6-7 Great Newport Street, London WC2H7JB 020 7836 8463
www.artstheatrewestend.co.uk the owners' site, provide the service for this theatre.
This theatre allows online seat selection.
Booking fees per ticket:
£2.50 per ticket.
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.
Choir of Man
When the box office does not have seats available, or you require an alternative choice of seats, the Theatremonkey Ticketshop, telephone 020 7420 9778 (0044 207 420 9778 if calling from outside the United Kingdom), agency service can offer seats with a variable "per ticket" service charge - £15 on £75, £12 on £60, £7 on £35, £4 on £20 seats Sunday to Thursday, plus Friday Afternoon performances / £17 on £85, £14 on £70, £8 on £40, £5 on £25 seats Friday Evening, both Saturday and all "peak week" performances. More than the box office, but well worth trying as it often has tickets when other companies do not! Note that this system will confirm exact seat numbers prior to purchase. A £1.95 per booking, not per ticket, handling fee may apply on some transactions by telephone. NO handling fee applies for online purchases.
Choir of Man
Alternatively, through See Tickets with a sliding scale of per ticket booking fees: £15 on £75, £12 on £60, £7 on £35, £4 on £20 seats Sunday to Thursday, plus Friday Afternoon performances / £17 on £85, £14 on £70, £8 on £40, £5 on £25 seats Friday Evening, both Saturday and all "peak week" performances. A £2.75 per booking, not per ticket, handling fee applies.
Choir of Man
Alternatively, through Ticketmaster with a sliding scale of per ticket booking fees: £14.75 on £75, £11.75 on £60, £7 on £35, £4 on £20 seats Sunday to Thursday, plus Friday Afternoon performances / £16.75 on £85, £13.75 on £70, £8 on £40, £5 on £25 seats Friday Evening, both Saturday and all "peak week" performances.
Choir of Man
Encore Tickets (telephone 0207 400 1253 / 0044 207 400 1253 if calling from outside the United Kingdom) charge £15 on £75, £12 on £60, £7 on £35, £4 on £20 seats Sunday to Thursday, plus Friday Afternoon performances / £17 on £85, £14 on £70, £8 on £40, £5 on £25 seats Friday Evening, both Saturday and all "peak week" performances. Discounts may also be available.
Choir of Man
Alternatively, through London Theatre Direct with a sliding scale of per ticket booking fees: £15 on £75, £12 on £60, £7 on £35, £4 on £20 seats Sunday to Thursday, plus Friday Afternoon performances / £17 on £85, £14 on £70, £8 on £40, £5 on £25 seats Friday Evening, both Saturday and all "peak week" performances.
Optional Ticket Insurance is also available. Discounts may also be available.
Telephone: 020 7836 8463
Operated by the venue itself. Lines are open Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm.
Booking fees per ticket for telephone bookings:
£2.50 per ticket.
For personal callers or by post:
6/7 Great Newport Street, London, WC2H 7JB
No booking fee for personal callers. Box Office usually open from 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday (plus any other performance days) only. Check before travelling.
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 7836 8463.
www.artstheatrewestend.co.uk is the 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.
The circle overhangs the stalls at row E.
Seats are arranged in a single block.
The rake (sloped floor to help see over rows in front) is most noticeable from row E back.
Rows AA and BB at the very front of the stalls may be removed.
Mostly acceptable throughout the stalls.
A 1 and 14 normally have 90% nothing in front if they are not the front row.
B1 and 17 often have nothing in front too, at all times.
If row AA is in use and discounted then some may well find it worth the neck ache thinks the monkey.
If row BB is the front row - and not discounted it's not a bad view, but possibly expensive for those who prefer to take in the stage without the strain. Discounted, worth a glance if your physio is a good one... The monkey might consider 5 to 8 at the price.
Otherwise, at top price, the monkey chooses the most central seats in rows E to J. It isn't keen on seats too near the pillars though. The first and last two or three seats in each row as a final choice.
