St Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4BG 0333 009 6690
Ambassador Theatre Group, the theatre group's own website provide the service for this theatre.
Booking fees per transaction:
A £3.95 per transaction (not per ticket) fee is made.
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.
Shifters
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 £15.30 on £85, £16.70 on £65, £8.10 on £45, £6.30 on £35, £4.50 on £25 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.
Barcelona
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 £20.30 on £145, £17.50 on £125, £11.90 on £85, £9.90 on £65, £6.30 on £45, £3.50 on £25 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.
Elektra
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 £26.10 on £145, £18 on £99.50, £14.40 on £79.50, £10.80 on £59.50, £9 on £49.50, £4.50 on £24 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.
Shifters
Another alternative is www.seetickets.com which charge £17 on £85, £13 on £65, £9 on £45, £7 on £35, £4 on £25 seats booking fee per ticket, and £2.75 per booking (not per ticket) postal charge.
Shifters
Alternatively, Ticketmaster charge £16.75 on £85, £12.75 on £65, £9on £45, £7 on £35, £5 on £25 seats booking fee per ticket.
Shifters
Encore Tickets charge £17 on £85, £13 on £65, £9 on £45, £7 on £35, £4 on £25 seats booking fee per ticket.
Discounts and "Meal and Show" packages may also be available.
Shifters
Londontheatredirect.com charge £18 on £85, £14 on £65, £10 on £45, £8 on £35, £6 on £25 seats booking fee per ticket. Optional Ticket Insurance is also available.
Discounts may also be available.
Telephone: 0333 009 6690
Operated by the Ambassador Theatre group's own phoneroom from 9am until 10pm (Sundays 10am until 8pm). Outside these hours the Ticketmaster agency answer calls on their behalf.
Booking fees per transaction for telephone bookings:
A £3.95 per transaction (not per ticket) fee is made.
For personal callers or by post:
St. Martin's Lane, London. WC2N 4BG
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 0800 912 6971.
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.
A single block of seats faces the stage.
The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at row K.
The rake (sloped floor to help see over rows in front) is noticeable from around row D back to row O.
Good in rows AA (when used) to Q, except row BB (limited for those over 5ft 10 or so, unless the row in front is removed notes Tim, a regular monkey reader). Other 6ft readers were happy in the row, though.
Adequate in R and S. Row U has less - those over 5ft 11 or so may feel cramped.
Best legroom in AA 1 to 10, B1, 12, C 1, 2, 3, 16, 17, D 1, 2, E 1, H1 and 21 all of which have no seats in front.
D19 is 50% clear.
C15 and Q2 have 9/10ths of the seat with nothing in front, T1 about 5/8ths clear, E21 around 20% and A1 about 1/10th for those who are happy to peer a bit.
The monkey has always enjoyed the atmosphere of rows AA to C for proximity to the stage. The enclosing walls create a very intimate atmosphere at the front of this theatre.
The good news is that, given a high stage, row AA is often sold cheaply to those willing to accept neck ache.
Behind it, at top price, rows BB and A may be out for many whose health cover does not run to physiotherapy.
The positions of the boxes at the front of this theatre mean that the first and last two seats of rows C to F face walls rather than the stage. These seats (plus occasionally extra ones behind them as far back as row H) are usually a bargain when sold at restricted view prices for those accepting a little wall with their play. The monkey prefers them over “clear view” more expensive seats in row R back, anyway.
Take the seat one in from the aisle first in all cases - D2, 19, E2, 20, F2 and H2 and 20 etc, and work forward from row H to D in that order. The outermost seats lose around an eighth of the stage nearest to them, the seat further in about a tenth.
If any of these seats are sold at top price, just enquire if the wall has been demolished - the reply will be negative - and insist on central seats.
The rest of the stalls to row O are comfortable with a good rake, offering at least average value for money.
The monkey picks rows F to H as prime value, but would be wary of rows J, K, M and N – not sufficiently offset to see past the row in front, according to one reader. The monkey would add row G to the list too. Fine if you are 5ft 7 or so, but shorter and with someone tall in front, you could be weaving to see both sides of the stage.
Rows P to U feel like a large room tacked behind the main theatre. The rake is not great here, but the lower prices in rows R to U usually marks out these seats as pretty acceptable value for money. On the other hand, row U is often the same price as row AA – the monkey prefers neck ache to lost view, but accepts it is a personal choice. It's more cramped too, and feels a little grey in its spot alone.
Neck ache in rows AA, BB, A and B.
Ends of rows C to H face a wall rather than the stage.
A reader reported that row N is not "staggered" sufficient to see around people in row M ahead of you. These seats should possibly be avoided by the shorter person as it could cause a problem, though none has been reported to the box office at any point and the rake is good enough to generally allow a clear view of the stage, in the monkey's opinion. The cause is suspected to be a problem with flooring, allegedly...
Row P has thick pillars either end. This creates a detached environment for rows P to U.
Views from row P back are slightly affected by circle overhang - the top of the set / action happening at a higher level cannot be seen.
A sound desk can replace seats 1 to 6 in rows T and U.
Shifters
The front row is AA. Both it and BB behind are lowest price and shortened to allow steps for audience members sitting on the stage. Both are a total bargain at bottom price, even if you have to look up. The stage front is eye-height to a 5ft 7 monkey. The actual playing area is a plinth about 75cm from the front of the stage, so you will not see actors from the ankles down, which is no issue at all. The rows are not off-set behind each other, but it isn't an issue, given the stage height, unless short. Good news is that row AA has legroom for those up to 6ft as well. Take these rows before anything else at the price.
When they are gone, outer pairs in D, E, F and a single on H are the same price. They miss the sides of the stage, which is not important for this production, and you cannot complain at those bananas. Take F, E, H (pillar in view in H) in that order for the best angle, and always take the seat next to the aisle seat in E and F first to be slightly further in. Your final choice is row U, which is still better than the upper circle for comfort, if able to see over heads in front.
At top non-premium price (also very reasonable by West End standards) take B as it has a slightly less neck-craning view - or E and F 5 or G4 right next to "premium" seats, or central K 5 to 16. Row A does look up at the stage in a way to make top non-premium price seem only about fair. Note that A and B are also shorter than usual, as well, giving nothing in front of the end seat in A, and 2 on the ends of B. C has the outer sat clear in front, and about 90% of the width of the seat next to it also free.
Premium seats are again reasonably priced and are the middle of D to J, with "package" seats on C. The package, if you plan to buy a drink anyway is not bad value - £15 more than the premium price. If taking premium or package seats, go as central as possible moving from E back.
Then we get interesting...
Four seats on the ends of L and M, eight on N, six on O drop to second price. Monkey would grab all of them. It would miss O 7 to 11 at top non-premium price, though.
Once those second price have gone, row P is also pretty good. Then go for the closest you can from what is left in Q to T - remembering that U is cheaper than T for the same view.
Remember that rows from R to U are only worth it if you are tall enough to see over all the heads in front. If short so that legroom isn't an issue, you will get a better view from same price upper circle seats over heads in front.
