STALLS
The Dress Circle overhangs the Stalls at row M. The view from row V back is
noticeably affected by this.All seats in the stalls offer good views and fair value for money, with only
a very few notable exceptions. These miscreants are pilloried below.
Be aware that row A has a neck aching view of the stage. A reader notes that it has
recently been kept empty for some plays. Another person moved back two rows for
similar reasons. The monkey usually marks row A red to note this (though view and
comfort, neck ache apart, are OK for many) and marks row B red only for
potential legroom
and some neck ache properties too. These seats may be unsuitable for the shorter visitor.
If rows A, B or C are sold as "Day Seats" they can be a bargain,
feels the monkey. For "Waiting For Godot" (January 2010)
row A is, and it is cheap even if it is restricted view.
Reader Zena comments that when row A is in use,
"My seat (stalls B1) was fine - there was the orchestral pit in between
us and the moderately high stage and legroom, so I never felt too
oppressed. But it deserves its discount as you do have the usual
restricted view (nothing below the mid-calf visible...). You may also
want to note that the conductor stands quite tall and therefore the
middle seats in the row will have some obstructed view. Row C may also
be too close for some too"
For "Breakfast At Tiffany's" (September 2009) a reader adds,
"Rang up and got 2 day seats in the front row paying £15 plus £2 booking
fee each ( a service available if there are day seats unsold after the
box office personal callers line is satisfied - Editor). I agree with
another reader that some characters did speak quietly but we were OK
being in the front row."
The monkey saw "Marguerite" (May 2008) from C1 and agrees that it may be close
for some.
For normal productions, with row A in place, reader Bobbi
wasn't impressed with row D either,
"We were in row D and it was too close to the stage. We had to look up the
entire time and it hurt our necks greatly. I’d recommend rows F and back since
it is a small theatre. "
Reader Kevin also felt of row D,
"I was really struggling with the uncomfortable narrow seating in this 285 year
old theatre ( I thought people all them years ago had large bottoms as well?).
Anyhow, I was in row D of the stalls and now know what it feels like to be in a
straight jacket".
defending the row, readers Matt and Sam say,
"We had good seats stalls row D5 and 6, any closer to the stage would have been
uncomfortable as this is a very high stage indeed."
and reader Mila adds,
"our seats in row D of the stalls were superb - We were caught up in every
emotion and could see every nuance. I don’t know if it would be so good from
further away."
Another reader reports from "Breakfast At Tiffany's" (September
2009),
"We had excellent seats D13, 14 and 15. Theatremonkey’s seat assessment
appears spot on."
On the other hand, reader Lisa feels:
"Despite being in stalls row B (1 and 2) we suffered no neck-ache and enjoyed a
brilliant view of the stage, feeling part of the whole drama. However, the legroom on
these 2 seats seems much less than on the row behind (or front but row A has
plenty!) It may be the curve that causes this as looking down the seats in the
centre appeared better".
Reader Richard Bradbury agrees:
"We sat in stalls seats B3 and B4. Excellent seats and like Lisa (above) we
suffered no neck ache. Row B is the front row as A is kept empty and you are
really close to the actors and in certain scenes they literally tower above you.
Have to agree again with the previous reviewer - legroom in these seats is
limited."
Reader Mila praised F5 and 6 for being close enough to see detail in
individual performances. Theatremonkey seat connoisseur James opines,
"Sat in Stalls F6 to F8 for “Marguerite” (July 2008 - row B as front row, and a
high stage in use). A fair rake ensures a good view and the sound is great here,
but I would have preferred to have been a row or two further back to see the
whole stage without turning from side to side."
The walls at the front of the auditorium narrow at row G. The first and last
four seats in all rows H back should be avoided as the direct view forwards is
of a wall. This does not mean the seats are designated restricted view, because
the stage can be seen, just at a very strange angle. If you pay full price then
why not expect the best without compromise.
Reader Celia Robinson comments:
"We sat in Stalls
H 5 and 6 which were great seats"
Another reader reports,
"Row J offered a good view of the stage."
and a row back, another says,
"K9 to 11: Perfect seats, though oddly the seats in the next row are
directly in front of you, meaning you have to do a bit of head-dodging!"