Some productions have row J and K "restricted view" end seats 1 and 18 in use cheaply. Worth a look for those willing to peer, feels the monkey, who would take K first for being less up against the pillar. The seats next to them, K2 and 17 at full price are still worth a miss, though.
Further back, the rear stalls are close to the stage in this tiny theatre. Again, avoid the edges of rows to maximise value. The only exception is in rows M and N, where seats 1 and 2 are more central than in other rows.
If sold at second price though, as is row M usually, the monkey considers them pretty good, even if the top of the set may be missing. It would take row M or even N before dress circle row F at the same price.
With all seats the same price, the monkey would go for seats forward of row L first.
The high stage makes viewing from rows AA to D a neck-aching experience.
Pillars are located at the ends of rows G and H. These pillars affect seats at the ends of row J (not generally on sale - and removed) was directly behind one.
A reader noted that seat N1 is directly under an air-conditioning vent and it is very cold when the air conditioning is in use.
Choir of Man
Row BB is the front row. The stage is just above head height for someone 5ft 7, but nothing is missed. Standing places in the rear stalls offer fair value at lowest price once all other seats have been sold.
Pricing has been simplified, though they seem to add extra prices nearer the date. Still, easier than before when booking ahead.
Row BB or row K back are second price. Either offers good value - row K is more comfortable with a better view, but BB is more involved. Just stay off the end seats in both rows.
Premium sets run C to E, plus ends nearest the bar on F and G. Skip F 16 to 18 and G15 - the view isn't premium, feels the monkey. Go D or E if you must, but the rest of F at top non-premium price is cheaper with a better view.
At second price M and N seem a bit far back for the cash.
End seat either end on row J are third price. Monkey would probably go J if it felt like a closer stalls seat than row F circle at the same price. J2 and 17 are now top non-premium price and worth a miss.
Called the CIRCLE in this theatre.
Six rows of seats cling to a narrow shelf, with a further two rows extending from the circle down the sides of the theatre.
Poor throughout most of the circle, row A centre slightly less, comfortable to 5ft 5, rows B to E to 5ft 6, row F bench to 5ft 9 or taller.
Side Slip Blocks front row has enough to around 5ft 2, though is high enough to let longer legs drop a bit. Rear row slips have enough for someone of 5ft 8, and are deep for the taller to sit back in too - though view is lost.
Seats B 1 and 16 have nothing in front. C 1 and 17 have a pillar in front and a bit more legroom due to that.
Centre Block:
View from all central block seats in the circle is unexceptional, with little to recommend it beyond price if cheaper than the stalls. Row B is the best bet for avoiding rails and most of the low rake problem.
Row F is a bench on one side - 13 and 14 - and very narrow, so arrive early to stake out your portion. If row F is cheaper than E - and no sound desk is nearby - the monkey would save a few pounds as it doesn't mind the bench seat - it's quite deep.
Wheelchair spaces are at the side of row F, offering a decent enough view but distraction from the soundboard when positioned nearby.
Side Slip Blocks:
Side circle seats, Rows R and L 1 to 14 have bars restricting the sightlines, and the closest seats to the stage miss the nearside corner. These rows are benches too, so again arrive early to stake out your portion! The price makes them worth considering, if the discount for restricted view is worthwhile - though you may want to pay the same to sit in the front row or rear rows of the stalls instead for legroom / seat width comfort in particular.
On odd occasions when row F seats are the same price as slips, the monkey would go for seats in row F first. When rear stalls are also the same price - it would take rear stalls first.
Low bar in front of row A.
The circle has a shallow rake, making it harder to see over taller heads in front from middle row seats.
Sound desk can replace seats in row F, making F4 and 8 and E4 to 8 (which are usually nearest to it) a miss for purists.
Rows R and L have bars in front and a side view of the stage.
Choir of Man
Pricing has been simplified, though they seem to add extra prices nearer the date. Still, easier than before when booking ahead.
Rows A to C are top non-premium price, skip A for comfort and view, and take row B if you prefer the circle. Stalls are more comfortable and you can have row K down there for the same bananas.