A sound desk by T6 and U5 should not bother anyone.
The on stage seats are a plastic (lightly padded seat) portable grandstand. You go up 6 steps from the stalls, along a short passage either side of the stage, then up further steps to rows B to E. Row A is on stage level with unlimited legroom. Rows B to E rise around 10cm above the rows in front. Each has legroom for those up to at least 5ft 11, due to being set a fair way back from the row in front. Seats E 1, 2, 18 and 19 have nothing in front, with a view down the aisle.
The only issue on stage (apart from not being able to leave mid-show) is that the outer 2 seats in all rows look through hanging items of the set to see the stage. It isn't really bothersome in rows A and B, but purists won't like it in C to E. The monkey puts the ends of C and D at red due to it, white on the ends of E for legroom, as that does balance it out a little, it feels.
Row A is the one to go for, close to the stage, great legroom, quite an experience. Then take B, then seats as central as possible in all rows, feels the monkey.
Barcelona
The front row is AA. Cheap for weekly lottery winners, they are outstanding value even if you do have to look up.
Row BB and the four rows behind are the next cheapest way to be close to the stage while paying under a 3 figure sum. Take them in order depending how close you want to be to the stage. The monkey advises around row C first if concerned about a high stage – read on for more, once it gets premium seats out of the way.
Premium seats take over all except the outer few seats from rows D to O. Take them as central as possible moving from E back. Remember that L is a long way back at those bananas, and O is to be avoided at the price.
Interestingly, central E are at "premium package" seats – including a drink and nibble at the same price as the other premium seats (except a few central ones in F to H). Monkey advice is to take central E first and take advantage of the deal. It also suggests skipping J to M 3 and 19 – premium and not the greatest angle, feels the monkey.
Bad news is that outermost seats in D to H are not discounted – they are the same top non-premium price as all ends D to O and the whole of BB to C and P to S. First, skip the end pairs of D to H, the view isn’t acceptable for that price.
In this theatre the lack of slope on the floor and lack of off-setting of seats causes sightline issues for many in the stalls.
So, at top non-premium price, rows C to BB are the better choice - maybe the outer two seats second for viewing angle, then D and E 19, F 3, 18 and 19 are reasonable, the ones next to the premium seats in N if you have to. Skip P back if possible.
Second price kicks in at row T. Take T over S for the same view, cheaper. A sound desk beside T6 and U5 should bother nobody. Remember that row U is only if you are tall enough to see over all the heads in front. If short so that legroom isn't an issue, you will get a better view from same price upper circle seats over heads in front.
Elektra
The front row is not yet confirmed. If it is AA and sold cheap, they are outstanding value even if you do have to look up.
Row BB is the first row on sale. It, and the three rows behind are top non-premium price. Take them in order depending how close you want to be to the stage. The monkey advises around row C first if concerned about a high stage .
Premium (and "super premium") seats take up most of central rows D to M. Take them as central as possible moving from E back. Remember that L and M are a long way back at those bananas.
Interestingly, central D are at "premium package" seats – including a drink and nibble at a lower price than the most central "super premium" seats. Monkey advice is to take central D first and take advantage of the deal. It also suggests skipping J19 – premium and not the greatest angle, feels the monkey.
Bad news is that outermost seats in D to H are not discounted – they are the same top non-premium price as all ends D to M and the whole of BB to C and N to S. First, skip the end pairs of D to H, the view isn’t acceptable for that price.
In this theatre the lack of slope on the floor and lack of off-setting of seats causes sightline issues for many in the stalls.
So, at top non-premium price, rows C to BB are the better choice - maybe the outer two seats second for viewing angle, then D and E 5 and 6, D 15 and 16 are reasonable. Skip P back if possible.
Second price kicks in at row T. Take T over S for the same view, cheaper. A sound desk beside T6 and U5 should bother nobody. Remember that row U is only if you are tall enough to see over all the heads in front. If short so that legroom isn't an issue, you will get a better view from same price upper circle seats over heads in front.
G and H at Stalls level, at either side of the stage
Good, as movable chairs are used.
Fair value if sold at less than top price, skip it if more expensive, though.
A side-on viewing angle and the nearest rear corner of the stage obscured.
Shifters
Not on sale.
Barcelona
Not yet on sale.
Elektra
Not yet on sale.
None.
Called the Royal Circle in this theatre.
The Upper Circle overhangs the Dress Circle but does not affect the view from any seat.
A single block of seats in long rows. Row F is divided into three by pillars half emerging from the wall behind. These create a gap between seats F5 and 6 and 13 and 14.
Poor in all seats for those over 5ft 10 or so, notably row A where you don't gain any extra inches for feet to use the spaces left by the curved backs of seats in front. The ends of row E also have a little less. Oddly, readers feel it depends on "leg length" a bit, with one 6ft reader happy in row A, another 5ft 7 feeling cramped...
Seats F1 and 19 have nothing in front, worth a look if tall and not minding the loss of view, perhaps.
Seats B1 and 22 have nothing in front of half of it, allowing a thin leg to stretch a bit, perhaps.
A fairly shallow rake makes the view average from row D back.
On the whole, this hairball prefers the stalls at the same price, but will accept the circle if it has to. The box office manager though, disagrees and prefers the Dress Circle... - as does a reader who rates A5 outstanding - so everyone has an opinion here!
Central rows A and B are often sold at “premium” prices. There are seats with the same view beside and behind them, and more legroom in the stalls, notes the monkey.
The length of rows B and C cause B1, 2, 21, 22 and C1, 2, 23 and 24 to be designated restricted view. Walls cut the edges of the stage off and a strange viewing angle is created - it feels like peering round a corner. You will need to sit on the edge of the seat and lean to see the nearside fifth of the stage from the end of row B in particular. At low price these are at least fair to good value, but the monkey would take same price stalls for "comfort over view" reasons. Avoid at full price and take the inner seat first as the improvement in view is noticeable - the outermost seats lose a third of the stage, the next seat in less than an eighth, the monkey felt. Take row C before B, but row F sees more of the stage, even if it is further away.
In the rear Dress Circle, row F seats 6 to 13 are expensive at top price, feels the monkey as the front of the stage is often lost.
Seats at the extreme ends of row F are normally cheaper. At top price, just about average, feels the monkey. If extra legroom is required, F 1 and 19 are possible, though. They miss the near front corner stage action.
The monkey would take the cheaper seats in rows B and C before these, to be honest, if wanting to be close to the stage, but F will see more over all.
Two wheelchair spaces in restricted view sides of Dress Circle at around row C. Theatremonkey rates the left side better than the right, but all are fair value. Still, a better view would have been nice if possible. See notes.
Seats on the extreme ends of rows B and C are affected by boxes intruding into view.
Seats on the ends of row F lose view to the curve of the circle cutting off the stage front.
Lighting hung on the front of the circle may affect views for short folk in row A.