One reader says, for "Breakfast At Tiffany's" (October 2009),
"M 16 and 17: Despite being towards the rear and on the side, these
seats gave us excellent views of the stage. There is only a very gentle
rake to the seating but for some strange reason I felt slightly elevated
in my seat. I think it might be because the stage is high. In addition,
the slight curve at the end of the row allows you to see between heads
in front of you. I would happily pay top price to sit in these seats
again."
Further back in R, a reader notes,
"R17 and 18 were in a very good location and looking around the stalls
in general I don't think anyone would have had a problem with a view of
the stage and the seats (although not the most comfortable) were OK and
enough legroom for this 6'+ beast and not the usual problem of Mr
Pumpkin head sat in the way and wouldn't have been either had he decided
to come along for this show."
Rows V, W and X in the rear stalls suffer the Dress Circle overhang cutting
off the top of the stage, along with feeling far from the stage. If offered V
back at
top price, though, you might want to sit elsewhere.
Reader James says of row V,
"Sat in Stalls V3 and V4 for "Marguerite" at the Haymarket. I was a bit
concerned about being so far back, but it really wasn't a problem. I
still felt very involved and could see and hear everything perfectly.
The only reason I can think of to be further forward is so that you can
see the full effect of the wonderful sets which you miss slightly from
the overhang but other than that, great seats. However, I did get
freebies and would perhaps be reluctant to pay top price for them."
A wheelchair
can replace stalls seat X18. See notes. Sadly, a better
seat isn't removable. Theatremonkey rates the view from here poor value at full
price.
Legroom is good in all seats for all but the very tallest. Outstanding are seats F1 and G21, which are at
the ends of the row. G21 has nothing in front and offer the luxury of a good
stretch, F1 and G1 have 9/10ths nothing in front - G1 the tad more of the pair,
F21 only about 3/10ths clear of the seat in front. Readers Lisa and Richard Bradbury both note less room at the ends of row B
when A is in use.
Lisa attributes this
to the curve of the row as there is more in the centre than at the ends.
Stalls Boxes
1 and 2 are beside the stage. Both offer a fair view of the stage with only
the far corners at the rear of the stage not visible. 3 seats in each. Do be
aware that this can change depending on the layout of the set - the box office
will advise if this is the case.
These seats offer JUST average value, but at top price should be only be
considered if prime Stalls / Dress Circle are unavailable. The monkey would
normally skip these boxes as they are expensive for the view offered.
DRESS CIRCLE
The Upper Circle overhangs the Dress Circle at row C; this does not affect
the view from any seat.
The seats are split into three blocks, centre and two sides by aisles.
Only eight seats in this circle have a truly poor view of the stage. Row A
1,2, 30 and 31 are at the ends of the row, behind the boxes projecting from the
walls of the auditorium. The viewing angle makes sitting in these seats annoying
- though they are cheaper. Reader David Farthing felt of them:
"(the) two pairs of £20 seats on either of the balcony in the Royal Circle
looked like good positions even if you have to lean forward to see all of the
stage on your side!"
Row G 1 and 25 and row H 1 and 24 are designated restricted view for similar
reasons but offer enough of a view to be worth considering for the budget
conscious if reduced (not for most productions) and if there are no other
alternatives.
At top price, the centre block is the best value, choose row B then C first
for the prime view. The side blocks offer reasonable value, but again if all
seats are the same price why sit in the side blocks? Avoiding the first and last
four seats in each row in the side blocks is also worthwhile to improve your
view of the stage.
One reader reports,
"I was in the circle row E right side which was OK, and seats
comfortable with sufficient leg room (I am over 6') but Stalls, and
close to the stage, would probably have been better as there is less
distraction and you can feel more involved with the action."
Reader David Farthing notes:
"F4 and 5 in the Royal Circle are fair value as suggested"
Reader "Lizzie loves the Theatre" adds,
"sat in the Royal Circle Row F17 to 21 and all had a really good view – the
legroom was fine too"
Behind her, a reader says,
"H16: The overhang of the upper circle pretty much lines up with the top
of the proscenium so nothing is missed. However for a (usually) top
price seat I would go for something further forward."