Take D over C - same view, cheaper. F offers more legroom. Better view than stalls rear rows too, particularly for the shorter.
Row F seats 13 and 14 are offered first to wheelchair users. If sold, 14 is decent, 13 again may be disturbed by technical happenings. These are a narrow, very narrow bench space for each person - hope the person next to you is slim.
Slip seats are priced second on the front row 8 to 14 - skip it, miles better seats in stalls row K or BB for view and comfort.
In the back row 1 to 7 monkey would happily take the 4 to 7, furthest from the stage, as usual - fair value for the view, or go for circle row F at the same price for the facing view if slightly taller and unworried by folk in front.
Stalls J 1 and 18 are also the same price with more legroom and a pretty decent view. It may also consider skipping the pre-show drink and paying extra for second price seats before any of them, though.
"Row A: (Graham). A very simply laid out intimate venue. We were sat in the front row of the circle and didn't find it to cramped at all. There is a bar running across the front of the row but it did not even come close to affecting my view of the stage. The circle in general seems to have a good rake too so think the view would be fine from most seats."
"B 1: "Simon Callow in A Christmas Carol" (January 2019). As the Arts Theatre is quite a small theatre, you still feel reasonably close to the stage even from the circle. B1 is on the far right hand side and as such you may find your view of action on the far right of the stage is somewhat restricted. The rail for the circle slips on the right hand side (which are more or less in line with this seat) didn’t impede vision too much. B1 has a pillar to the right and there is no seat in front, which at least gives you an opportunity to stretch out your legs. Row B is quite awkward to get into though, as there is a step down from the aisle to the level of row A, then a higher step up to row B. The seats are pretty narrow, and you have to hope that the good folk in row A don’t lean forward over the rail at the front of the circle as this will obstruct your view. Overall, despite the leg room, I probably wouldn’t choose this seat again if something more central was available.
More generally, during the quieter parts of the matinee performance, I became aware of music coming through the wall from the venue next door – a dance and fitness studio. It was loud enough to be audible and somewhat annoying, but thankfully not so loud that it obscured anything on stage."
"B2: "Rotterdam" (July 2017), (Mark). View was fine, although be aware the rake isn't very good, and the seats are a bit "springy.""
"C4: "Six" (January 2019), (Taljaard). Good view but very tight on leg room."
"C7: "Dirty Great Love Story" (February 2017). The rake in the Circle is quite shallow, So you may have some trouble seeing over other people if the actors move to the front of the stage. The rail wasn't in my view line, but again at times when the action moved to the front of the stage I became aware of it, Decent leg room in these seats and the seats are not too squished which you might expect in a small theatre. If you want to save some cash it may be worth looking at slightly cheaper seats in other areas of the theatre."
"D17: "Beyond the Fence" (February 2016). Although at the end of the row, the view was really quite good. Legroom is a bit limited."
"D5: (Mark). Bad seat, the rake is terrible in the circle of this theatre. Even being tall I couldn't see very well over the people in front of me. I moved to an empty seat in row B, which was much better."
“E12, 13 and 14: “Bonnie & Clyde” (April 2022). You need a lot of luck to be able to see here! Seats are low, there doesn’t seem to be much rake once you’re sitting down and there’s no staggering. If anyone slightly taller than average sits in front of you (as they did) it really blocks the view. Fortunately we had a spare seat next to us so could lean into the gap. I’d take the row behind rather than this one if I had a choice as at least you could stand up or sit very straight without bothering anyone. I don't remember seeing anything here before and loved the student union type vibe going on, once you get your seat choice right it would be great!”
"Slip Seats: Long benches and quite tight if a few larger people are sharing it with you... or the man next to you leaves his phone on gets a call then texts 10 minutes into the second half …we are not sure...! Saying that, the view was good and you don’t really miss any of the action."
"Slip Seats: "Dirty Great Love Story" (February 2017). The benches at the side of the circle are usually the cheapest and have a restricted view, but go for 13 or 14 and the view will not be too bad given the price."
