optional Ticket Insurance is also available.
Discounts may also be available.
John Cleese's Fawlty Towers - The Play
Londontheatredirect.com charge £23.25 on £110, £17 on £80, £12.75 on £55, £10.50 on £45, £5.25 on £25, £4.25 on £20 seats Tuesday to Thursday Evenings, £23.25 on £120, £19 on £90, £13.75 on £65, £11.75 on £55, £5.25 on £25, £4.25 on £20 seats at all other times / £21 on £100, £14.75 on £70, £10.50 on £50, £8.50 on £40, £4.25 on £20 seats Tuesday to Thursday Evening previews, £23.25 on £110, £17 on £80, £11.75 on £55, £9.50 on £45, £4.25 on £20 all other preview date seats booking fee per ticket. Optional Ticket Insurance is also available.
Discounts may also be available.
Box office information
Telephone: 0330 333 4809
Operated by Quay Tickets Agency 9am to 9pm daily, on behalf of the venue.
Booking fees per ticket for telephone bookings:
No booking fees.
For personal callers or by post:
Shaftesbury Avenue, London. W1V 7HD
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 0844 482 9677 (10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday) or email access(insert the @ symbol here)nimaxtheatres.com.
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.
The official website www.nimaxtheatres.com allows you to check the view from any seat selected.
- Stalls
- Stalls Boxes
- Dress Circle
- Dress Circle Boxes
- Upper Circle
- Upper Circle Boxes
- Balcony
Stalls
Layout
The Dress Circle overhangs the outermost three seats in all rows from F, and the centre stalls from around row M. Rows T to X lose their view of the top of the stage view due to circle overhang.
Speakers hanging under the circle are also in view from row R back.
Split into front and rear sections by an aisle in front of row T.
Rows A to R are split by a centre aisle for some, but not all, productions.
The seats are well raked (sloped floor to help see over rows in front) from around row L - and seats are off-set and slightly raised from row G back. Row X is on a step, so is raised a further six inches or so.
Legroom
More than acceptable for all but the tallest throughout the Stalls, with a few exceptions. Rows J and R seem to have less space for those over 5ft 10 or so. Rows W and X are mostly very cramped for those over 5ft 9 or so, though feet can go under seats in front and the plinth raising helps a lot.
Row T offers unlimited extra space as a gangway runs in front of it.
X6 has nothing in front of it. C1 and 19 and V7 has 99% of the seat width free ahead of it. E1 and 20, F1, G 1 and 22 have 10% of the seat width clear ahead of them. F21 has around 70% clear to the side of it.
Choosing seats in general
Advance booking rows A to D before the set has been installed is a gamble.
When the stage is low, those rows have near-perfect views, and if row A is reduced as "Day Seats" they are a bargain.
If the set has been placed on a plinth, or the stage floor raised, then those in rows A to D will experience neck strain looking upwards - for many rows B and C at top price might be avoidable due to this. If row A isn't discounted, casual visitors paying top price might want to avoid this row too.
For some reason, C4 has a higher back to the seat and the seat itself slopes slightly forward, the monkey noted.
A good rake in the stalls otherwise ensures good to excellent views from almost all seats in rows G to T. If a centre aisle is used, it means the prime seats in the middle of the theatre from row D back have the added luxury of space next to them.
The rest of row T, and V behind it, are nicely central, and central row T seats 11 and (most of) 12 get the bonus of legroom and a view straight down the centre aisle. Wheelchair users can either park at the ends of stalls row R, for a reasonable view; or transfer to any aisle seat.
Behind these, rows W and X, when cheaper, are worth considering for vertigo-sufferers with short legs, feels the monkey. Any discount may indicate a restricted view of the set, but rarely reflects the lack of legroom. You will miss the top corner of the side of the stage, if anything at all.
If rows back to X are indeed top price, monkey rates rows from V back avoidable for comfort alone. At low price for other productions row X is fair value for the shorter, it feels, unless you have smaller theatremonkeys in tow. Nothing behind to kick your seat back, either.
X6 also benefits from a space beside it for a coat, and both it, and V and W7 have an exit to the street just to the right, too (noise from the street does filter down, though).
General hazard notes
The changing height of the stage affects the desirability of rows A to D far more than any other theatre in London.
A reader notes that seats are not "off-set" to see around those in front.
Speakers hanging under the circle appear in sightlines from row R back.
Row T is disturbed by others moving in front of them to their seats.
Rows W and X are cramped in their rear alcove that was once the cheap "pit" area.
Row W has a slope leading up to the seats.
X6 has a 15cm drop in front of half of it, and a step in front of the other half.
Seats in row X have flatter backs and seem more upright than other seats in the stalls.
Changes for the current production
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle
No centre aisle. The front row is A, reduced in price due to stage height potentially affecting sightlines - and perhaps as those seated here may become a little involved in the show. The monkey will update as available.
Central rows D to N are "premium." Your choice, feels the monkey. It would go central in F for the best view. The price difference is less than usual, so if you feel like a more central seat, the monkey doesn't see why not.
Cheaper, it would take C for similar views at less cash, or central P. As a rule, it also prefers to go back a row than off to the sides in this theatre, as the stage opening is quite narrow and viewing angles from row ends not brilliant, it feels.
Second price kicks in at V, only the last three rows are discounted. Elevated X6 with a view down the aisle with nothing in front until row R is worth taking, in particular. Sitting here has to be a better bet than cramped and restricted view upper circle at the same bananas, feels the monkey.
A sound desk by seats V to X 13 doesn't bother anyone. There is a decent gap between the seats and the desk.
John Cleese's Fawlty Towers - The Play
No centre aisle. The front row is A, top non-premium price and with a warning about stage height and the outermost pairs of seats not on sale. Behind it, row B is not on sale either - suggesting that those in A could be moved back if there is a real stage height issue. The monkey will update as available.
Central rows G to L are "premium." Your choice, feels the monkey. It would go central in G for the best view if paying that. BUT...
Cheaper, it would take F for similar views at less cash, or central E, then either D to A if you want to be close (stage height also not an issue) or M to P. As a rule, it also prefers to go back a row than off to the sides in this theatre, as the stage opening is quite narrow and viewing angles from row ends not brilliant, it feels.
Second price kicks in at V, only the last three rows are discounted. Elevated X6 with a view down the aisle with nothing in front until row R is worth taking, in particular. Sitting here has to be a better bet than cramped and restricted view upper circle at the same bananas, feels the monkey.
A sound desk by seats V to X 10 doesn't bother anyone. There is a decent gap between the seats and the desk. Extra seats may be added at T 15 and 16, or even beside V to X. The monkey will update as available.
