STALLS
The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at row J. For the current production
'The Mousetrap' the fact that the top of the set cannot be seen past row M is
totally unimportant.The Stalls is divided into front and rear sections by an aisle across the
front of row G.
The front section consists of five rows curving in front of the stage. All
seats offer a good view, select the central seats first to maximise your value
for money return. Take the end four seats in each row only after the central
block of rows G to J have been sold.
Reader "Barfly" noted:
"The theatre's lovely, it's just like going back in time. Sat in stalls
F14, great view - but the people next to me had problems, being larger, they
couldn't fit into the seats well so they move to the row behind because of the
aisle."
Part of row E is at "premium" price. The
monkey would skip it unless short legged. If you must pay that extra
fee, central row G at least gives a comfort advantage.
Reader Aitchy says,
"The front centre stalls had better leg room, and you were right in the
thick of it, but somehow, seeing the actors so clearly took away from my
enjoyment of this show - Up close it all looks more real and as such its
downfalls are magnified and you don't get the period feel with modern
faces; from a height its almost time travel, as though your looking down
on a show from 50 years ago."
The rear section is split into central and two side blocks by aisles. Again,
the views of the stage are clear from all seats, take the central block first,
and note that row O seats 1 to 4 feels isolated.
This theatre, thinks theatremonkey, is a total timewarp - as eccentric as
this monkey can be. The fabulous dark wood panelled auditorium with balustrade
fronted circles is from another, more gracious, age. If theatremonkey could buy
or operate one theatre, this would be it.
Legroom is just about acceptable in all seats for all but the largest, best in row G. A
reader notes:
"I'm over six foot tall and was glad that I had booked an aisle seat although
we could have sat in row G or anywhere else if we had wanted to move. My
girlfriend is 5'4" and said that she could have done with a bit more
legroom. I would recommend that if you get a chance reserve seats in row G."
DRESS CIRCLE
The Upper Circle overhangs the Dress Circle at row C, but does not affect the
view of the stage.
The seats are split into central and two side blocks by aisles.
The central block offers clear views from all seats, only row F seats 1 to 7
seem a little far from the stage.
In the side blocks row A seats 1 to 4 and 24 to 26, and row B seats 1, 2, 23
and 24 are designated restricted view since the one fifth of the side of the
stage is not visible. Avoid these seats, as at second or third price they are poor value. It is worth also avoiding the rest of the side blocks unless all the stalls
and the centre block of the Dress Circle are full.
With the whole Dress Circle, except restricted view
seats and row F at top price, monkey advice is central B to D if you wish to buy
the most expensive seats, then the immediate
seats next to the aisle in the side blocks, or else take stalls instead. Row A
is particularly worth a miss as the balustrades are still there, but the discount that used
to allow for them isn't...
A reader comments,
"A8: Although you feel the curve of the Dress Circle when sitting here,
it is not enough to spoil the view and only cuts off a tiny slither of
the right hand side of the stage. In addition, being on the aisle gives
you some room to stretch out. At 5ft 8 I found that I could easily see
over the balustrade, although this might be a problem for someone
smaller."
Row F at third price, is average value. Monkey would skip row E, though, as for fewer bananas you get the
same view in the row behind...
A reader says,
"I sat in the Dress Circle, row C (seat 10) to watch Theatreland's most famous
production. Plenty of leg room ensured no aching legs, however I was unlucky
enough to have someone 6ft plus sat in front of me. As a result part of the
stage was obscured, but this did not spoil the enjoyment."
Further back, reader Aitchy says,
"The rear Dress Circle was god awful - no decent rake, no leg room and
very stuffy."
Legroom is just acceptable, cramped for the taller in most seats, very poor in row A. A quirk of architecture
gives a little more room to seats B 1 and 24, C 1 and 22 and E 1. Centre aisle
seats also provide stretching for one leg!
Dress Circle Boxes
Boxes A and B at the sides of the stage at Dress Circle level are designated
restricted view with a quarter of the stage not visible. At second price there
are better seats available.
Boxes C and D are at the rear of the Dress Circle with a clear but distant
view of the stage. Again, at second price, there are again better seats available. 1
wheelchair can use box C in the Dress Circle. From a wheelchair the view is
adequate, better than wheelchair users are normally stuck with. A plinth can be
added to improve the view over the wall for users. See notes.
UPPER CIRCLE
The front of this circle feels close to the stage. The rear rows feel much
further back for some reason.
A metal bar runs across the front of this circle affecting the view slightly
in row A (where the bar is high enough to peer under) but it is noticeable in
row B.
The view from all other seats in the Upper Circle is clear. Choose row E
first since at a lower price the view is as good as the more expensive seats in
front.
The last two seats in rows B to D have extra legroom due to the shape of the
theatre. These are very worthwhile for the money.
Reader Aitchy says,
"The view from Row B aisle of upper circle was surprisingly the best of
my 3 visits and was VERY cheap - though I was glad to be able to swing
my leg into the aisle, and then swapped with the man on the other side
for the interval so both legs got a stretch - worked for us both. The
height gives it a slightly grander view and allows you to see the
character rather than the actor - (which in something so full of
stereotypes - lets you know where you stand)."
In row C, reader Amanda Johnston says,
"Row C 4, 5, 6 and 7: The view was very good and it didn't feel so far
from the stage as upper circles in other theatres. The metal bar does
cross the view at front part of the stage but it doesn't take away from
the enjoyment of play. Agree leg room dreadful and had to sit sideways
to allow for knees!"
Further back, in row D, another reader reports,
"The seats had NO legroom and I am only 1.72 m (5' 8"). Good view and
could hear everything. The biggest problem was the heat. Everyone was
peeling off layers, since the ceiling fan is only on before the show and
during intervals. Would not buy these seats again. Noticed that Row A
had much more legroom but restricted view with safety bar."
Another reader says,
"Sat in F3 and 4 which are directly under massive fan – before we
expired of hypothermia, we were all allowed to move forward because the
theatre was half empty (a popular Monkey ploy, I think I remember). We
ended up in A 8 and 9. The bar didn’t prevent us from seeing anything
relevant in this production.
But if you were ever to add a section for recommended seats for
menopausal women prone to hot flushes, F 3 and 4 and the equivalent
on the other side of the aisle are probably more efficient than HRT..."
Row G is cheaper. Worth a look, feels
the monkey.
Legroom is cramped in most seats, worst in row A - as a reader agrees!
Another, Amanda Johnston says, "had to sit sideways to allow for knees!"
Rows B to D seats 1, 2, 19
and 20, have a more generous amount.
Notes
Total 553 seats.
Air-conditioned auditorium.
Induction loop and infrared headsets available some signed and audio
described performances. Guide dogs can be dog sat.
Programmes can be enlarged on theatre photocopier. 1 wheelchair can use box C in
the Dress Circle. A plinth can be added to improve the view over the wall
for users. Adapted toilet available, not gender segregated, but the theatre is
trying hard.
Fuller Details from www.artslineonline.com,
or Artsline 020 7388 2227, 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.
6 Toilets; Stalls 1 gents 1 cubicle, 1 ladies 2 cubicles; Dress Circle 1
gents 1 cubicle, 1 ladies 5 cubicles; Upper Circle 1 gents 1 cubicle, 2 ladies 1
cubicle in each.
Don't forget to visit the mouse and script in a niche in the stairway
vestibule to the right of the foyer.
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