STALLS
The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at row G. The view is unaffected from
all seats, with only the very top of the set not visible from row M back.The stalls are very narrow with the longest row only 29 seats. It is normally worth
avoiding the first and last four seats in rows A to E as their proximity to the
stage and angle at which the row curves in towards the centre makes viewing the
rear corner of the stage hard. If you are handing over good banana money the
least one expects is to see the LOT.
Those in row A and B in particular look up at the stage - some may wish to
avoid neck ache and sit further back. If row A is cheaper, the monkey would pick
seats 5 to 10 first, and notes that usually the way the show is staged sitting
here and looking up may lose a little of the back / top of the stage at times.
A reader says, for "The Secret of Sherlock Holmes" (August 2010),
"Row A has been removed so Row B is the front row. I was in Row B and it
was quite a neck ache situation, and I am quite happy in the front row
normally."
The rake in this theatre begins at row G. If you are paying full price, this
row is prime, then try H and J. Forward of these rows the view is fine, provided
the person in front is short.
If a show has central rows at "premium" prices then it's your
call, feels the monkey, who probably wouldn't - as there are decent seats
nearby at lower prices. For "The Secret of Sherlock Holmes" (July 2010)
row G 14 to 17 and J 13 to 16 are... it would look elsewhere.
In row F, reader Mark says,
"F20: Seat was very good, no complaints at all."
Reader Lizzie says of row G:
"We sat in the stalls Row G 4 and 5 and although the seats were a little
cramped, the view was very good."
Another reader says,
"H20 and H21. Masses of legroom and an excellent view."
Beside them, another reader adds,
"Row H18 and 19. Good seats, but I wouldn't want to be any further
back."
Another row back for "The Secret Of Sherlock Holmes" (July 2010)
reader Clive opines,
"J21 to J24: The view was fine although the rake is poor. The seats were
slightly cramped and a little uncomfortable. Leg-room was fairly average
i.e. a little tight for my taste."
At the same show, and again a row behind, reader Annie Gross says,
"K12 and 13: Excellent seats, the row behind 'premium' and dashing good
value."
In row L a reader comments,
"L18: Thought the seat was great. The Duchess is such a tiny
theatre!"
The view from the back rows is good enough to rate these seats value for your
money too. For musicals the monkey might avoid N
9 and 10, O 9
and M 11 to 14 for being close to a sound desk, though.
"The Secret of Sherlock Holmes" (July 2010) has row N cheaper than
row O - the same view for less one row back, notes the monkey...
Row N seats 1 and 29 are restricted view and are normally removed. Don't
bother if they are there, the saving is not
worthwhile as you can have a decent seat only a little further back for the same
or less money. Wheelchair users can make use of these spaces. See notes.
Legroom is best in central row A, average in rows B to F (F 1 and 21 have
more), better in rows G to O - one taller person remarks a bit cramped even
there, though.
Centre aisle seats are available in row G (K for musicals) back allowing extra comfort along with
a good view.
DRESS CIRCLE
Split into two blocks, front and rear by an aisle and wall across the front
of row D.
The view from all seats in rows A to C is fine, legroom is poor though, worst
in row A.
The views in the rear block are unobstructed. Row H1 and 22 are at the side
of the theatre with mostly only the aisle in front of them, these offer the best
legroom in the house, the only trade off is the rather distant view of the
stage.
Judge Theatremonkey normally rules the stalls better
value at top and second price, and the circle fair value for all or any cheaper seats. If
legroom is a factor, take the stalls row N or O (for less money than Dress
Circle rows A to C...otherwise,
there is little to choose between stalls and circle for view. Stalls are
probably a bit closer, but circle is worth thinking about if the lower prices
attract!
In row A, reader Clive comments,
"A1 to A4: The view from anywhere in this row is fine but legroom is
tight. With such a narrow stage the side two seats with increased
legroom due to the semi-circle shape may actually be better than the
middle for some theatregoers."
Another reader says,
"A15: I have never had so much leg room in my life! There was over a
foot of space in front of my knees, and I am by no means a midget at
about 5'9 (neither do I have extremely short legs and a
long torso). However, the front of the circle does cut off the
actors from the knee down when they are at the front of the stage.
This didn't matter that much for the production I saw because they were
mostly standing around and having a chat, but if it was something
with dancing or whatever then maybe not so good. But as a trade for
losing feet you do get a really good close up view of the actors."
When rows D to F are second price, the monkey takes into account both the
distance from the stage and legroom between circle and stalls. Taller folk will
be more comfortable downstairs, but upstairs is closer with less chance of a
large head in the way. Your call, it feels. If a show has D
and E at top price - as for "The Secret of Sherlock Holmes" (July 2010) - the monkey would try for seats downstairs first
rather than these. Row F at second price is still a reasonable bet, though, it
feels.
Also, remember that row G may be cheaper than F, for a similar view.
"The Secret of Sherlock Holmes" (July 2010) has F at the same price as
G, so consider cheaper H behind instead if offered G (hope that makes
sense!).
For some shows (luckily not "Sherlock") another issue is
that row H 5 to 18 is more expensive than seats next to it. The monkey
would take the end four seats in the row first, simply on the principle
that these are cheaper for pretty much the same view.
Legroom is poor throughout the circle, best H1 and 22, worst in row
D. Reader Gavin Welch comments,
"Sat in Dress Circle Row B where view was good, legroom not too bad I thought."
Dress Circle Boxes
Two "boxes" - sort of isolated seats - at the front of the Dress Circle
are sometimes made available. These offer a side view but good legroom. Worth considering
if no stalls are available at the same price, and a little more legroom is
required than the circle can provide.
A further two boxes at the rear of the Dress Circle. The view from both is unobstructed
and the low price reflects the distance from the stage. These seats are worth
considering as an alternative to rear circle tickets since better legroom is offered if
sold at bottom price.
Not often on sale as they are used for technical equipment.
Notes
Total 475 seats.
Air-conditioned auditorium.
Infrared headsets available - not effective in the front three rows of the
stalls or in boxes. Guide dogs can be dog sat. Wheelchair users can
get down to the stalls and use spaces at N1 and N29 with the aid of an ATT Stair
Climber. This must be booked in advance as it is not stored at the venue. Also
note that the disabled toilet door opens INWARDS!
Fuller details at www.theatre-access.co.uk,
www.seetickets.com
or 0844 412 4648 or e-mail customer.relations@rutheatres.com.
Artsline 020 7388 2227, email artsline@dircon.co.uk.
A "venue access guide" from the team who created book "Theatremonkey,
A Guide to London's West End," is available to download in PDF format
by clicking here. One reader says (May
2010),
"We had one in our party in a wheelchair, just as well there was only one. It
was fascinating seeing them load him on to a caterpillar track contraption that
very slowly climbed up the stairs on rubber tracks. It would have taken an age
to have dealt with more than one. but the staff were extremely obliging and
helpful."
No food except Ice Cream and confectionery.
Two bars, Stalls and foyer (for the Dress Circle drinkers).
5 Toilets in all. Stalls 1 gents 2 cubicles, 1 ladies 4 cubicles, 1 unisex
disabled; Dress Circle 1 gents 1 cubicle, 1 ladies 3 cubicles. One reader rated
these the best in the West End!
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