Total 350 seats approx.
2 Spacious bars.
Guide dogs are welcome either inside or dog-sat. Audio described and signed performances occasionally. Step-free access from foyer to Circle. Wheelchair access is via a side entrance and there is an adapted toilet near the Circle seats (just a unisex one though). Contact staff in advance for full information on 020 7836 6463.
1 gentleman's and 1 ladies toilet on each level. In January 2018, a reader says, "One warning about this theatre the toilets downstairs are terrible, as they are very, very squashed. However upstairs in the circle there is a unisex disabled toilet, which is available to anybody to use."
In May 2018 a reader added, "Have you ever been to the gents' room in the Arts Theatre? It's as small as an astronaut's capsule in the 1960s. And it was rather dirty. Need I say more?"
In February 2019 another reader opines, "About the Arts Theatre in general; they only ever seem to want to sell programmes upstairs in the bar/foyer area not in the auditorium itself, so make sure you get one before going downstairs; because getting back up that narrow staircase when everyone else is coming down, is a battle. Also, the toilets at the Arts Theatre are an absolute disgrace, use facilities elsewhere if you can!"
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.
Choir of Man
Choir of Man
App TodayTix offer £20 "Rush tickets" for all performances. Released for the performance on that day, first-come, first-served. Download the App from Todaytix, unlock the "Rush Ticketing" feature by sharing on Facebook or Twitter, and that will allow you to buy tickets.
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.
Leicester Square - Northern (black) and Piccadilly (dark blue) lines.
The escalator from the platforms deposits passengers into a circular space with a number of staircases leading to the surface. Beside each staircase is a vast white panel listing the places accessible from that exit.
Look for the one showing the Arts theatre. It is marked "Charing Cross Road East" and "Cranbourn Street". When you leave the ticket gates, do a 180 degree "U" turn. This exit is hidden behind you, between the gates! Go up the first little staircase. At the top of it, turn right, taking the "Cranbourn Street" exit. Go up the stairs. In front of you will be Cranbourn Street. On the opposite side of the road are shops.
Turn to your left. Walk to the end of the street.
If you see the Hippodrome Casino on the opposite corner across a busy road, turn around. Wrong Way. If you reach the end of the street and see a large restaurant - The Sussex on the opposite corner, well done.
Do not cross the road to it. Instead just turn left at the corner. The Arts is ahead of you on the left, a small building on Great Newport Street.
If you take the other staircase at Leicester Square station then at the top, in front of you will be Charing Cross Road. On the opposite corner, notice the Hippodrome Nightclub and a wide pedestrianised street. Turn to your right then right again at the corner and walk down Cranbourn Street passing the entrance you originally aimed for and missed. Change to the other side of the road and walk to the end of the street. If you reach the end of the street and see a large restaurant "the Sussex" on the opposite corner, well done. Do not cross the road to it. Instead just turn left at the corner. The Arts is ahead of you on the left, a small building on Great Newport Street.
24, 29 and 176 stop on Charing Cross Road. Walk down Cranbourn Street to the end, changing to the other side of the street as you go. If you reach the end of the street and see a large restaurant - The Sussex on the opposite corner, well done. Do not cross the road to it. Instead just turn left at the corner. The Arts is ahead of you on the left, a small building on Great Newport Street.
A rank for Black taxis is at Charing Cross Station - a fair distance from the theatre, if you cannot hail one in the busy street outside the venue or on Charing Cross Road (to the right, up Newport Street).
Newport Place, China Town. On leaving, use Gerard Street to get you onto Shaftesbury Avenue. On Shaftesbury Avenue look to your right. The brown brick building to your right is the Palace Theatre. Don't bother crossing the road, but turn to your right on Shaftesbury Avenue and walk in the direction of it. When you come to the main road intersection in front of Shaftesbury Avenue, cross Charing Cross Road at the traffic lights. Now turn to your right and walk down Charing Cross Road, crossing Litchfield Street as you go.
Next is Newport Street. Turn left into it and the Arts Theatre is along on your left on the same side of the road.