Stalls Boxes
Layout
Boxes A and B are either side of the stage. Each box has three seats.
Legroom
Fine, as ordinary chairs are used.
Choosing seats in general
If available, these boxes are worth considering as an alternative to seats in the Circles when sold at second or third price.
Take all 3 seats for privacy and to shift your chair for the best view...
General hazard notes
Designated restricted view as the nearest side of stage cannot be seen.
May be shared with speakers.
Changes for the current production
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle
Not on sale.
John Cleese's Fawlty Towers - The Play
Not yet on sale.
Readers comments
"Box A: ("Carrie's War" July 2009). We booked for box D, but were shunted down to box A as they closed the dress circle. Box A was not good for this one as so much takes place out of your view."
Dress Circle
Layout
A shallow ledge above and at the back of the stalls, with a poor rake except where rows F and G are built up at the back.
Seats are split into a central and two side blocks by aisles.
Legroom
Poor throughout the circle for many over 5ft 8, worst in rows A and C in the centre, and only fit for those under 5ft 6 in the side blocks of row F - and only a little better in front in the sides of row E.
Things have been improved by new, raised seating in rows E and F, but still tight. E23 is 95% clear of the seat in front, B21 is clear for about 50% of the seat width.
Central block rows B, D, E, F and G have the most. Those up to 5ft 8 should be comfortable and it's possible to move legs into the gap between the seats in front to improve things further.
For those over 6ft, though, stalls row T remains a must, feels the monkey.
Choosing seats in general
Centre Block:
Seats here offer only fair value for money as they are far from the stage and suffer from the shallow rake, affecting the view from row C back. Front two rows are best bet for view (if not "premium price").
One reader liked row G as he found it quite comfortable.
Side Blocks:
The two side blocks curve inwards, and many seats here are designated restricted view due to the viewing angle precluding seeing the side eighth of the stage. These seats are - Row A 2, 3, 4, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31; B 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32; C 4, 5, 28, 29, 30; D 4, 5, 6, 26, 27, 28. It is probably worth avoiding them, and the rest of the seats in these blocks too. If you must, take those seats closest to the centre aisle.
If taller than 5ft 8, don't even think of taking side block row F 7 to 10, and think seriously about taking F 23 to 28 or anything more than three seats off the centre aisle in side block row E.
General hazard notes
A single metal bar in front of the aisles affects the view from row A seats 12,13, 20 and 21.
The further outwards you go, the less seats in both side blocks face centre stage.
Changes for the current production
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle
Central rows A to C are "premium" price. If "front row circle" is your thing, your call, it feels. Taller folk may find stalls premium seats have more legroom, though. Take centre block row D to save a few pounds.
In the side blocks, most other seats are top non-premium price. Skip them as well.
As usual, outermost side block seats are reduced to second price. If short, the view isn't bad, but anyone over 5ft 8 should look elsewhere. B 6, 7, 27 and 28 and C 28 are the best.
Row F side block is second price, but has no legroom. Enough said, feels the monkey.
John Cleese's Fawlty Towers - The Play
Central rows A to C are "premium" price. If "front row circle" is your thing, your call, it feels. Taller folk may find stalls premium seats have more legroom, though. Take centre block row D to save a few pounds.
In the side blocks, most other seats are top non-premium price. Skip them as well, particularly B 4 to 7 which are usually second price for a side view.
As usual, outermost side block seats are reduced to second price. If short, the view isn't bad, but anyone over 5ft 8 should look elsewhere. B27 and 28 and C 28 are the best.
Row F side block is second price, but has no legroom. Enough said, feels the monkey.
Outermost seats on rows A and B are not currently on sale. The monkey will update as available.
Readers comments
"A2: "All My Sons" May 2010): Bit of a side view but missed very little. As this was a £10 'day seat' it was fantastic value."
"A13, 14 and 15: "Everybody’s Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). (premium price – a Christmas gift). Poor legroom (but not unbearable for us, all around 5ft5ins), brilliant sightline. Not worth the price, in my opinion."
"A18: "Travesties" (February 2017). Paid £35. Great view, not too far from the stage. Legroom was rather poor."
“A27 and 28: “Twelfth Night,” (Chris B). These seats are front row in the curve of the dress circle to the left as you look at the stage. The seats feel very close to the stage too (overhang about row D/E in the stalls) and provide a beautifully clear, up close view. Whilst it is a slight side view, you miss nothing for Twelfth night and only a small slice of the very left hand side of the stage. This doesn't affect the enjoyment of the play at all. The legroom is sufficient but not ample.”
"A27 and 28: "Let The Right One In" (May 2014). Good place to see the show. Sitting back you lose a small corner of the front of the stage, but as long as you are able to lean forward (as we could as no-one was in the seats behind) you can see all but the entire stage. From these seats the actors are very close and you can see everything. Only drawback is a lack of legroom."
"Row B: "The Audience" (April 2015). £20 'day seats' in row B, slightly restricted view but good value."
"B27: "The Audience" (April 2015). Row A would have been great. Very tight leg space for me (I'm 6ft 1) in row B so I moved to empty row in back of Dress Circle. But for 20 pounds I was happy to sit anywhere."
"C28: "Let The Right One In" (April 2014) (Burntcopper). Very good view, unrestricted of everything aside from the sweet shop scenes on front left of stage, but just have to sit up straight and lean forward a bit for full view. Newsflash: turns out the gilt cherubs are gold under the dust. New fabric ceiling is gorgeous."
"E17 and 18: "Urinetown" (October 2014). View is near to perfect, in the middle, and being in the dress circle allow to see comfortably both levels of the show without missing anything. Only downside is, as mentioned in the general dress circle seats comment, legroom is awful. I'm so glad I had no one next to me, allowing me to put my legs sideways (I'm 6'2'') Not sure how I would have coped for 2 hours without this extra space! (should have listened to Monkey - maybe the legroom comment for the dress circle should be in bold!!)."
"F1, F2, F3, F4: ("Jerusalem" November 2011). The leg room in these seats is so bad they can only be suitable for children. Even Ryanair wouldn’t allow seats like this. Yet they charged £55 for the 3 hours of discomfort – made worse by having a set of those stupid little binoculars on the back of the seat in front of F1. We had to stand for part of the performance and the discomfort significantly reduced our enjoyment of the evening. AVOID them at all costs!. EDITOR'S COMMENT: Luckily, the monkey happens to know the company who put those binoculars into the theatres. Within a week they responded that,
"The feedback was correct and this morning (January 2012) we have moved the opera glass holder into a position where it won’t ‘restrict legroom’."