Shifters
Premium seats are located in the centre of rows A and B. Fine if you feel like it, but there are seats as good in row C. Stalls premium seats will offer more legroom too and the viewing angle from mere "premium" seats up here isn't as good - though you won't get heads in front as you will in the stalls. In rows A and B the outermost one particularly lose a good chunk of stage without leaning.
Go central C if you want to pay the top non-premium price up here.
Second price kicks in at the edges of row D, beside the restricted view seats. The monkey would take same price central E for a better view. Row F at second price is also a fair deal if you don't mind the legroom.
Even better, the end two seats in B, C, D and F are lowest price. Once stalls BB to H at the same price are gone, or if you don't want to look over heads, these are worth taking. The aisle seat in row F is good with legroom and nothing in front. If shorter, this end seat means you will probably see more of the show than same priced stalls row U.
Of the others, take the inner seat first once front corner stalls at the same price have gone, as the outermost aisle seat really does struggle to see around the wall ahead. On the plus side, far more comfortable than upper circle seats for the same bananas.
Barcelona
Premium seats are located in the centre of rows A to D. Fine if you feel like it, but there are seats as good in row E. Stalls premium seats will offer more legroom too and the viewing angle from mere "premium" seats up here isn't as good - though you won't get heads in front as you will in the stalls. In rows A to C the outermost one particularly loses a good chunk of stage without leaning.
Three or four beside the premium area at top non-premium price in A to C are probably worth missing for losing stage. Go beside the premium ones on row D if you want to pay the top non-premium price up here. Take the two end seats at full price on D and E last to be safe at those prices.
Not great at the second price they require are the ends of rows B and C as well. Take the inner seat first, if you must.
For this one, the whole of row F except the end two seats are top non-premium price. Very average.
Better news is that the end pairs on F are second price. The aisle seat is good with legroom and nothing in front. If shorter, this row - particularly the end seat - means you will probably see more of the show than same priced stalls rows T and U.
Elektra
Premium seats are located in the centre of rows A to D. Fine if you feel like it, but there are seats as good in row E. Stalls premium seats will offer more legroom too and the viewing angle from mere "premium" seats up here isn't as good - though you won't get heads in front as you will in the stalls. In rows A to C the outermost one particularly loses a good chunk of stage without leaning.
Two beside the premium area are top non-premium price in A to C - probably worth missing for losing stage. Go beside the premium ones on row D if you want to pay the top non-premium price up here.
Take the two end seats at full price on E last to be safe at those prices.
Not great at the second price they require are the ends of rows B to D. Take the inner seat first, if you must, could be worse.
For this one, the whole of row F except the end four seats one side / three on the other are top non-premium price. Very average.
Better news is that the ends of F are second price. The aisle seat is good with legroom and nothing in front. If shorter, this row - particularly the end seat - means you will probably see more of the show than same priced stalls rows T and U.
"Dress Circle: "Farinelli and the King" (September 2015). I was annoyed by the production when half-a-dozen candle chandeliers descended from the roof of the auditorium to seriously interfere with the view of us poor souls sitting in the middle of the dress circle in full price seats."
"A4 and 5: "The Son" (August 2019). (I was treated!). I agree with the other person who sat here – we thought the legroom was generous. People were able to get past us without us having to stand up! One of the few theatres where I would sit in the front row of the dress circle. Only slight niggle, the legroom in the other rows is clearly very tight – the person sitting behind me was unable to stop kicking me (accidentally) throughout the play as his feet were so close to the back of my seat. He was very apologetic!"
"A5: "Jumpy" (2013). Have seen some reviews that suggest the seats are cramped. View of stage was excellent as was leg room. Am 6 ft tall and had ample legroom."
"A10 and 11: "Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense" (November 2013). Minor problems for short people in A10 and A11 of the Royal Circle. Two small spot-lamps positioned just in front of these seats could protrude into your line of sight to the very edge of the stage."
"A11: "The Moderate Soprano" (April 2018). To my delight I was moved from the Upper circle to the royal circle and given A11. This seat had lots of leg room and an excellent view of the stage."
"A12 and 13: "The Dresser" (October 2016). Had a great view, good legroom - and I am tall so always a bonus. Got them at a discount, so felt very good value for money."
"A14: "Passion Play" (2013). View of stage was excellent as was leg room. Am 6 ft tall and had ample legroom. These seats are not premium price so for me represented excellent value for money."
"B4 and 5: "Posh" (May 2012), (Chris B). Excellent view, could easily make out all the actors facial expressions and have a good overview of the whole stage. Plenty of legroom."
"B16: "Home, I'm Darling" (January 2019). This seat gave an excellent view of the stage and felt very close."
"Row C: "Backbeat" (October 2011), (Richard). We sat in the middle of row C, which were good seats, but the Duke of York is such a small theatre that I don't think there's a poor seat in the house."
"C11 and 12: "Summer and Smoke" (January 2019) Got these for £20 each on the today tix rush. I'd been holding out for seats not in the front few rows as I'm short and dislike looking up at a steep angle. For the price I paid the seats were great, gave a beautiful view of the whole stage, and the legroom was adequate. However, if paying premium price I would recommend the centre stalls over the circle as we did feel a little bit removed from the action."
"C22: "Ink" (October 2017). A bargain at £20 for Ink, glad that the monkey is sporting a green rating for this seat. Missed maybe a few entrances/exits equating to only seconds. Legroom fine in this seat also as C23 is on a raised area, so no seat directly to the right of this one."
“D6 and D5: The leg room was exceedingly poor and it was difficult to hear - if someone opened a bottle of water it was louder than the people on stage. Also as the leg room was so bad, people were restless and constantly shifting around in their seats. The view was restricted by the people sitting in front of us - who weren't even especially tall (5ft 4?). I think only people in the centre of Row A of the Dress circle would have had a good view from the Circle. A fat person in Row A stood up during the ovation in a vain attempt to catch Orlando Bloom's eye and in so doing restricted the view of every person in the Dress Circle."
"D6: "Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour" (May 2017), (Mark). Good view but felt pretty cramped. Not a lot of legroom and with people both sides of me it got a bit uncomfortable."
"D10 and 11: "The Nether (February 2015) (Mary). The view was perfect with the entire set visible. At around 5'5" (165cm) we were comfortable."
“D12 and 13: The view was perfect (no heads in the way), the sound quality fab, the leg room good, the chair size adequate."
"Row E: "Jeeves and Wooster In Perfect Nonsense" (November 2013), (Brian & Diana). This is a small theatre, but we sat in the Dress Circle in the centre of row E in comfort and with an excellent view."
"E12 and 13: Good view of the entire stage. Good legroom for short and tall alike, and seats are comfortable breadth-wise. Feels fairly close to the stage."
“E13 and 14: Fine at £25 but I'm not sure I would pay full price for them. The view is actually fine, but the Upper Circle makes you feel a little claustrophobic!"
"F14: "Home I'm Darling" (January 2019), (Judy Harrison). Paying £40 through the theatre January sale deal. The row is against a solid wall, the seat is central with a space between F14 and F13 which was handy for putting coats and shopping. I had a good view of the whole of the stage, even the top of the house so I didn’t miss anything, the seats are raked so no heads in the way but being against a wall I could have stood up if necessary and it wouldn’t have mattered."