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.
© 2000-2024 "Theatremonkey," "Theatermonkey," "Chip" and "Sammy" are registered trademarks. Buy your tickets with confidence here. Theatremonkey is an Affiliate Member of STAR. All rights reserved.
Readers comments
"Row BB: "Ghost Stories" (June 2014). Front row. The row is close to the stage and half way through there is a slight obstruction but it’s minor."
"Row BB: "Ushers: The Front of House Musical" (September 2015). If you like lovely actors in your face then house left is best!"
"BB1 to 3: "The Choir of Man" (September 2023). Front row, high stage so constantly looking up. For 'Choir of Man' this was OK, which was why I chose it, but I wouldn’t sit here for a play as I don’t think you’d get a good perspective of the scenes. You are very close to the action and looking at people’s feet on stage. On the end of a row, just about OK leg room, be prepared to catch a few splashes of beer every so often!"
"BB4: “Bonnie & Clyde” (April 2022). Front row, perfect view. The floor of the stage was just below my eye line which meant that there was no neck craning required. Unfortunately the advantages of being extra tall were cancelled out by the legroom - not overly bad but not much room to move - severe knee lock meant agony before the end of each act!"
"BB7: "Beautiful Thing" (May 2013). Bought for £24.50. As it states when you are booking your ticket, the view is restricted as the stage is raised. Compared to the Savoy Theatre's raised stage, this wasn't too bad as the stage is built up with steps and many of the actors will perform from these steps. At times, it almost feels like they are performing solely to you. On the odd occasion people's legs will be out of view and the neck-craning can get a bit annoying at times, but if you're anything like me and you love being as close to the stage as possible then these seats are for you. I would be a bit more cautious about booking seats on either far side of row BB - these usually sell last out of this row and it's easy to see why. I sensed that a lot of action would be missed from sitting in these seats."
"BB 7 and 8: "American Idiot" (July 2015). The most amazing seats...seen as the cheap seats because of high stage (restricted view). We thought you have to be kidding (but we liked the ticket price so not complaining!!) we loved the fan girls seats - all the action happening right in front of this ;-) I want to go again and would have to sit in those seats again!!"
"BB11 and 12: "Park Avenue Cat" (July 2011). I was tempted by an email that offered 'Best Seats for only £15' and booked blind. Foolishly I didn't check their location before we went. These were the WORST seats I've ever had in my life, in any theatre, anywhere. The row was squashed in front of the stage, and although we had leg room, we had to crook our necks and lean backwards to see the actors on stage. However, we got a good view up the female actors' skirts. Younger members of the audience in BB appeared to be able to maintain this awkward pose better than my husband and I - being in our late forties we have to be a bit more careful and had to keep looking downwards at our toes to rest our poor necks. An extremely uncomfortable experience. Strongly recommend that Theatremonkey never goes for these seats, even though he is probably a bit more bendy than we humans."
A 3 and 4: "Murder Ballad" (October 2016). Originally was sold Circle F1&2 for £12.50 each, on the night of the show was upgraded to Stalls F3 and 4. The stage is very high for this production so take from row D or so back, to see the floor which is important for this show. Also I wouldn't want to be any further to the right as you will miss action in the far right corner of the stage."
"A8: "Murder Ballad" (October 2016). Got it for £15 at 3pm yesterday afternoon (6th October 2016) for the evening's performance. Stage is even higher than usual at the Arts for this production by about 8-10 inches, meaning anyone unlucky enough to be in row BB can't see a thing - the stage will be several inches higher than anybody sitting there. A8 was equally poor, so I asked to be moved, and the (very rude) box office begrudgingly moved me to B17. Didn't see this was such an issue as the house was so empty. Being an extra row back helped matters a little, but floor level action further back than the front fifth of the stage is still invisible - and a lot of the action is viewed through a chair unnecessarily placed in the downstage right corner. (Same problem for those sitting downstage left side). I'd say you won't get a decent uninterrupted (and neck-friendly) view for this show until at least row F of the stalls."
