FRONT STALLS
The theatre is a vast fan-shaped auditorium divided into front and rear
blocks by a wide gangway in front of row J. The front block is of concrete steps
rising from the stage, the rear block is a steeply raked concrete and wooden grandstand.The front block is split into a central and two side blocks by aisles. The
stage is a wooden floor laid in a diamond on a grassy base. The diamond shape
sometimes comes to a sharp point in front of the centre seats in row A. It is low enough
not to affect sightlines too greatly, though a few purists might want to avoid A
11 to 14. Also be aware that speakers on the grass bank under the stage can
be loud for those in the front rows.
Choose
the centre block row D first, then C, B and A. Then look at the rear block row L seats
25 to 40 (or K 22 to 36 if the fence and a bit less legroom is not a problem for
you) before picking rows E to I and J since the
rake is better.
For the 2010 season, row E 17 to 26, F 18 to 27 and G 19 to 28 are "premium" seats at a
few pounds over top price. If you feel strongly about supporting this venue,
buying them would be a nice gesture, thinks the monkey.
Central seats in row I are the usual full upright and support
system, while the two outer block sections of the row have the seats
only just above the level of the concrete. Taller theatregoers may find
these less conveniently shaped.
Row J is inserted in the aisle space in front of row
K. Positioned in the aisle space between front and rear stalls blocks, against
the wooden rails of the rear section, it has an excellent view and better
legroom than other seating, and a reader who sat there agrees! Better still, the
outermost ends are cheaper. The view from these end sections is a little side on from outermost seats
perhaps, and you are at the same height as side block seats in row I in front, but if available, the
legroom is worthwhile feels the monkey.
The side blocks offer a good, if slightly angled view, but as usual, the
centre block is preferable, as all seats are the same price. Row choice is the
same as the centre block.
A reader says,
"A3 to A6. Although you are to one side of the stage, you do not miss
out on anything!"
Another opines,
"D33 and 34 for "Into The Woods" (August 2010) were really good. As the
action sometimes takes place on the high walk ways I was glad not to be
right at the front!"
Reader Mark adds,
"G6 - Got for £8 as the 'Breeze Night' discount for young people at
"Into The Woods (August 2010). Great seat, very close to the action, go
for central seats at full price, but the seats in the side block were
absolutely fine."
Four wheelchair spaces can be inserted into row J
replacing seats 6 to 8, 9 to 11, 20 to 23, 31 to 34, 43 to 45 and 46 to 48 as required. Monkey
advice is to take 20 to 23 and 31 to 34 first, as they are nice and central. See notes.
Reader Craig notes that:
"Stall seats were comfortable, all now have integral cushions. All stall seats
are individual seats with wooden arm rests."
Legroom is good for all but those over 5ft 10 or so in all seats, best in row
A where it is almost unlimited. A little less at the far end of the low numbers
side block row I, though, for some reason. Row J will also suit the longer
legged, feels the monkey.
REAR STALLS
The rear section is a wooden walled concrete grandstand split into five blocks by gangways.
A low wooden wall runs across the front of this section but does not
affect the view from any seat, though some may still want to avoid them. Do note that the very first and very last
seat in the whole row (which are all located in the outermost blocks) are NOT on
an aisle, there is just a wooden wall next to them. Also note that there are no armrests
in this section of the auditorium.
Row K seats 9 to 49, row L seats 10 to 55, row M seats 10 to 56 and row N
seats 11 to 62 are the same top price as the
front section of the theatre. Some may welcome the opportunity to sit further
back for the same money - and the view is decent enough - but the monkey rates
the tickets only average value here. In particular, it isn't all that happy with
the outermost seats in the blocks, at second price in 2007, now hitting top
price. Just "fair" value now, it feels. You are further from the stage, don't get
armrests and yet pay the same money. Seats behind the fence posts in particular
should be avoided at this new top price. Also, be aware there is fencing around
the stairwells and front of the block section too; some may
wish to choose O and P centre to avoid it if they are shorter.
Choose the centre section first at the third and fourth price bands, then move outwards. The
view is not disappointing from any seat, but as usual when all are priced the
same, insist on the best.
Also worth avoiding are seats row O 18 to 24 and 60 to 66, P 19
to 25 and 63 to 69, Q 19 to 25 and 65 to 71 and R 21 to 27 and 68 to 74 which are
behind a stairwell wall. Fortunately, the box office sell most of these horrors last!
Behind row O the seats rise steeply. Value is fair in all seats, but rows S
and T do feel remote from the action (you notice it when climbing down from your
perch there!) - sound is normally good, though. Depressingly, much of the
back two rows are now far more expensive - promoted from fifth (bottom) price to
fourth price. The only bottom price tickets now are at the far ends of row T. If
choosing these, try for as close to the aisle as possible - and be aware that
foliage can get in the way / shed leaves on you at the extreme ends of the row.