Dress Circle level, at either side of the stage, between the front of it and the front of the circle.
Good, as seats are movable chairs.
With a fair viewing angle, boxes C and F then B and E (in that order) offer especially attractive options for comfortable well-priced Dress Circle seating at less than full price. At full price, they may be considered a little average.
Box E at second price might be attractive for comfort, perhaps, to some wanting more legroom and a Dress Circle view.
Box B, sold cheap, is considered well worth it, even if action is missed.
Side-on viewing angle and the nearest rear corner of the stage obscured.
Shifters
Boxes B, C, D and E are on sale (the others have technical equipment in them). All are bargains. B and E are cheaper due to less viewing angle - but most of the play happens centrally so it isn't an issue. At lowest and one above lowest price, they offer comfort even if they have a side view. Worth taking for legroom alone, feels the monkey.
Barcelona
Not yet on sale.
Elektra
Not yet on sale.
"Box F: "Goodnight Mister Tom" (February 2016). My daughter and I sat in circle box F and, as it was my birthday, we had the 'Ambassadors Experience' ..... Cost £54 each which was VERY expensive for me, but I really enjoyed it. Just two moveable armchairs in the box so, even though you're at right angles to the stage, you can manoeuvre yourself into a position where you can see All but the very left side of the stage. Was just nice to have plenty of room .... Nobody kicking the chair from behind, and no tall or fidgety people in front to obscure the view. Coat hooks meant we didn't have to screw our coats up under our chair etc and plenty of room for bags etc.
The 'experience' bit meant there were two individual bottles of Frexinet cava I and ice bucket, nuts and nibbles and two boxes of 4 Belgian chokkies waiting for us in the box. Shame the champagne flutes were plastic, but, hey ho. OK, so it was a total extravagance, and the view would've been much better from a centre seat in the stalls or circle, but we had a great time!!"
A disused balcony (housing a recording studio!) overhangs all rows on the Upper Circle. This does not affect the view from any seat.
A single block of seats curve towards the stage.
The back two short rows are benches rather than normal seats with arm rests.
Poor in all seats in rows A to F, worst in row A. The monkey estimates that those up to 5ft 6 without any leg issues should be reasonably comfortable in B to F, and advises aisle seats if possible (E 1 and 22 seemed a decent pick when it tried one time).
Row G is acceptable for those up to around 5ft 6, row H to around 5ft 8... H 1 and 8 though have no arm rests and 50% of each seat has nothing in front - allowing stretching for one leg at least.
Tickets are normally split into two, sometimes three prices.
Central row A may be sold more expensively than other seats. Really not worth it unless very short, feels the monkey.
Around and behind row A, and back to row F, central seats are the next price down.
In the front section, Monkey view is to take the seats beside the most expensive in row A first, moving back from B to E before moving out to seats further towards the sides of the auditorium.
All remaining seats are more reasonably priced, so for the monkey it is just a case of picking the most central and avoiding the worst of the restricted views by skipping the outermost seats if possible. Remember that you won't see much from any of these end seats without leaning (and thus blocking views for those behind) though.
Monkey would particularly skip B8, C to E 16, F 7, 8, 14 and 15. All are overpriced, it feels, given both comfort and view.
The first and last two seats at least in rows B to F are normally sold as restricted view, due to the same 'peering round corners' effect as in the Dress Circle below. At bottom price take a box instead. There is no real bargain to be had in sitting here - and plenty of discomfort. Note that seats B 1, 2, 23 and 24 and C 1, 2, 24 and 25 have been pressed into service again after not being used for a while due to this issue. The seats next to these - two or three in each row also used to be discounted, but are now merged into the next price up.
Rows G and H are a long way from the stage and may or may not offer poor value - pick a box or seats a row or two further forward (but not on the absolute ends of the row) instead if there is action on more than one level of the stage. If something is played "front and centre" though, a possible choice.
They are benches - so arrive early to stake out your bit (and hope there is nobody too vast sharing the row that night!). Row H only has a metal bar to lean on, row G lean against a wall. The ends of row H are the most comfortable seats in the upper circle, given that they have stretching for one leg.
All other seats offer a clear view - though parts of the stage can be missing - and fair value for money relative to the price and position of the seats.
The curve of the circle cuts the view of the front and sides of the stage.
Anybody leaning forward blocks the view for those behind.
Some more central “restricted view” seats are often re-priced as “clear view” if producers feel the restriction isn’t sufficient.
Shifters
Central rows A to C are third price, the rest of the seats are bottom price, £25.
Once seats at third price in the stalls and dress circle are gone, or if you are too short to see over heads in stalls row U, this is the place to look.
First, not row A unless you can accept limited legroom. After that, go as central and forward as you can in row B. Take B and C 7, 16 and 17 last as they are ordinarily cheaper due to the curve of the circle intruding into the view. If considering row C, remember that you can sit in the row behind and have the same view for fewer bananas.
Back to the rest of the seats at bottom price: the further out to the sides you go, the more the view is blocked by the curve of the circle's front wall.
Rows G and H are benches. H 1 and 8 have unlimited legroom, but you are paying the same as seats further forward. Likewise, aisle seats in rows B to F allow a leg into the aisle, but the view is limited even though you pay the same as everyone else up here.
Simply, aside from central A to C, do what suits you if you need legroom or have another specific requirement, otherwise, as the monkey says, central as possible.
Barcelona
Central rows A to C are second price. Take B over A for legroom if nothing else. Stalls rows S to U for the same cash are a better bet for more legroom only. The monkey would save bananas and take D, or B5, 6, 18 and 19 over those central second price ones.
Take D over C in the centre, as they drop to third price for the same view. If willing to pay it, then go as close to the middle of E or F as you want.
Almost all else is fourth price. The A to C ones are worth a look if you don't mind a restricted view, feels the monkey, B, C, A (only if short) in that order.
If you want more legroom, outermost seats in all rows are the same price and not terrible value if you can tolerate the legroom and missed action, feels the monkey. Row F 5, 6, 17 and 18 might fit the bill for a more central view, cheaper.
Benches G and H are the same price as the ends of A to F. Take ends of H over G, first - for the legroom. Still, not bad at all, can be a bargain if cheap, feels the monkey.
Standing areas are not on sale. The monkey will update as available.
Elektra
Central rows A to D are second price. Take B over A for legroom if nothing else. Stalls rows S to U for the same cash are a better bet for more legroom only. The monkey would save bananas and take third or even fourth price D, or B5, 6, 18 and 19 over those central second price ones.
Take E over D in the centre, as they drop to fourth price for the same view. Go as close to the middle of E, even F as you want.
Almost all else is also fourth price. The A to C ones are worth a look if you don't mind a restricted view, feels the monkey, B, C, A (only if short) in that order.