"A9: "Six" (January 2019). This is the second row for this particular show, and 9 is relatively central. So an amazing view for the most part, with the six queens making direct eye contact regularly. However, I think it was this seat that they seemed to have focussed all the back of stage lighting on, I was regularly absolutely blinded! Also expect to be deafened, both from the music on stage, and from the full audience behind you!"
"A9: "Simon Callow in A Christmas Carol" (December 2018). Excellent view as front row not in use. Very central and close to the stage. The theatre did feel very cold though [perhaps to keep Simon Callow cool in his energetic acting]."
"A10: "The Wipers Times" (October 2018). I had not been to the Arts Theatre before which was tiny and quite shabby. My seat A10 was very central with an excellent view."
"B1: Would definitely go for something more central if I could have chosen. Still had a good view though, although felt a bit disconnected from the action by being right at the side."
"B1: "Judy" (June 2017). A good seat with a clear view and plenty of leg room. It may be a problem if there is a lot of action on the right hand side, as it is slightly cut off."
"B1 to 4: ('Eve Ferret Sings Again!' in 2011). Seats were right at one side of the theatre and quite close to the stage but with a good view of all but the very nearside of the stage. None of these facts were an issue for this particular show (a cabaret) but might well be an issue with another show such as a play."
"B11: Seat was SO creaky I had to move to the empty one next to me. It was creaking like no theatre seat has ever creaked before. Avoid this seat. View from 1 along was very good and squeak free."
"B17: "American Idiot" (September 2016). The theatre is small. You would want a premium seat for this show, as it's on the split level, so the overhang would cut your view. B row is the third row back, any nearer the stage and you would be craning your neck a bit. The bonus of this seat is it's right be the stage steps, so plenty of room and no-one sitting in front of you. I had to sit at a slight angle, but it wasn't uncomfortable. I missed some bits that took place on one side of the stage (writing on a blackboard), but to be honest that was more bad staging than the fault of the seat position."
"Row C: (Mark, regular contributor). centre - Good clear view of the stage."
"D9: (Mark, regular contributor). for 'Naked Boys Singing' it's certainly close enough to see everything, put it that way."
"F5: "The Toxic Avenger" (October 2017), (Mark, regular contributor). Good clear view. And no more uncomfortable than the usual terrible standard at the Arts."
"F5 and 6 were as good as they get in this small venue."
"F8: "The Tailor-Made Man" (February 2013). Great view."
"G1: “Bonnie & Clyde” (April 2022). Excellent view and good legroom. Seat is a little more in than the other rows due to a pillar. Would sit here again for sure!"
"G3 "The Toxic Avenger The Musical" (October 2017). This seat was a bargain at £20.00,originally £39.50, as it was near the side, making it easy to get in and out, but it also gave a good clear view of the stage. Leg room at the Arts Theatre is adequate, but you always have to stand up to let people in. Seats are generally comfortable. The stage is high, so that although the raking of the seats is not great, most seats seats provide a good view of the stage."
"G12 and 13: "A Guide To Sexual Misery" (September 2010), (Clive). A perfect view with good legroom. There is a good chance of being required to move seats for the second half of this show."
"H10 to 13: "Park Avenue Cat" (July 2011), (Clive). Excellent seats – very good view of the stage with good rake and good leg-room."
"H12 and H13: "A Dish of Tea With Doctor Johnson" (September 2011), (Laura). Ended up sitting next to the play's director Max Stafford-Clark, (who was lovely by the way!). The seats themselves gave an excellent view of the action being right in the centre and just in front of the overhang from the dress circle, although legroom was a little cramped - we're 5'2" and 5'3" and we struggled slightly. I'm not sure I'd have paid top price for the seat but if you can get them cheaply then they're a fair value in my opinion."
"J1 and 2: "Six" (January 2019), (Bob Pickett). These seats are sold as ‘restricted view’. The only way anything would be lost was if it appeared in the top right-hand corner of the stage. They’re nicely close to the front, as said previously the sightline is not affected one iota by the pillar. They are comfortable with sufficient leg room. If you are offered these at reduced prices, snap them up."