"F18 and 19: "Let The Right One In" (May 2014). Ideal seats in terms of positioning as you are directly in front of the stage and the whole of the stage is visible. You are also close enough to see expressions on the actor’s faces. There are no issues caused by the overhang of the Upper Circle. Legroom is decent with no need to fidget felt during the first act. However, if you have a tall person in front of you (or a lady with ‘large hair’ as was the case last night) then the rake – which appears steep enough to avoid any line of sight issues – is just not enough to avoid your view being partially blocked."
"F20: "Travesties" (February 2017), (Taljaard). Very expensive and not a good seat at all. Plenty of leg room but as the seats are directly in front of each other - the tallish persons head in-front of me blocked my view; as they had the same problem we were both moving our heads from side to side to catch a glimpse of what was going on on stage. In addition, to get to the gents you have to trundle all the way to the Stall Bar."
"G1 and 2: Despite being on the back row, seats G1 and G2 afforded an excellent view and there was plenty of leg room."
Dress Circle Boxes
Layout
Boxes C, D and E are at Dress Circle level next to the stage. C has 4 seats, D and E have 3 each.
Legroom
Fine, as all contain movable chairs.
Choosing seats in general
All offer adequate but side on views of the stage. Box D is best, being halfway between stage and Dress Circle.
If available these boxes are worth considering as an alternative to seats in the Circles for comfort, but not really for view.
General hazard notes
Side views.
Changes for the current production
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle
Not on sale.
John Cleese's Fawlty Towers - The Play
Not yet on sale.
Readers comments
"Box C: ("All My Sons" June 2010). (Mark). It was pretty good as a £10 day seat. Missed about 10% of the stage but for £10 that is to be expected."
"Box C: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). Watching it from above, but fairly close to the action."
Upper Circle
Layout
Called the "GRAND CIRCLE" in this theatre.
High up, with a shallow rake except rows E and F, which are raised. The raise may induce vertigo from these rows.
The balcony above overhangs the circle but does not affect the view noticeably.
In two blocks, with a centre aisle. As rows extend out to the sides, seats don't face centre stage - side views only there!
Legroom
Poor in all rows, notably A and B. Centre aisle seats should be requested for maximum comfort and legroom declines as you move outwards to the sides.
Rows D to F have the most. Those up to 5ft 7 should be just comfortable and it's possible to move legs into the gap between the seats in front to improve things further.
For those over 6ft, though, stalls row T remains a must, feels the monkey.
Choosing seats in general
If forced to sit here, row B away from the aisle is best of the poor bunch, the rest offer average value for a fairly distant view...even the box office are not keen on this Upper Circle.
Try to stay within 5 seats (3 in row F) of the aisle. If forced outwards, go for the first "restricted view" seat nearest the "full price" zone available. You might as well have the best view possible, and things only get worse as you move on outwards.
General hazard notes
A metal bar runs across the side front of the circle, with a second bar at the ends of the aisles, affecting the view in outermost row A, notably seats 6, 18, 19 and 33 and B 12 and 13.
Shallow rake means you won't see over the head of a tall person in front in rows B to D.
Row A, rows B and C 1 to 3, D to F seats 1 to 4, Row B 23 to 25, Row C 22 to 25, Row D 21 to 23, Row E 19 to 22 and row F 17 to 20 are designated restricted view. It is worth avoiding the next two seats as well, in rows B to F, to be on the safe side unless the price is good enough to make sitting here a bargain. Theatremonkey usually finds not.
Changes for the current production
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle
All rows are second price in the centre, third at the ends, with A 3 to 5 and 24 to 26 at fourth price and still unattractive on both legroom and view.
Row A as a whole is not worth it unless you have short legs. Row B is mostly the same prices and are for the short and willing to miss things if anyone leans forward. See if there are any rear stalls available for the same bananas.
If you have to sit up here, consider the outer ends of rows C to F at third price for a restricted view or the centre of C and D at second price for a distant one. Pretty expensive, feels the monkey.
John Cleese's Fawlty Towers - The Play
All rows are third price in the centre, fourth at the ends, with A still unattractive on both legroom and view.
Row A as a whole is not worth it unless you have short legs. Row B end pairs are the same price and are for the short and willing to miss things if anyone leans forward.
If you have to sit up here, consider the outer ends of rows C to F at fourth price for a restricted view or the centre of C and D at third price for a fair value if slightly distant one. Reasonable for a change, feels the monkey.
Readers comments
"Upper Circle: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017), (Bob Pickett). Not a bad view, losing the top of the stage (not an issue with this show) and the front right corner (as you view the stage). Comfortable seats (not a fidget), but lacking in legroom (I have quite short legs at 29" - quite diddy for someone of 5'10") so not a problem for me, but someone taller/leggier would struggle. I do have a question: Why did someone think it a good idea to put opera glasses on the back of the back row seats? I get, with the lack of legroom, that they'd get in the way in front, but who thinks to look on the back of their seats for a pair?"
"A19 and 20: ("Jerusalem" January 2010). (Deb, regular theatregoer). I noted that these were listed as seats to avoid. When we took our seats, we found that we had to sit bolt upright or lean forward in order to see the front of the stage (a three hour show! Hard on the back and neck). I would really advise people to avoid these, as they are not even particularly cheap. Very luckily for us, most of the action took place mid-stage, and it was a great play, so it didn't ruin the evening, but I would avoid Upper Circle in future, and wish the box office would be more honest about what constitutes restricted view. I think for nearly £40 you should be able to see the whole stage!"
“A 21 and 22: “Idina Menzel” (Chris B). This does not feel that high up as far as upper circles go. You get a good overview of the stage and as its the front row there's nothing to block the clear view. You are just about close enough to make out facial expressions. However the legroom is quite restricted, fine if you've short legs but a struggle if you're over 6 foot.”
"A 25 and 26: ("Jerusalem" January 2010). (C Omran). Brilliant play, what a pity we couldn’t enjoy it in full, due to poor sightline, despite paying £47.50 plus £3.80 booking fee per ticket. These were purchased through lastminute.com, and as they were a Christmas present we went for the higher price, and they were not marketed, or priced, as Restricted View. When we queried this, we were handed a form with the address to complain to, and we were obviously not the first, as the assistant came armed with a pile, ready to hand out. As our tickets were A25 and 26, front row upper circle, obviously we thought that being front row we would have a good view... but there is a wide ledge in front of balcony, then a wide bank of lights beyond that, so left stage facing was completely out of view. A lot of the action takes place in that part of the stage it became increasingly frustrating. Talking to people outside during the interval, the general feeling was the same, that they have your money, and as they are not relying on ‘repeat’ bookings they can do what they like. All in all it was a very uncomfortable 3 hours 10 minutes as we struggled to find a comfortable position to sit with a decent view of stage. We go to theatre regularly, and yes, if we buy low price tickets, expect there to be a certain element of chance in the view, but not when you pay for front row seats. Yes, it is a very old theatre with all the accompanying problems adapting to modern lighting etc, but stop fleecing the public."