On the far side of the circle, another reader reports,
"A party of five we sat in the Dress Circle A3 to 7. Poor seats
especially
A5 to 7 who only saw about one third of the stage. A3 and A4 had the
bottom corner of the stage cut off and so missed a substantial amount of
the action. I think it is very cheeky how the theatre would normally
charge you £60 for these seats and do not mark them as restricted view.
These seats should be marked red and probably the ends of the rows
behind us and are to be avoided."
Just off the centre aisle in the side block, a reader opines,
"D21 and 22: 21 is on the aisle, which definitely helps with legroom,
although room was not lacking in 22 either (both occupants around 5'
9"). The circle has a substantial curve, which means that the viewing
angle in the side block is rather odd - if you sit straight in either
seat you're naturally looking towards the SL side of the proscenium
arch, if not the box seats. As such, you watch the whole show sitting
slightly squint in your seat. Not a massive problem, but probably worth
knowing.
Also, a reasonable chunk of the Downstage Right corner (left front
corner as the audience looks at the stage - editor) is cut off by the
circle rail, but very little action takes place here in Godot (January
2010), so we didn't really find this to be an issue. These seats are
apparently top price, and if I had paid full price I would have been
decidedly unhappy, however if they're available at a discount then they
may be worthwhile."
The outermost ends and rear corners of the Dress Circle are cheaper for
"Waiting For Godot" (January 2010). Monkey feeling is choose carefully, avoiding
the extreme ends of row - first and last seats in - as mentioned above, but otherwise,
not terrible.
D and E 2 and 26 may be worth a punt for the least fussy. When paying the same as someone in the best and most central seats, you could
well be
disappointed with sitting in these corners, though. The monkey would
pick the aisle seats in these rows over Stalls row T back at the lower price, but
would take into account being in the
extreme corners of the circle.
Legroom is poor in row A but probably adequate for all under five foot nine tall in the
other seats. A little extra comfort can be had from sitting in the aisle seats
of the centre block (rows B to H), where the seats are not directly in front of
eachother.
Dress Circle Boxes
All offer a fair view of the stage with only the far corners at the rear
of the stage not visible. 3 seats in each. Do be aware that this can change
depending on the layout of the set - the box office will advise if this is the
case. Box 3 is used as a sound desk.
These seats normally offer average value at discount, but at top / second price should be only be
considered if prime Stalls / Dress Circle are unavailable. Choose Dress Circle
level boxes first as the height improves the view. For the current
production, at second price, the monkey would skip these
boxes as expensive.
UPPER CIRCLE
The Balcony is behind this circle and the view is not affected by it.
A metal bar runs across the aisle ends of this circle. The view from the ends
of row A is
affected slightly by it.
Reader A Morgan also reports that:
"We sat in row C. The view from the first two aisle seats in the centre
block is partly obscured by a plastic safety screen above the bars of the front
row - but it only probably interferes with the seats in rows A and B. It does
not really spoil the enjoyment of the show."
another reader says,
"C9. You can live with it, but that glass barrier is in the view, and I
ended up for long stretches looking through it. It is highly annoying. I
was lucky that no one sat in front of me. Legroom is OK. I guess in
relative terms this might deserve a white, but with lots of red splashed
on it. And at £30, it is not value for money."
The good news is that these seats are reduced in price... worth considering C
9 and 20 feels the monkey.
The seats are split into three blocks, centre and two sides by aisles.
In the centre block, rows A to C feel close to the stage, pick row C then B;
then A if legroom is not a factor - avoiding the ends of the row unless you wish
to take advantage of the restricted view discount.
All seats in rows B to E except the first and last four in each row offer a
fair view of the stage without architectural problems intruding - plastic safety
screens excluded. Sadly, though,
a reader notes that:
"I bought in row B but the view was seriously compromised by row A
leaning forward and obscuring most of the stage. The bar that you mentioned in
your review leads to Row A leaning over it and meant I spent my time moving from
side to side to get a view, this seriously undercut my enjoyment of the play."
Very sad that the ill-manners of the theatre opposite's Upper Circle
customers has spread to the Haymarket, feels the monkey. On this reader's
report, it can only advise taking row C before row B in order to minimise the
problem - sad as row B offered a good view of the stage when audiences behave
themselves.
Of row D a readers says,
"I sat in the fairly uncomfortable D7/8 and for the price it's passable.
I would like to have seen this from the stalls."