"J17 and 18: "Six" (January 2019), (Bob Pickett). J18 has a (slightly) restricted view behind a pillar. For Six, when the Queens are lined up at the start, you lose Katherine of Aragon. For most of the time this isn't an issue, as the bulk of the action is centre stage. J17 has no such issues. Both great value at a reduced price, but go for J1 and J2 if available."
“L1: “The Choir of Man” (September 2021), (Broadway John). Good legroom and view. Only missed the right side wall of the set. Happy to sit here again!”
"L10: "American Idiot" (July 2015). This is a hit and miss seat .. I'd got it at a discount so couldn't complain. There is little drop from row L to K in front and there is no offsetting of seats at all, so if you get someone of even average height in front, your view is quite blocked. At the very last moment before the show started, I got a tall man with a ponytail so lost around one sixth of the stage - the central part. Fortunately 'American Idiot' uses split level stage so managed to see a good percentage. Pay full price for this row and you take a big risk ..."
"Row M: "The Toxic Avenger" (October 2017). My ticket was in row M at the back, where there was plenty of leg room. However, if I'd stayed there the view of at least some of the action on the upper level of the set would have been blocked by the overhanging circle. Thankfully ticket sales appear to not be doing well so there were plenty of empty seats further forward. I moved to row F where the view was much better, although I was a bit surprised that going from almost the cheapest to the most expensive seats meant I got less leg room. It was still sufficient though. Taller visitors should avoid the rear three or four rows in the stalls."
"M2: "Ian McKellen" (February 2019). Very near the back of the stalls. Good view of the stage and able to hear well. This seat is near the end of the row so it feels more spacious than having a seat struck in the middle."
"M8: "Ian McKellen" (February 2019). I moved from M2 to M8 for second half [to help people who wanted to leave for train] and actually the view was less clear and I felt there was very little space in the middle of the row. This theatre feels very cramped especially with the low overhang of circle."
"M12: "Ruthless! The Musical! (March 2018). Right at the back in the corner but no matter. The Arts Theatre is so small that I had a perfect view, and the rake is good so that even when a very tall lady with a Ken Dodd hairstyle sat in front of me, I could still see everything. The seats themselves are old and tired and look like they're held together by the power of prayer and parcel tape so not very comfortable but leg room fine."
"Row N: Great leg room and perfect unobstructed view, has a good rake. Very hot, though. Now the bad points: during the play, 8 times the entrance/exit door - the only one to theatre - was opened and let the hallway light into the auditorium. Not only that, but they appear to have a bar/club directly behind a locked single layer door. I could hear crowds singing "my sex is on fire" more than what was said on stage. It really is appalling sound proofing, surely they could have better - and a curtain over the door! It really did spoil our night."
“N1: “Bonnie & Clyde” (April 2022). Very cramped seat. Decent legroom. Seats aren't offset so I was looking directly at the persons head in front of me. Was able to look around them most of the time so I could still see pretty much everything. Also, directly under a vent so freezing cold.”
"N10: “Bonnie & Clyde” (April 2022). Seating isn’t staggered with the rows in front, and there isn’t much of a rake, so if the person in front of you is taller than you, you will miss about 1/3 of the action. On the plus side, it is the back row so you can sit without putting the seat down, so you can see above all heads without blocking anyone, but it is uncomfortable doing it."
"N 14: "Mischief Movie Night" (December 2017): This seat is right at the back of the stalls, but it has an excellent view of the stage and has the advantage of being on an aisle. Always an advantage in the interval. This is the first time I have sat there , but certainly the seat I will always choose in future. A bargain at £19.00, in the Official London Theatre Flash Sale, which is slightly less than on sale at the theatre. The leg room is good and the seats very comfortable. One warning about this theatre the toilets downstairs are terrible, as they are very, very squashed. However upstairs in the circle there is a unisex disabled toilet, which is available to anybody to use."