If you want more legroom, outermost seats in all other rows are the same price and not terrible value if you can tolerate the legroom and missed action, feels the monkey.
Benches G and H are not yet on sale. If they are the same price as the ends of A to F, take ends of H over G, first - for the legroom. Still, not bad at all, can be a bargain if cheap, feels the monkey. It will update as available.
Standing areas are not on sale. The monkey will update as available on this as well.
"A 1 to 3: "Jeeves and Wooster In Perfect Nonsense" (November 2013). My cheapskate brother-in-law bought £20 tickets for the Upper Circle. On the tickets (and website) it says 'Restricted View: patrons will lose 1/3 of the stage). This is SERIOUSLY misleading. If you sit upright in your sit you lose ALL of the stage apart from the very top! In other words, you cannot see ANY of the action without leaning right forward. On the plus side, by leaning right forward and resting your arms on the ledge in front, you can actually see all the stage so, bizarrely, this turned out to be a good cheap option. BUT - and here's an important warning - anyone with back problems is going to struggle leaning forward for the full performance and, as soon as they sit back, they will lose ALL sight of the show!"
"A12: "Summer and Smoke" (November 2018). A12 amazing view as in the centre. Not much leg room and feels very high when you make your way to your seat."
"B21: "Jeeves and Wooster In Perfect Nonsense" (November 2013). A word of caution. The show is a sell out in a theatre with its own fair share of doubtful seats. So be careful. I paid £20 + £3 booking fee 10 days prior to the performance for B21 in the Upper Circle. It was only 1 of 3 single seats remaining and it was not good. I was warned when I booked and there is a warning in the ticket so I knew that it was not going to be good. But could only see a third of the stage without leaning far forward, luckily most of the action was centre stage."
"C7: "The Judas Kiss" (February 2013), (Marcus). Though a good area of the stage is blocked from view, it's an area that's little used. The higher seat numbers would have missed more of the action so worth noting if you're booking these cheaper 'restricted view' seats."
“C17 and 18: We paid £30 each for these seats. There is no leg room at all - I am 5' 8" and my knees just wouldn't fit - my legs went to sleep and we just had to move elsewhere after the interval. The Americans sitting next to us couldn't get over how bad the seats were for the price charged. Be very careful where you sit in this theatre. Surely something could be done to improve this."
"D 16 and 17: "Little Shop of Horrors" (March 2007), (Rob). Fairly good view. I see no reason for people to lean forward in these seats but they still did! Lad in front of me was very accommodating and sat back after I asked, lad in front of my partner had no-one in front of him but still spent whole show 'elbows on knees' leaning forward and spoiled it for next 3 rows behind him."
"D19 and 20: "Home, I'm Darling" (February 2019). For this particular production I would avoid as this cuts off the bottom right hand corner where at least half of the performance plays out especially as all rows in front are also leaning to the left to try and view. My next door neighbour in D18 didn't seem to have as much of an issue. Seat would be a bargain for plays with central staging. I would imagine this is an issue for all seats to the far right on any row - normally maybe not as much of an issue but this is where major parts of this play happen."
"D21 and 22: "The Girl On The Train" (July 2019). You are close enough to see expressions, which is good news from Grand Circle seats. There is no issue caused by the ceiling. Leg room is poor (5'10" with just 29" inside leg, I was cramped) and I estimate you lose between 1/3 and 1/2 the stage - thankfully for 'Girl On The Train' this had little impact as most action was centre stage. Overall to be avoided unless there is a good deal on price."
"E16 and E17: "Arcadia" (June 2009), (Marty). The view was fine. (once the girls in front of us stopped leaning forward) Apart from a very tiny bit of acting on the floor downstage at one point I could see everything. The acoustics and the projection of the actors were perfect and I never got that feeling of not being involved you sometimes get sitting in the gods. The whole upper circle were laughing and part of the experience. Bring water if it's a hot day as it was a bit muggy up there. There's a balcony in the upper circle bar with limited room, so good to head there first during the interval for some fresh air."
Upper Circle level, at either side of the stage, between the front of it and the front of the circle.
Good, as seats are movable chairs.
A good choice when sold, offering cheap restricted view seating with decent legroom - worth considering. Take L and O, then N and K for the maximum angle available.
Side-on viewing angle and the nearest rear corner of the stage obscured.
Shifters
Boxes K, L, N and O are on sale - bargains at bottom price. K and N maybe edge viewing angle - but most of the play happens centrally so it isn't an issue. At lowest price, they offer comfort even if they have a side view. Worth taking for legroom alone, feels the monkey. Do take B and E at dress circle level for the same bananas first, though, closer, of course.
Barcelona
Not yet on sale.
Elektra
Not yet on sale.
"Box L: "Shirley Valentine" (February 2023), (Bob Pickett). 2 seats. This box comes with a reduced view warning (and a reduced price). It faces the Stalls more than the stage, it also has two quite large chairs in a small box that make it impossible to move them about to get a best view (the Stalls boxes have armless chairs that would suit Box L far better). To see meant pushing the chairs as far to the front as possible, squashing legs against the front of the box.
You can see the left side of the stage easily and - by leaning forward a bit (no-one to block behind you) you can see centre and a little to the right. For 'Shirley Valentine' this meant we could not see the cooker where she was making dinner or, when she was in Greece the rock she spoke to (by leaning right out (uncomfortably) it was just possible to see it).
Comfort: 2 out of 5. View: 2 out of 5."
“Box L seat 1: “Shirley Valentine” (February 2023), (Broadway John). Horrible view. Extremely restricted. Would never sit here again. You have to lean on the padded edge to see any of the stage. Could never see the right side of the stage. The chairs are uncomfortable and bulky. Hard to move them around. The box is nice with coat hooks and a little table. It is private so was great to chat with my companion before the show and during the interval. “
"Box O: "Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense" (November 2013). One of the best bargains in terms of seats is Box O. It has two seats (comfortable loose chairs) at £20 each, so the total price of £40 for the whole box is comparable with a single seat in the better parts of the Upper Circle (£39.50 or £42.50, depending on when you go). Most of the action takes places on the right hand side or centre of the stage, so the fact that you can't see the bottom left hand side unless you lean forwards doesn't much matter. Box O is a particularly desirable location for anyone who plans to go on their own - and, of course, they can then lean around as much as they please – it doesn't block the view for anyone else. Theatremonkey, it was thanks to you that I knew about Box O – and I think it's great!"
"Box O: "Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense" (November 2013). Not sure I'd sit in this box again, as I had to lean out of it the entire time which did my back in... £20 each though, so I'd better stop my complaining pronto!!!"
Air-conditioned.
Sennheiser Mobile Connect. Occasional signed performances. Guide dog sitter available. 2 wheelchair spaces in restricted view sides of Dress Circle. Adapted toilet near seats, large but with inconveniently placed toilet roll holder warn the box office. Call Ambassador Theatre Group on 0800 912 6971.
No food except Ice cream and confectionery.
Two Bars, at Stalls and Upper Circle level. Reader Marty notes,
"There's a balcony in the upper circle bar with limited room, so good to head there first during the interval for some fresh air."