Small posts beside P11, 12, 33, 34, 55, 56, 77 and 78 do
not affect the view much, but purists may want to ignore the seats beside them
in row P, and directly behind in rows Q and R. Row T seats 14, 15, 42, 43, 70, 71, 98 and 99 nestle below the
access doors for the lighting towers above and behind. This is not a problem, and the
compensation is a clear view and unlimited legroom as only the aisle is in
front.
For musicals, a sound desk can replace row T seats 53 to 62, extending out of
the technicians hut above and behind the seating area. Avoid seats around
it - T52 and 63 in particular, and also S 46 to 57 if you don't like being
overlooked. For "Into The Woods" (August 2010) row T
seats 53 to 62 look set to be replaced by it. The monkey always keeps
fingers crossed, but stays away from these seats where possible when
advance booking, just in case.
Legroom is a little less in row K, adequate in rows L to T for all but the
very tallest over 5ft 10 or so, best in Row T seats 14, 15, 42, 43, 70,
71, 98 and 99.
Notes
Seats 1240 plus 60 on lawn
Occasional signed performances. Guide dogs welcome, water bowls provided.
Radio headsets available for hearing impaired visitors - £5 returnable deposit
required - and must be booked in advance. Level access from entrance or car park to auditorium. Gender segregated adapted
toilets - ALMOST UNIQUE IN LONDON!!! Other theatres take note. This theatre gets it
right. Details of special facilities are available on 0844 826 4242, or fill in
the online form at the venue website.
Barbeque and other food available, as well as ice cream and confectionery.
Arrive early and bring your own picnic - the grounds open 90 minutes before
evening performances (1 hour before a2.30pm fternoon shows, 30 minutes before
other events including mornings), or order one from the box office...
In 2009, food can be ordered up to 36 hours before your visit, and a voucher
is issued with your tickets. Simply exchange this at the theatre bar for your
meal on arrival. The choice is between a Chicken or Vegetarian Picnic Box
including salad, baguette, cheese and biscuits, summer fruit and glass of wine
for £22.50 per person including free programme. At afternoon performances an
interval cup of tea and slice of cake may be pre-ordered for £3.50. Call the box
office on 0844 826 4242 or see
www.openairtheatre.org.uk for details. 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.
Large bar, and the monkey means huge - the whole width of the theatre,
almost!
Ample toilets in separate block.
This theatre is open to the elements. Performances are rained off only when
near storm conditions are reached. If this happens go to the special box office
windows that open onto the foyer area (they are on a pathway behind the
shrubbery that banks up from the foyer to the box office building), and change your ticket free
for another date. If you cannot, tickets remain exchangeable indefinitely for
future years - you can mail them to the Box Office Manager to make the exchange,
or fill in the form on their website.
Do note that arrangements to do this can only be made via the actual venue if
you telephone, NOT any ticket agency who picks up the telephone for them. Money is never refunded except when the performance is cancelled
for reasons OTHER THAN the weather. In this case, only the face value of the
tickets is refundable.
In the afternoons the box office sell the shaded (higher numbers)
side first. This is a relative term and long sleeves and very strong sunblock
for face and neck are essential.
Theatremonkey reminds
parents especially to use very strong sunscreen on their children if attending
daytime performances. Even on a very dull day sunburn is a high risk in this
theatre. Better still make them wear 'legionnaire hats' covering the head and
neck - for protection.
A reader notes,
"Having just returned from a matinee (1.30pm) performance on about the
hottest day of the year (30 plus degrees) here are some tips to survive
(and enjoy) a performance without barbequing yourself and your kids.
First, for once don’t buy in the ‘green’ seats (sorry Theatremonkey).
The only seats where you stand of chance of relative shade for the most
time are in the two highest numbered seat blocks in the upper tier.* The
sun factor is different for everyone – other than the people who sat in
lower to mid numbers, bottom and upper tiers, who simply fried for two
hours. I sat in N60 and had sun on my back for the first half an hour
and my left side for the last fifteen minutes. And even then it was
relatively dappled. Bring sunblock and sunglasses and keep water with
you. Water was freely available from the bar – and some teachers were
even spotted with pitchers in their hands. Above all, bring a hat. It
was gobsmacking how many small (and inevitably large) children had no
hats – whole classes of them. Wonder how many were sick on the coach
home."
*Monkey comment: actually, it repeats as above - NO seats are
shaded, it is a "relative" term!
In the evening unless the daytime was 80 degrees plus, a thin pullover is
needed, especially in the last rows of the rear block. A reader feels that,
"It is flipping freezing in the evenings and blanket would be better
advice". They go on to say that the theatre do not hire blankets out any more because some
twit threw them out when they stored them for safe keeping during the last paint
job!
After wet weather the seats will be damp. You will be handed a cloth to dry
them, but theatremonkey recommends taking your own paper towels and putting a
waterproof on the seat before parking yourself in it.
Do not dress in best clothes for this theatre - they will probably not
survive. Please, please visit the place just once though. The atmosphere here is
both magic and unique.
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