"B13: (Julian Taylor). would that I had spotted the red mark of doom before booking! The seat itself seemed designed for the benefit of a contortionist, though, oddly enough, knee-room was adequate for my 6ft plus. My view of the action was blocked almost entirely by the head of the person in front, who leant forward for the duration, this, and the brass bar blocked any view of action downstage - and there was a lot of it for the production I saw ("Virginia Woolf" in Spring 2006)."
"C20: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017), (Taljaard). Paid the going rate, £35, for a seat in the Upper Circle (C20). Not the best seat in the world and a bit pricey but I could see everything and it was comfortable enough."
Upper Circle Boxes
Layout
Boxes F and G are above boxes C, D and E at Upper Circle level.
Each box seats two people.
Legroom
Good, as seating is in movable chairs.
Choosing seats in general
These offer similar views to the Dress Circle boxes below, from a higher level. Normally sold at third price or less, they are value for money only because they promise greater comfort than an upper circle seat at the same price. That, though, may well be worth sacrificing a view of almost half the stage for.
General hazard notes
View lost of a good part of the stage nearest to you.
Changes for the current production
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle
Not on sale.
John Cleese's Fawlty Towers - The Play
Not yet on sale.
Readers comments
"Box C: ("All My Sons" June 2010): I cannot recommend is the view from box C. I spent most of the performance standing up and leaning over the edge as that was the only way I could see more than half of the stage – I noticed the lady in box B doing the same. I am a dedicated box user (being broader in the beam than most), and I have to say that this box, for this play, is the worst view I have ever had, and they seem to think that this is worth £46. No way! It was overpriced at the original £33, not for this body again."
Balcony
Layout
Directly above the Upper Circle, again high up, with a shallow rake.
In two blocks, with a centre aisle. As rows extend out to the sides, seats don't face centre stage - side views only there!
A rail runs across the front of the circle, double height at the aisle ends.
Further rails exist in front of rows for safety.
Legroom
Very tight in all seats, worst in row A.
Choosing seats in general
A shallow rake and being so high up means a modest view of the stage. The 6 seats either end of rows A to E are worst, as they curve to the sides of the auditorium. Rows D to F centre just induce vertigo. Usually, take C first, before B, then D - or for those who don't mind the height, pick E over D and save a few pounds if row E is discounted.
The monkey would skip central row A at bottom price for a slightly improved view and comfort behind that. To explain, row A is uncomfortable. Often, though, the very ends of rows B and C are reduced to the same price as the middle of row A. When that does happen, Monkey feeling is that B 6 and 25 and C 5 and 25, all next to the more expensive seats, are the most average of the bunch and may be worth a look for those desperate for a ticket. Not a recommendation particularly, just an observation of a way to sit nearer more expensive seats and save a very little cash - if you have to see the show and don't get much other choice. Do be aware that the lack of legroom will tell during a three hour play in all seats here...
All seats here, except those noted, normally offer a cheap way in to the show and value exactly matching the low price.
General hazard notes
So high that you get a superb view of aircraft at maximum cruising height can be seen below you, subject to cloud cover.
A double height metal bar appears at the ends of the aisles, affecting the view in row A, notably seats 15 and 16.
High ledge in front of row A.
Bars run between the rows too, but don't really affect the view for any but the absolute shortest. Some find them reassuring as well.
Changes for the current production
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle
Choose between restricted view sides or more expensive central balcony. Skip row A for comfort and view, and try C then B - you will probably have a more central view than equivalent upper circle seats.
Central row F is fair value as it drops to fourth (lowest) price.
Outermost ends of rows are the same price and are also about fair, feels the monkey. It would probably go central F rather than the sides for a slightly better if more distant view.
John Cleese's Fawlty Towers - The Play
Choose between restricted view sides or more expensive central balcony. Skip row A for comfort and view, and try C then B - you will probably have a more central view than equivalent upper circle seats.
Central row F is fair value as it drops to fifth (lowest) price and offers a central view.
Outermost ends of rows are the same price as F and are also about fair, feels the monkey. It would probably go central F rather than the sides for a slightly better if more distant view. A few seats on the ends of E and F are not yet on sale. The monkey will update as available.
Readers comments
NOTE: Seat numbers have been adjusted for the re-numbering in April 2022.
"A7 to 10: had to move as the view is so restricted - not by a safety bar, but by a high safety ledge. The seats are also relatively low to the floor, which means you have no choice but to lean forward on to the ledge if you want to have any chance of seeing the stage. Dreadful seats, with very little legroom too."
"B12 and 13: "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time" (May 2013), (Taljaard). A bit high but at £12 and if booked through the National Theatre no booking fee it is the best buy in London."
"B21 and B22: "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time" (May 2013), (Taljaard). Quite high but very little problem seeing everything."
Notes best seat advice
Total 776 seats
Air-conditioning.
Williams Sound Infrared. Guide dogs can be dogsat outside.
The theatre has a stair lift (300kg limit) to allow wheelchair users into the venue. They can park at either end of stalls row R. There is also an adapted toilet available. The monkey salutes Nimax Theatres for an amazing improvement in facilities at this venue when it was owned by them. Interestingly, the stair lift is installed in the original "Pit" entrance - at one time the "Pit" was an area of cheap seating at the rear of the stalls.
Other good news is that there are two disabled parking spaces behind the theatre in Archer Street. Fuller details from Nimax Theatres on 0330 333 4815 (10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday) or email access(insert the @ symbol here)nimaxtheatres.com.
No food except Ice cream and confectionery.
Two bars. Stalls and Upper Circle.
Seven Toilets. Stalls 1 gents 1 cubicle, 2 ladies, 3 and 4 cubicles respectively; 1 adapted disabled unit. Upper Circle 1 gents 1 cubicle, 1 ladies 2 cubicles; Balcony 1 gents 1 cubicle, 1 ladies 2 cubicles.
Reader Taljaard also notes,
"Totally random, but my walk from the Donmar theatre to Piccadilly took me down Shaftesbury Avenue and I really noticed how magnificently well it is lit and looks. Fantastic job done on the exterior and the jewel on the Avenue!"
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:
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle
John Cleese's Fawlty Towers - The Play
Some details will change. The monkey will update as available.
By price:
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle
John Cleese's Fawlty Towers - The Play
Some details will change. The monkey will update as available.
Notes
The UPPER CIRCLE is called the "Grand Circle" in this theatre.