Five toilets in all. Stalls 1 gents, 1 cubicle; Dress Circle 1 ladies 4 cubicles, 1 unisex disabled; Upper Circle 1 gents 1 cubicle, 1 ladies 3 cubicles.
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.
Shifters
Barcelona
Some details will change. The monkey will update as available.
Elektra
Some details will change. The monkey will update as available.
Shifters
RUSH TICKETS: App Todaytix are offering £25 "Rush tickets," located at venue discretion, for all performances. Released for the performance on that day, first-come, first-served. Download the App from Todaytix.
Barcelona
Some details will change. The monkey will update as available.
A weekly lottery will be held, offering the front row, plus other seats, at £25 on dates for the following week. Details will be released nearer the time, with the first draw taking place on 14th October 2024.
Elektra
Some details will change. The monkey will update as available.
The Dress Circle is called the "ROYAL 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.
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 Duke Of York's 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 (to your right, exit number 4). Go up the stairs. In front of you will be Cranbourn Street with a row of shops. Cross the road to them, and turn to your left. Follow it round and the shop curves into St Martins Lane! The Noel Coward Theatre is ahead of you. Walk past it and the Duke of York's Theatre is the next one along.
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 left. Wyndham's theatre is there. Walk all the way across the front of it. At its far corner is St Martin's Court, a wide pedestrian alleyway of small shops and dustbins. Walk down it. You will pass the shared stage door of Wyndham's and Noel Coward theatres (say hi to the cast). At the end of the alleyway, turn right. The Duke of York's theatre is on your right, just past some shops and offices.
An American visitor puts it this way: "Exit Leicester Square tube station via the most leftward exit, up the stairs, turn an acute angle left at the top, placing you in an alley with the shared Wyndham/Noel Coward stage doors straight ahead. This alley is L-shaped to the right. Taking that turn, you face two big red phone boxes and, across another alley, J. Sheekeys. Turn left in front of J. Sheekeys, right again at the street, walk along it and you are in front of the Duke Of York's Theatre. You will have walked the equivalent of just over one block." Well put and great advice. The only warning the monkey would add is that the alley is a dark and unsavoury place at night. The monkey prefers a "street" route itself.
24, 29 and 176 stop on Charing Cross Road. Walk to the Wyndham's Theatre. Go down St Martins Court (the alleyway at the right hand side of the building). At the end of the alleyway, turn right. The Duke of York's theatre is on your right, just past some shops and offices.
A rank for Black taxis is at Charing Cross Station - a short distance from the theatre if you cannot hail one in the street or just down the road on Trafalgar Square / Charing Cross Road.
Trafalgar Square Spring Gardens.
From the car park, turn up the road on the left to bring you on to Trafalgar Square. Face Nelson's Column and cross the road towards it. In front of you is the National Gallery. You require the road to the right side of it - Charing Cross Road. Do not enter the Trafalgar Square area itself, but follow the pavement round towards the right corner of the National Gallery. Continue along so that you pass the National Gallery on your right. At the junction of roads just by this corner of the National Gallery, cross the road. You should have Charing Cross Road to your left and be facing towards the same side that St Martins Church is on. Walk a few steps past the building on your left and see how the road curves round. This is St Martin's Lane. Turn left into it and keep walking, the Duke of York's Theatre is clearly visible to your left.
An alternative is 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. Cross that too and head on, crossing Cranbourne Street towards Leicester Square Underground Station. Before you reach the station, though, turn left into Cranbourne Street. Follow it round and the shop curves into St Martins Lane. The Noel Coward Theatre is ahead of you. Walk past it and keep going - the Duke of York's Theatre is beyond it, on your side of the road, on your left.
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 AA: (Beth) The front row at The Duke Of York's is fine - it was a perfect view and the only problem was getting soaked by water and hit by debris during the production itself, which we were not expecting and came as quite a shock. It was fine though - we didn't have to pay extra for being involved actually in the production (and screaming at a tense moment when being hit by water unexpectedly) - Crash helmets advised, feels the monkey.”
"Row AA: "The Moderate Soprano" (April 2018). Warning: These day seats are particularly uncomfortable for this production as the stage is high and is built out toward the audience further than any other front row seating I have encountered. It is problematic even getting to one’s seat. I am always grateful for productions offering day seats, but in this particular situation, perhaps they should have eliminated row AA and assigned row BB for day seats."
"Row AA: "The Moderate Soprano" (April 2018). Got centre of front row for £15. These day seats have been reported as very uncomfortable. legroom is very good but stage lip juts out at eye level and is only a couple of feet from your face. Not great if you are a bit claustrophobic, and some of the action takes place at the edge of the stage so you spend a fair bit of time craning your neck upwards. For me it was fine, but a shorter person would struggle."
"AA4: "Ink" (September 2017). Day seat for 15£. Good view of the stage, good legroom - nice!"
"AA5 and AA6: the seats were really brilliant, although we did have to look up but having the whole cast standing within touching distance really is an unforgettable experience."
"AA 9 and 10: "Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense" (November 2013). SPOILER ALERT Anyone who wants to catch the helmet from Bertie can choose AA10 or AA9, I got the helmet today! SPOILER ENDS. Very restricted view."
"AA10: "Jumpy" (August 2012), (Taljaard). I asked if the stage was very high and advised not so gave over my £10 and bought the ticket. Got to my seat to find it very close to the stage but with a steep rake on the stage no problem with having to arch my neck very far."
"BB 1 and 2: "The Nether" (February 2015). Would recommend people choose seats to the far right or far left if possible as a table centre stage might get in the way otherwise. Still good value for £10 though whichever seats you get."
"BB 5: "The Nether" (February 2015). Day seats, front row. At £10, this strikes me as a seat with exceptional value for money. You have what I would describe as an unrestricted view of all the action, with the added bonus of enormous, luxurious legroom, and being astoundingly close to the actors. There are things you cannot see: the top of the table which is a sort of enormous iPad and used throughout, the reflective floor of the virtual world, and the bed which is used in one scene, though the actors remain in clear view throughout and only sit on the front of it. However I must note that none of these things are viewable from anywhere in the stalls. Yes, if you want the best view, you definitely want the dress circle premium seats. But if you are looking for a cheap ticket, this is the one to go for! I would definitely recommend this above the £10 seats in the Upper Circle. At 85 minutes, no interval, and a cast of five, I'd say that £10 for day seats is probably fair, although I personally would have happily paid more for the same seat (if I had enjoyed the show...)"
"BB 5: "Passion Play" (May 2013). Purchased a day seat for just £10 for Passion Play. This seat was centre stage and had ample leg room, the stage height means looking up but not to any real detriment - only losing the actors' feet from view. The closeness of the stage front at first felt intimidating until the curtain went up, This then freed you from this feeling and you could happily watch the play."
"BB 6: "Jeeves and Wooster" (November 2013). There was ample legroom for me (6 foot tall), not cramped at all."