Rows F and G feel far from the stage. These are rated
average rather than fair value by theatremonkey.
Reader Jon Bemrose says,
"G3, slight imposition of glass/plastic screen at bottom of stairs,
circle edge, but this only impacted on a very small stage front area and
didn't cover any action on stage.)"
Centrally, reader Hannah reports,
"G 11 and 12 were £30 for 'Last Five Years,' (October 2008) and I think
that was a fair price. We were quite far away, but very central and the
view was excellent due to the steep rake. So not bad!"
All side block are designated restricted view as the sides of the stage are
obscured. All these seats represent fair value only where sold at bottom price -
rare. Choose row E, F then D over A to C as the distance improves the view. A to
C are last resorts if the rest are sold. For "Waiting For Godot" (January 2010), the box office are treading carefully, with outer edges
even cheaper than usual as views are a problem here.
Theatremonkey regular seat commentator James says,
"C6 and 7 for "Waiting For Godot." (January 2010). Sitting upright in
the seat you miss almost half of the stage. Leaning forward helps
considerably, but doesn't usually please people sitting behind you. At
least the actors project well, so sound isn't an issue here."
Legroom is average in all seats (except row A) for all but the tallest. Row A
is poor for everyone.
BALCONY
Called the GALLERY in this theatre.
This is behind and above the Upper Circle.
Thick metal bars run across the front of the circle. The view in row A is
affected badly, rows behind may also find these bars noticeable, folk in row B can be
annoyed by those in row A leaning forwards.
It is a long climb upstairs to these seats. Consider your health before
buying (the stairwell is quite narrow for getting paramedics and/or coffins to
the spot). While not particularly vertigo inducing, those really fearing heights
should avoid these seats. Also note that they are benches.
The view is distant from these seats, but if tickets are under £15 then
consider them when on a budget. At £16 or more though...beware. As balcony seats go, these really are not bad
value IF sold cheap enough. Pick the closest row to the front that you can
except row A (for view and legroom reasons). No bargain, though, just a place to
see the show from if you have too and are on the tightest budget.
Reader M Boyd highlights another issue:
" I plumped for Gallery seats. When I arrived (Row C) I was very disappointed to find all the Gallery seats
are hard and my husband couldn't stand the lack of legroom.
Also it gets very hot in these seats. One man nearly collapsed due to the
heat and had to leave in the intermission. The view is obscured by the
barrier so I ended up fidgeting in my seat all night to see the stage
properly...avoid the gallery seats at all
costs."
Seconded by reader Ian,
"I too sat in row C of the gallery and also was appalled at the dreadful
view from my seat. I was not advised that it was restricted view nor that it was
a bench. The Gallery rows B to F have 19 seats - (despite what the managers said
when I complained) I felt that they are NOT staggered so from
the centre of the rows you ARE directly behind the person in front".
"Thirded" by another reader,
"AVOID the gallery seating! God it is uncomfortable. Now off to see my Chiropractor to sort out my back after sitting in those blasted seats!"
Reader Jon Bemrose adds the final comment,
"E1. Seat was end of row, so OK for me, being larger. I would advise
anyone on the larger side (either waist or hips!) that squeezing between
the seat dividers in any gallery seat is tight, and would afford very
limited fidgeting on the 'bum numbing' bench seats. So, to be avoided,
although the view was OK for this - but distant - and no binoculars to
rent."
Legroom is cramped in all seats, worst in row A.
Notes
Total 888 seats.
Air-cooled auditorium.
Hearing loop available - both "T" type and headsets. Guide dogs may be dogsat. Level access via fire doors to a wheelchair space replacing stalls seat
X18. Adapted toilet available, situated in the short
corridor which runs from the disabled entrance to the rear stalls entrance. Fuller details www.theatre-access.co.uk,
Artsline on 020 7388 2227 or e-mail 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.
No food except Ice cream and confectionery.
Three bars; Stalls, Dress Circle and Upper Circle.
Six toilets in all; Stalls 1 gents 4 cubicles, 1 ladies 4 cubicles, 1
disabled unit; Dress
Circle 1 gents 2 cubicles 1 ladies 2 cubicles; Upper Circle 1 gents 4 cubicles,
1 ladies 4 cubicles.
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