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.
-0.1277398, 51.511498
Nearest underground station
Piccadilly Circus - Piccadilly (Dark Blue) and Bakerloo (Brown) lines.
The escalator from the platforms ends in a large circular underground area.
After leaving the barriers, turn to your left, and follow the curve of the barriers around until you see an exit to your right with the sign "Subway 4" over it. Walk under this sign.
Walk through this tunnel and take the first staircase to your right, marked "Shaftesbury Avenue", take the stairs up to the street.
At the top of the stairs, take a very sharp "U Turn" through 180 degrees to your left. Look forwards and upwards for the huge advertising screens. Walk forwards towards it.
The busy road to your left is Shaftesbury Avenue. If you see the Prince of Wales Theatre, and Trocadero centre, wrong way.
For the Apollo Theatre cross the road and turn to your right, walk under the covered area where the cash ATM's and street artists are. Walk straight on, crossing Denman Street, and Great Windmill Street. Pass the Lyric Theatre and the Apollo Theatre is the next on Shaftesbury Avenue.
Buses
14,19, 22B, 38,53,88,94,159 To Shaftesbury Avenue.
Taxi
Hail one in the busy street outside the venue.
Car park
Newport Place, China Town.
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: "Nell Gwynn" (February 2016). Generally you'd be better sitting mid way back. Rake and offset isn't great at The Apollo and stall seats feel a little 'sunken'."
"A: "Jerusalem" (April 2022). Stage is not too high, perfect view."
"A: "The Go-Between" (June 2016).The stage was higher than usual, the front row had to stretch their necks."
"A: "Let The Right One In" (April 2014). Bought as "day seats." If you're this close, I would advise picking seats centre or to the left of centre given the action on stage. The seats are practically on the stage but there are no obstructions in the production."
"A: "I sat front row and view was fine. Stage slopes down and there's a rail then the stage so not too much in your face."
"A: I got a £10 day seat in the front row of the stalls. Excellent! I didn't find the stage high at all. The stages at the Savoy and Novello are higher than this! Maybe they have lowered it for this production? Or maybe it's just that I like being really up close and personal and don't even think about the stage height!"
"A: "Nell Gwynn" (February 2016). Day seats are well worth it. Front row, amazing view and £15 a piece."
"A11: "Nell Gwynn" (March 2016): The stage here is low enough that anyone a bit taller than me (ie. 99% of the population) would be able to see perfectly, however there were booster cushions available for the vertically challenged! There is plenty of legroom and proximity to the stage makes up for having to crane your neck a bit."
"A 15 and 16: "The Go-Between" (June 2016). Was offered front row stalls A15 and 16 as day seats (for the matinee). The stage is high for this production and the first row has to look up. Due to a box office screw up we were moved to B17-18 before the show started. The second row gave a much better view than the front row."
"A17. "Nell Gwynn" (February 2016). 'Day Seats.' The front row isn’t too bad, although the stage is a few inches above eye level. Much of the action happens a few inches from you so being able to crane your neck to a near vertical position is essential. The day seats are fantastic for the price though, unlimited leg room being one of the many benefits. I don’t think it would be too troubling at all being on the far side of this row, no significant action is ever going to be obscured."
"A6 and A7: ("Blithe Spirit" March 2011). I was a bit disappointed about being here at first because I do think that sometimes you miss quite a lot by being on the front row. However, it was very interesting to see the actors at such close quarters and there was nothing to obstruct our view. I would have preferred more of an overview of the stage but I wouldn't discourage anyone from being on the front row, you get a good view of everything and there is plenty of leg room."
"A6 and A7: ("Day Seats" for "Jerusalem" (October 2011). It was mind blowing! The stage isn't too high, and none of the action is missed whatsoever. For such an emotionally tense show as this, I feel it would be spoilt if you sat too far back, but the view from here was amazing! Definitely worth the early start! Also, worth noting, there is no leg room issue here whatsoever! I could outstretch my legs fully, and still be no where near touching the stage (and I'm 6ft 2!) Finally, if you are sitting in seats 1 to 7 of the front row, be aware; you may get a little wet at various points! ;)"
"A12: (Nell Gwynn). Great seat with loads of legroom. There is some need to look up, but my direct sight line was at stage level, so this was not much of a problem. At a cheap price, this is a bargain."
"A12: ("Day Seats" for "Jerusalem" (October 2011). Got as a day seat for £10. Extraordinary leg room (I almost felt like royalty!), and the ability to be that close to an extraordinary production was stellar. Nothing more to report here besides amazing sight lines and the many bugs living in the set's grassy stage that fly about in your face, which makes one feel very much a part of the action! If you sit on the other side of AA (house right), you might want to not hold or wear anything you like dry! ;)"
"A 14 to 16: "Peter Pan Goes Wrong" (December 2015). We had the front row. The best legroom I've ever had! I could actually stretch out! It made such a difference to not feel penned in. Yes you miss the show and a little bit of the lagoon wonderful performances up close, which is a bonus. It's probably better to be a little further back but whether it's worth the £10 / £20 extra to do this is debatable. We were all very happy with where we were sat. The high stage might be more of a problem for the vertically challenged but my wife loved it!"
"Row B: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). Front Row B seats for 'Jamie' via TodayTix lottery has quite a restricted view due to very high stage and the school desks props which block views for pretty first 30 minutes of show."
"Row B: "Urinetown" (September 2014). At the interval, I sat in an empty seat in row B, centre-stage. A fellow theatregoer who had a ticket for a seat in row B told me he'd be happier sitting further back. I'd estimate that you are looking up at more than 45 degrees to see the front of the upper level platform. The safety curtain was down (unlike at St James' Theatre where you could watch the set being changed at the interval), so I can't comment on the view of the actors on the upper level, but if we were missing lower legs, I'd suggest that those in row B missed a lot more."
"Row B: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). £20 "day seats." I wouldn’t recommend the day seats in the front row, the stage is very high and you do miss a lot of the action. If you are offered seats further back in the stalls for £25 I would go for them, it’s worth the extra £5."
"B 5: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). "Day Seat." As some have mentioned before the stage is really high so the view really wasn't great."
"B 5 and 6: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). £20 "day seats." The stage is insanely high. I’ve never seen a stage this high. I’m six foot and even I couldn’t really see what was going on stage a lot of the time; my five-foot friend had to get a booster seat!! Worse than Stomp and even worse than Garrick Scottsboro Boys. I think for £20 they should really advertise these seats as restricted view — the row behind (and at least the row behind that too) are basically restricted view as well, it seems to me!!