"BB8: "King Lear" (July 2018). I got pretty wet in the end for being in that seat."
"BB 8 and 9: "Jeeves and Wooster" (November 2013). We bought seats for £20 seats (9 days in advance) in the stalls (AA 3 and 4) and were quite prepared to suffer neck-ache for the privilege of being up close to Robert Webb and Mark Heap. Almost the whole row was full before the performance, however the row behind was completely empty, so the usher told us we could move back which we all did. My daughter and I ended up in BB 8 and 9 and the view was pretty good except for missing small details at floor level, plus SPOILER ALERT my daughter was the chosen one to whom the 'object' was thrown; we normally dread audience participation but this was minimal and she was thrilled. SPOILER ENDS."
"BB 10: "The Dresser" (September 2016). I obtained a usually £65 ticket (BB10) for a tenner by calling at the box office 30 minutes before the Saturday matinee. Very good value with clear view and great legroom, and I didn't find the stage painfully high."
"A1: "Rosmersholm" (April 2019). Loved it, especially for £15, Stalls row A seat 1. Low stage, my guess is slightly over 4’ (you do the math). The first four seats are fabulous. The actors seem to favour that side, at least in profile."
"A1 to A3: “Under The Blue Sky” (July 2008), (James – regular reader). Ordinarily I wouldn’t book so far forward but the tickets were free so I wasn’t complaining! I was pleasantly surprised though… I thought I’d have to crane my neck a lot but it wasn’t really that bad although there is quite a bit of action that takes place with people sat on the stage rather than standing so perhaps it would be more of a problem if this weren’t the case. Good seats overall, though, but if you’re paying full price I’d go a few rows further back."
"A2: “Journey's End” (August 2011.) Sat here for £25 - what a bargain loads of leg room. The stage does feel high but I think this is due to the stage front projecting forward 12" from the actual stage making the view seem higher than it really is, You have a great view of the entire stage - only unable to see the actors feet ( for this production WWI boots ) so no real loss! You have a great feeling of intimacy with the actors as the stage walls are quite close to the end of the front rows. I had no problem with neck ache. For this production the feeling of being so close to the action only added to the experience of watching a wonderful play. A great value seat."
"A3 and 4: "Rosmersholm" (April 2019). Asked for day seats and got A3 and A4 for 15 pounds each. Spouse is five foot, but had no issues, other than we missed the start of the coup de theatre at the end."
"A5: "Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour" (May 2017). A5, front row centre, day seat for £20. The stage is pretty low, I sat just about on knee level. There’s slightly more legroom than in other rows, sadly not enough to stretch."
"A6: "Neville's Island" (October 2014), (Laurence T). (For this production only) this is in the very centre of row A and has an abundance of leg room as there are no seats in front, the same is true for A5 and A7. I got this seat for only 15 pounds but they have since moved the price up to 35 and 45 when the show opens next week. At a reduced price it is definitely worth a look as nothing is missed apart from the actors feet. You feel very close to the action which is great because of the set and the quality of acting on display. Be warned though, you will get wet if you sit in the first two rows! There are also 15 pound day seats on row BB (the front row) which are definitely worth a look."
"A9:(Mark) Excellent seat! Not too close to induce neck pain, but close enough to feel involved with the performance. Some people may find it too close, but I personally love to be this close to see all the actors expressions."
"A 9 and 10: "The Ocean At The End of the Lane" (October 2021). Sat in on Row A (second row back) seats 9 and 10 at the end of the row. Because the first 2 rows are shorter than the others you are still quite central and don't miss anything from being slightly off to one side. Being so close to the stage does mean you slightly miss a couple of things on the floor but other than its not a problem (and I'm only 5ft 2") and you do feel fully immersed in the set. Great bargain at only £23 a seat from Today Tix."
"A11: "The Father" (March 2016) (thespyinthestalls.com) Fair view of the stage from here, leg room was good. The two (removable?) rows in front were in place for this production, but A11 is slightly further out than the last seat of AA so no issues seeing past people in front. I did get a slight feeling of having to look up although the stage didn't seem that high so can't explain why...."
"B5 and B6: (Rebecca) These are roughly in the centre of the row and we didn't think that we were too close to the stage. I wasn't aware of any neck-ache looking up at the stage. Leg room wasn't great (I'm 5ft 9) but was by no means uncomfortable."
"B9: "Doctor Faustus" (April 2016). B9 Stalls (4th row from stage). Stage is built up quite high - from the fourth row, there was a good foot of stage visible above the heads of those in the front row. I'm 6'2", and the height of the stage didn't detract from the show from my seat at all, but I wouldn't have wanted to sit any further forward. There is an upper level to the set, but it is hardly used, so I didn't get neck ache. *Potential Spoilers - don't wear your best clothes if you sit in the front row of the stalls. If you love everything about theatre, sit in the front half of the stalls - the set is all there is on the stage - no wings, none of those hanging cloths that mask the top of the set. At the start of Act II, you can see right up into the fly tower and there are a couple of cast members up there - they don't do anything, but it is great to see so much of the stuff that you can normally only see on a backstage tour."
“C1: “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” (November 2021). Great view. Unlimited legroom. Being back a bit further for this show would be better as I could sometimes see how the illusions were done.”
"C5: "The Father" (February 2016). Excellent seat. Far enough back to have no neck ache from watching the performance (which can be an issue further forward). Legroom is also very good."
"C 7 and 8: "How The Other Half Loves" (August 2016). This is four rows back, so you're nice and close to the stage, which is great to catch all the facial expressions. There's very little rake, so my view was slightly marred by the person in front. Legroom is OK once seated, but tight when moving along the row or re-crossing your legs."
“C8 and C9: (David). Good legroom and perfect to see all expressions and hear the excellent dialogue. The front rows of the stalls look as though they should be avoided and very likely to cause a 'crick in the neck', as although the stage is sloped forwards it is also quite high. Row C is about about 5 rows back as the theatre has A, AA, B, BB method of identification and fellow theatre goers will have no problem where we sat."
“C11: (Hannah M) … which was brilliant. Leg room is OK, fine for averagely sized me at least, but isn’t hugely generous. This seat is very central and far enough away from the stage so you don’t get a crick in your neck, but close enough so that you see everything and feel really in on the action. I would say it is worthy of a green rating, but then I was paying a bargain £25 Studentmonkey price…"
"C12 and 13: "The Glass Menagerie" (February 2017). Excellent view, acceptable legroom. BUT (and this is a HUGE but for this production): if you’ve read the (universally great) reviews, all the critics mentioned the set with the powerful reflections in the surrounding blue water. It is indeed a clever set but – wait for it – if you’re sitting in the Stalls, YOU DON’T SEE ANY OF THIS, NOT EVEN A SINGLE, TINY GLIMPSE! You see the characters gazing into the orchestra pit (which is actually filled with some deep blue viscous liquid which I went to see in the interval) but who knows what ‘stunning’ effect was being produced as we saw nothing. Like many theatre fans, I choose Dress Circle for musicals and Front Stalls for plays. But, in this case, I would advise people to buy Circle (even Upper Circle) seats to get the benefit of the set (which I assume is ‘stunning’ even though I saw NONE OF IT!). Paying top price for seats and not seeing everything (this was almost like having restricted view, in my opinion) is a swizz."