Anyway even with the absurdly high stage we still LOVED the show. Worth it if, like us, you’re unsure if it’s for you and you don’t want to pay top dollar. But we’re extremely keen to go back and get a seat in the circle. I’m not sure if any stalls seats actually offer a clear view of the actors’ legs and feet? No regrets, but yeah, it is restricted view and they should have said that when I went to the box office this morning. it does say on the ticket, high stage will interrupt view, I suppose he should’ve just made that clear when I booked. He just said they were day seats. Still great value if you want a cheap ticket though. I’m more concerned about the row behind, and the stalls in general…"
"B 5 and 6: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). A bit deep and you miss about 5% of the action upstage, but for that price and SO close to the rest of the action - for me best seat in house!"
"B14 and 15: "The Go-Between" (August 2016), (Martin). Perfect view of stage despite it being raised about 6 inches. Anyone shorter than my 5'8", or in row A (which was empty at this performance) would have had a restricted view though. Main problem was that the lighting designer has chosen to back-light characters, so a lot of very bright LED lights above the stage point forwards and blind the front three rows of the Stalls."
"B16: "Urinetown" (September 2014). Front row seats. Excellent for leg space but you miss most of action on the top portion of set."
"B16 and 17: Day seats for £20 each... really high stage... I think next time I need to try further back."
"B17 and 18: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). £20 "day seats." However the stage is very high, this remains a bargain and I would definitely sit there again."
"B17 and 18: "The Go-Between" (June 2016). Due to a box office screw up we were moved to B17-18 before the show started. The second row gave a much better view than the front row."
"B18: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). Seats were really bad in my opinion, but (day seat) price was really cheap so can’t really complain. Missed on a lot of action because of the stage height :(."
"Row C: "The Time Traveller's Wife" (November 2023). I popped in to see TTW last night (3rd November 2023) - they've taken out rows A and B in the Stalls. They've installed a high stage (for the revolve). Row C seems to be discounted - and rightly, because it's actually quite uncomfortable to look up for that long (although you get lots of legroom). Felt sorry for row D which may well be full price and have a similar problem!"
"C9: "Mind Mangler - Member of the Tragic Circle" (March 2024). OK, reasonable leg room. Third row back from the stage, and the stage wasn't too high, so could see everything clearly."
"Row D: at a discount - absolutely fine"
"D4: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). I had a very good view although you couldn't see the floor of the stage as it was set quite high. If I was to see the show again it would definitely be from a couple of rows further back. Seat comfort was okay, although like the seats in the Playhouse Theatre it was quite small with limited legroom, but once again you could tuck your feet under the seat in front. Despite the seat being on the aisle, you couldn't stretch your right leg out due to the positioning of the seat in front. I would also probably stick to the low seat numbers as a lot of the action took place on this side."
"D5: "The Madness of George III" (January 2012). Unobstructed view of the stage, slight neck-ache due to close stage proximity but nothing major, legroom was OK-ish (I'm 6' tall)."
"D11 and 12: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). Fabulous seats. The stage is high, and shorter people would have a very restricted view from row B."
"D14: "Nell Gwynne" (February 2016), (thespyinthestalls). Perfect - really great view for this production - two not so tall ladies in front which may have helped, however seats well staggered so you should generally get a clear view from this seat. I had two larger gentleman on either side of me so did feel a tad cramped but that would be the same in any seat."
"E10: "Urinetown" (September 2014). Reasonable leg room nice and central."
"E14 and 15: "The Upstart Crow" (October 2022). These seats are central and give a good view. However, for this production row A has been removed, the stage extended and high. This close to the stage, we found the dialogue to be really loud, the actors giving the impression of shouting all their lines. Probably fine if you were further back, but with the added discomfort of having to look up to see the actors faces, I would in hindsight have chosen seats further back."
"E17 and 18: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). We were seated for 15 minutes but then someone came over and they had double-booked those seats somehow. So, my review of those seats were they were a bit off to the left side of the stage and looked decent but a bit far forward and lower than the stage so you probably would miss some things. (My guest complained it was too close and not central but I thought they were good seats, though my guest is much shorter and the stage is higher than our heads so he would not have seen as much.)"
"F7: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). I was offered a choice between day seats up front for £20 or £25 for Stalls F7. Luckily I chose F7 as the stage is very high and would have been quite a bit above eye level in front row. The view from F7 is near perfect.
Legroom isn‘t great, wherever you sit. Or maybe I‘m just to tall. Anyway, it was bearable. And the nice young lady from Russia, who was sitting next to me, was rather tiny, so I could "steal" a bit of her space."
"F13 and 14: "The Go Between" (July 2016). We got our tickets from the tkts booth in Leicester Square - Face value of the ticket was £85 each but they were reduced to £29.50 each so a great bargain. The Apollo is a lovely theatre and we got seats F13 and F14 in the stalls so had a great view - the rake seemed good as well. For this production the front row looked a bad choice as the stage looked quite high - it was a totally empty row on our visit. I didn't find the seat very comfortable - rake was good from what I could see, as had no head in front of me issues - sound was fine too. At £85 though I wouldn't have wanted to pay that much to see it - from our row, the front row looked an awful prospect as the stage is high for this production."
"F17 to 21: "Urinetown" (September 2014). Even the seat at the end of the row afforded an unobstructed view of the set, as the scenery (a cross-section through a large, round sewer tunnel that frames the stage half-way back) keeps the actors away from edges of the stage as they go upstage. The set itself, however, is split-level, with the upper level protruding to within a couple of metres of the front of the stage. This means that you spend half your time looking up at around 30 degrees in these seats.
"F21: "The Go-Between" (June 2016), (Malcolm). F21 was ideal. There is good raking and it is a very comfortable smaller theatre."
"Row G: (Monica). Which is too near as the stage is high, I would recommend sitting H and behind. It is a small theatre therefore most of the seats in the stalls probably have a good view".
"G 1 and 2: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). Really great seats, could see everything very clearly and felt a part of the action."
"G4: "Jerusalem" (April 2022). A really good seat, probably one of the best in the house given how the stage is set. A decent rake and offset from the row below so you should be OK with whoever is in front of you unless they are tall or have big hair. However the seats are narrow so there is no chance to spread out. Legroom as per normal in a theatre of this kind.
Mark Rylance's line readings on the night I went were sometimes quiet and sometimes delivered with his back to the audience so this might be something to bear in mind when choosing seats."
“G 6, 7 and 8: "Magic Goes Wrong" (November 2021). Premium seats acquired for a bargain price (thanks TodayTix!). No issues with the rake and these are fairly central so we had a great view. As the stalls are just one solid block it does feel a bit claustrophobic as there’s not too much leg room and seats seem quite tight. SPOILER ALERT. A note on the show itself - I didn’t realise there was some audience participation and I was grateful to be just far enough back to be out of the firing line. However, you may want to avoid the first four rows rather than risk the anxiety of being selected as a participant! SPOILER ENDS. Very funny show though, we were lucky to see Henry Lewis as The Mind Mangler - an absolute master of his art.”
"G9 and 10: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). Because of a double-booking, we relinquished our seats (I think my guest agreed to be the one to move as he wasn’t happy with the previous seats) and got G9 and 10 in stalls which is nice and central but slightly further back so not quite as intimate with the actors but still feel a part of it. Could see whole stage without problem."
"G15: "Let The Right One In" (June 2014), (Andrew Davidson). Discounted by 50% through TKTS. Great view from here, good legroom though I’d have preferred a little steeper a rake, particularly if I was shorter."
"G15 and 16: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). Excellent view and good value at preview price. Sound balance between orchestra and actors wasn’t right at times and we struggled to hear words in livelier numbers, but I’m sure they’ll sort out the levels over the preview period."
"Row H: (John Lafferty). Our seats were in the seventh row and we were right on top of the action, of which we had an unencumbered view."
"Row H and J: "Peter Pan Goes Wrong" (December 2015). For my money I'd sit in the high numbers if you're going to be in the stalls. We had the ends of H and J which means you get the narrator's side. You also avoid being suffocated by dry ice."
"H13 and 14: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). Excellent view and good value at preview price. Sound balance between orchestra and actors wasn’t right at times and we struggled to hear words in livelier numbers, but I’m sure they’ll sort out the levels over the preview period."
"H18: "Urinetown" (September 2014). Good view of the stage from here. Well raked stalls. Leg room good."
“H19 and 20: “The Time Traveller’s Wife” (October 2023), (Bob Pickett). The seating plan makes it look like these are off to the side, but the Apollo's layout means you are in front of the stage. For the current production (The Time Traveller's Wife) the first four rows have been removed, so you're quite close (second time at the show, so we were able to check how some of the spectacular stunts are performed - don't worry, as a first-time attendee you're not going to see it).
Issues? They're a little narrow and after a time I did feel the need to move about, but nothing too bad. More than made up for by strong lines of sight (the stagger is good).”#
"Row J: "The Madness of George III" (January 2012): centre "Great" at a discount."
"J11 to 13: "Everybody’s Talking About Jamie." (November 2017). Fantastic view, bang in the centre and with a good rake. No issues seeing over the heads in front. We thought the leg room was fine, my 5’11” husband said he felt comfortable the whole time (which is unusual for him at any theatre). He said he was able to put his feet under the seat in front which helped."
"J19 to 21: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). Another day another theatre tickets sale (thanks Encore Tickets!). I got Stalls J 19-21 for £40 each and again found your guidance invaluable when deciding whether to go for stalls or dress circle.
We were really pleased with these. Row J is a perfect distance to not be bothered by the high stage, to see every facial expression and to still feel really close to the action. Leg room is ok because you can stretch out underneath the seat in front of you. The seats are almost at the end of a row but the angle isn't severe and doesn't particularly compromise the view. They are also in line with the door so handy for a quick escape at the interval or end. Would definitely recommend these seats especially if they are on offer!"
"J22: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). Comfortable seat. Mostly good view but due to the high stage miss little bits here and there but not much of an issue. If possible would recommend sitting a few rows further back."
"Row K 5 to 7: (Rupi). Very good with a full view of the stage. There is a decent rake in this theatre, which means there isn't a problem looking over the head of the person in front of you."
"K 7 and 8: "Everybody’s Talking About Jamie." (November 2017). They were good seats – sufficient leg room – but the rake is slight at that point and the seats there not being off-set did mean that I had to lean sideways at times due to the tallish person in front. However, it’s a musical with endless action so this wasn’t really a problem and it was a comfortable distance from the stage too."
"K 9 and 10: "Everybody’s Talking About Jamie." (November 2017). I've been doing the lottery not really wanting to sit in the front row, and I was offered stalls K9-10 for £30 each. View was great and legroom was fine, can't complain at all."
"K10: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). An excellent seat for £39.50 from TKTS booth on the day."
"K15: (Graham). An excellent seat. Comfortable and, being over 6', I was also pleasantly surprised by the legroom compared to other theatres I have been in. There wasn't a huge amount, but I didn't feel trapped in my seat."
"K18: (Mark). Excellent."
"K 20 to 22: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). We were offered split seats at either end of the front row (the only front row seats were two at each end, I believe the rest are reserved for the lottery). We requested to sit further back due to other reports of the stage being quite high and managed to get K20-22 for £25 each. Normally £65 so we are pretty chuffed with that! The seats we got were fantastic. The theatre is small, so actually anywhere further back would probably be fine. Being on the end of the row wasn’t an issue at all and we still had a full view of the whole stage and all of the action."
"L9 and K10: (James, regular contributor). Great seats with a great rake. There was a particularly tall person in front of me as is always the way, but if it wasn’t for this then there’d be no problem with the seats at all. This was for a one-off performance though that didn’t have big sets / lighting, so it could be different for other productions."
“L16 “Jerusalem” (April 2022). Normally, I think the view from this seat would be fantastic. For the staging of this show, the cast was sometimes lying or sitting on the floor of the stage and when they did that I couldn't see them due to the head of the person sitting in front of me. He was just average height. Also, there were a few times the person in front of me blocked a cast member standing directly in line with his head. I felt like I was in a partial view seat which surprised me. The legroom was good and the seat was comfortable. Not sure if the head of the person in front is an issue throughout the stalls or not. Still enjoyed the show, but wished I didn't miss so many moments especially at the price I paid!”
"L20: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). Ideal distance from the stage, so a great view, but rather disappointing legroom. At 6' 1", my knees were jammed right against the seat in front."
"Row M: "Derren Brown: Showman" (December 2022). View was great (noticeable rake, good offset...and short person in front of me)."
"M10 and 11: "The Time Traveller's Wife" (October 2023), (Bob Pickett). Nicely central, close enough to pick up every expression yet far enough back to take in the stage. Decent leg room, comfortable enough that few fidgets were had. Perhaps a bit narrow, but not too bad. Sound is good from these seats. Rake is OK, but when the people in front sat down, my wife (5ft ½ inch) and I (5ft 10) had to swap seats to give her the best chance of seeing the stage! But overall (as long as Marge Simpson doesn’t sit in front) these are good seats to choose."
"M13 and 14: ("The Country Girl" October 2010). excellent view of the whole stage, comfortable seats with good leg-room. Also I had no problem with hearing any of the actors."