"C16: "The Dresser" (October 2016). I felt like I was in the dressing room with them. Wonderfully close, no seats in front. Reece Shearsmith's tears were practically in wiping distance. Ken Stott directly in front of me was encompassing!"
“Row D: We'd booked seats for row D of the stalls in the dead centre, I really couldn't ask for seats any better than these. I didn't miss a thing from these seats at all they were actually perfect. The leg room was also really really good, being 5'11 I usually find some seats quite restricting on my knees but I had plenty of room. The seats aren't the most comfortable I've sat in at a theatre but were still very good."
“D3, 4 and 5: I would have preferred less amplification, which was even more hard on the ears in the front stalls than in the front of the dress circle (seat A5) where I sat last time."
"D5: "The Son" (September 2019). This was a very good seat. Comfort wise it was just okay but it had excellent legroom and I could stretch my legs out fully under the seat in front. In fact I would go as far as saying that legroom was up there with the best of all the theatres I have visited in the West End, and that's most of them! From D5 you could also see the stage floor, just! The viewing angle was fine and I don't think I missed anything much, perhaps a little of what Nicolas was writing on the wall and what was behind the drawing room wall stage left as you are facing it. Generally a good view over peoples heads in front, although not perfect, but I wouldn't expect to have 100% vision unless you were in the front row!"
"D17 and 18: "Twelfth Night" (December 2009). Had a good view and was close to the stage without having to look up. I would avoid D19 and E20 and 21 as you will be facing a wall and have to turn left to see the stage."
“D19 and 20: view not especially brilliant, but plenty of legroom."
“Row E centre: the view was great as it wasn't blocked by another member of the audience."
"E5: "The Glass Menagerie" (February 201&). Rush ticket through Todaytix. Excellent seat with a great clear view of all the action."
"E13 and 14: (James F). Delivered a view close to the action, but for top price tickets my view was often obscured by the people in front of me, who weren’t that tall, and also the actors. The legroom was great, but for a near three hour production, your bum does get sore after a while."
"E13 and 14. "The Ocean at the End of the Lane" (November 2021). This was an excellent place to see the show, far enough back to take in the whole stage, but close enough for the illusions and dazzling puppetry. Legroom was OK, but the shallow rake meant that my wife was at the mercy of the canoodlers in front but after about 15 minutes they settled and she had space to see through between then. I had no such problems, but felt a bit for the people behind me as I am so tall!"
"F1: "Ink" (October 2017). At just £15 on day seat rate, F1 was excellent value. Legroom was very generous, and although advised it was restricted view, for Ink, I think I only missed a very thin slither of stage right."
"F7 to 9: "Backstairs Billy" (November 2023). Brilliant seats."
"H2: "The Glass Menagerie" (February 2017). The view was fine, but the person in H1 told me she couldn't see one of the people at the table. Had a nosey in the interval and from row F forwards you can't see the table at all from seats 1 and 2 so would spend about half the play looking at an empty sofa and an abstract and pointless fire escape."
“H21 “An Enemy of the People” (February 2024), (Broadway John). You are directly in front of a pillar which impacts the legroom a bit but not the view. However the right side of the stage is a little out of view but wasn't a big deal. The exit light really lights up this seat which was annoying. I would sit here again at a discount but wouldn't pay full price for this seat.”
"G1 and G2: No problem with the view as the play is set quite centrally, but the dear old wall is still there."
"G8 and 9: "Ghost Stories" (July 2010). Thought these would be good... until 3 x 6' guys sat in front of us and blocked the entire middle of the stage, where what little action there was actually happened."
"G9 and G10: “Rent” (James – regular reader). Great seats to see the show from, but even row G felt a little far forward, especially when action takes place on a raised walkway, but I’m not the tallest of people."
“G10 and 11: “Constellations,” (Chris B). Got these seats in a premium seat upgrade offer, as these seats are designated premium. No complaints whatsoever, they offered a wonderful view of the fairly small stage, close enough to see all the facial expressions etc but far enough back to feel comfortable. The rake is also high enough to easily see over the heads in front. The legroom was quite plentiful too. Can't recommend these seats highly enough.”
"H17: "Home, I'm Darling" (February 2019). I sat in stalls H17 and had a perfect view of the back of someone's head that covered about a third of the stage where a lot of the play takes place. The seats weren't offset and there was little or any rake."
"Row J: Very good seats! I wouldn't have wanted to be any further back, maybe a couple of rows further forward. Be advised that the floor of the main set is about two feet above the stage and the front five or six rows of the Stalls will have to look upward or slightly upward for most of the play."
“Row J: Checked online before I went out and saw that there were lots and lots of unsold seats. Went into the theatre and bought the cheapest £10 ticket in the back row of the upper circle, and was immediately upgraded to Row J stalls (in the premium seats!). Seat was very good, although I really wouldn't think it is worth the extra money for "premium" seats."
“J21: (end of the row). The person in front of me was not especially tall. But at row J there is no elevation/rake from the row in front and the angle of vision to the centre of the stage was blocked by the head in front." Again not something the monkey (or the theatre) had heard about before, but some visitors may find knowing about this issue helpful."
"K1: "Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense" (November 2013), (John from the USA). Decent view, adequate legroom."
"K3: "King Lear" (July 2018), (Taljaard). Great seat."
"L6 and 7: "Touching The Void" (November 2019). The rake is low at the Duke of York’s and the offset is very little and so you can’t see the stage properly. This is exacerbated for 'Touching the Void,' where a lot of the action is on the stage floor and all you can see is the head of the person in front. My partner was in L6. Exactly the same problem. Very frustrating and poor.
There was someone tall in front but I moved to L5 and it wasn’t much better. The offset in this area is just not good. But the problem was made a lot worse as in the play Joe Simpson breaks his leg and so is lying on the stage floor for quite a lot of the time and you couldn’t see properly. The stage needs to be higher for this play. It’d be like going to see 'Riverdance,' but you can only see the top half of the dancers!"
"N17 and 18: Great seats (on discount), would have liked to be a few rows further forward but I could still see everything from where I was."
“Q1 and 2: "Backbeat" (October 2011). Great seats from Leicester Square booth, great discount price £30 each."
"R 1 and 2: "Home, I'm Darling" (January 2019). We were back in R1 and 2 in the stalls, comfortable seats, with a good view of the stage, but we could only see the feet of anyone upstairs. I don't feel that we missed anything though."
"R13 and 14: "Mary Stuart" (January 2018), (Josepha). Had an excellent view of stage and side screens. These seats were especially exciting as we were on the end of a row and the actors passed by us from a back door to the stage. My sister sat in the seats on the next tier and complained of the heat on a different day. We were not hot as that back door kept opening to let actors through. It made us feel more involved in the play."