"N5 and 6: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). Clear, unobstructed view and felt quite close to the stage."
"N7: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). Dayseat which I got at 1pm after losing the Todaytix lottery. Very friendly box office staff here. Excellent view and good rake."
"N9: "Jerusalem" (October 2011). (James, regular contributor). A perfect place to see the show."
"P: "Yes, Prime Minister" (July 2011). It’s a lovely theatre, but a bit hot. I had a good-ish view from row P, though I had to lean sideways to see past the hair in row P. Mid-way through the first half a woman (in row P) opened a bag of crisps and munched and rustled her way through the next 10 minutes, much to the annoyance of everyone around her. Perhaps a £1 chav surcharge should be imposed."
"P7: (Wim). perfect view, reasonable leg room, comfortable chairs. I did move to the centre seat of row O (which was almost empty) during the break because of the luxurious leg space in front of that row."
“P13 and 14: “Magic Goes Wrong” (November 2021), (Bob Pickett). Nicely central, the Apollo has a decent enough rake that means you should be able to see over all but the tallest. Decently comfortable (barely a fidget) with good legroom and close enough to the stage to pick up finer detail but far enough back to see everything easily these are well worth the money.”
"P13 and 14: “Magic Goes Wrong” (November 2021): There are a couple of factual things to note. Firstly, none of the stalls seats appear to be offset; we were certainly directly behind the people in the rows in front of us. This suggests that perhaps seats towards the side of the theatre, where you could be looking slightly to the left or right of the person in front, might offer a better view. I am over 6 feet tall and had the head of the person in front of me obstructing my view. That said, the view to the back of the stage was good.
Secondly, there is no central aisle as suggested in “Choosing seats in general”. It appears that while two seats in the centre of each row are set-up to be removed, they are in place for the present production. On a more subjective note, I don’t think the rake in the stalls is particularly good when compared to similar theatres. Leg room was good for me.
At £25.00 each the seats were probably reasonable but I would have been much less happy had we paid more.
The comments about row T certainly appear to be valid. People moving in front of you during the performance seems a small price to pay for a potentially much improved view, although I can’t comment on the possible loss of view due to the overhanging dress circle."
"P14: "The Madness of George III" (January 2012). £27.75 TKTS Booth. Excellent clear view, plenty of legroom and no sound issues. My first visit to the Apollo, and hopefully not my last. It is a lovely little theatre, although somewhat warm even at this time of year; maybe they had turned the heating up, as the vast majority of the audience looked as though they would be in danger of hyperthermia setting in, after sitting in a chill for nearly 3 hours. But the seat I had this time wouldn't be a problem in the future - the stage is very high, and I felt sorry for those in the front few rows who must have all had a severe neck ache."
"Row Q: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017), (Paul Nicholls). We had two seats centre of Row Q which turned out to be about as good as theatre seats get."
"Q21 and Q22: "Urinetown" (September 2014). The last two seats on the left-hand end of row Q gave an unobstructed view of the set. No need to crane necks skyward to see the upper level of the set, and the left-hand side of the stage as used by the actors was in view (actors could be seen climbing and descending the ladder on the far left of the stage). The raking and the staggered seating meant that my 5'8" theatre buddy had a good view of the stage. As a 6'2" theatregoer, I usually worry about those behind and try to shimmy down in my seat. No need in Q22 as there isn't a seat behind, so I was able to sit bolt upright and I could see the whole of the stage perfectly with legroom to spare. To make it an even better evening, these were the seats I was assigned as day seats for just £20 each. Brilliant!"
"R 2 and 3: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). Offered 2 of the 4 front row day seats available but asked for £25 seats . Got row R2 & 3. Great seats."
"R17 and 18: "The Upstart Crow" (October 2022). Decent rake, sight lines helped by good staggering of seats. Plenty of legroom for 5 foot person, uncomfortable for 6 foot person."
"T9: "The Go-Between" (August 2016). Purchased for £10 through a LoveTheatre promotion. Bargain! Clear view, great legroom. Will definitely look to sit here again at the Apollo rather than the upper circle!"
"T11 and 12: "The Upstart Crow" (October 2022). 5 stars for these seats, a perfect central view and superb legroom into the gangway. The stage felt closer that row T would imply. Without question these will become my seats of choice if ever I return to this theatre."
"T11 and 12: "The Go-Between" (August 2016), (Lordship Theatregoers). (Dead centre). At first we were a bit alarmed at being so far back but soon realised that we had an excellent view of the entire stage and exceptional legroom as we were on a gangway. If I was to be hyper critical I’d mention the lights that stayed on overhead throughout the show (as it is a gangway) but after the first few minutes I learnt to ignore them. We’d happily sit here again in this theatre."
"T12 and 13: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). We had booked tickets on row X the back row of the stalls but as soon as we arrived the very friendly usher said we could move to a row further forward if we wanted to. We chose row T (seat 12 and 13) as I had recently had an op on my knee and the endless legroom was much appreciated as was the uninterrupted central view."
"V7: "Jerusalem" (April 2022), (Taljaard). A complete fantastic bargain. Nobody was in front so I had a clear view of the stage and a great rake. I could see and hear everything."
"Row X: Centre seat. I'm only 5'10.5" tall but for the first time in my life I found I could NOT sit in the seat. It was unbearably uncomfortable. There is next to no leg room and my knees would have been either continually bumping the back of or around the ears of the person sitting in front of me. I kindly asked the House Manager if I could have an aisle seat. There were very accommodating stating that they realise the limited legroom in those seats. I ended up in V1 which is fantastic, perfect view because the back stall seats are pretty much centre."
"X 12: "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" (August 2017). I am small but was able to see the whole stage so felt it was a reasonable seat. The theatre is raked. The legroom was fine too. X13 is next to a boxed in area for the technical staff which I thought might be disturbing before the play started and the staff chatted. However once the play started I was not aware of the boxed in area [the action on stage is very intense]. I could hear well too though had trouble understanding Sienna Miller's weird accent."
"X11, 12 and 13: "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" (November 2017). Next to the sound desk. What a surprise that these were so good! I'm always a bit wary of overhang but it was fine, you could still see the band at the top of the stage and didn't miss anything at all. Raking was enough to just about have a clear view, leg room was fantastic and the sound desk was un-intrusive. I would absolutely choose these seats again. Thanks for the tip on your site about these seats, absolutely spot on as ever!"
"X16 and 17: "Nell Gwynn" (March 2016), (Francesco). Placed in the back of the stalls, we had a perfect view all over the stage, with nothing missing at all. In particular X17 has plenty of legroom and no seats in front of it, however the X16 gave you the perfect view to the theatre and to the stage. At £25 each is a real deal."