Theatre Royal, Haymarket

None.

"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."

"A 3 and 4: "One Man Two Guvnors" (2013). Had seat A3 and 4 in the royal circle at second price. Based on the comments on your pages and that they are Red (I didn’t buy them) I was concerned that they may not be up to much. However, I thought the comments others have made on your pages are a bit OTT – for this production anyway. Most of the action takes place centre stage in the front half/third of the stage so the little bit of the front right stage that was missing was only a factor for about a minute in the first half (when the dustbin was used) and with no seats behind could lean forward without risking annoying anyone. Seats next to us were empty so we moved into A6 and 7 for the second half which obviously afforded a slightly better view. I didn’t notice the legroom being poor (I’m 5’10”). I think they are just about fair value at this price, but perhaps I am just getting too used to West End prices."

"A21 and 22: "Only Fools and Horses The Musical" (March 2019), (A View From the Stalls). As the first two seats off the aisle in the side block stage right, these seats had a great view of the whole stage whilst being considerable less expensive than the centre block only 4ft to our right!
The view from the front row is obviously unobscured, the seats themselves were very comfy with more than adequate legroom for us at 5’9” (although I would say those over 6’ may find it less so) and the front wall does not get in the way one bit.
One interesting note - never in any other theatre have I had to walk so far to get to the Gents ! So many narrow corridors and stairs and at the end - The smallest toilets in the world!"

"B7: "Fatal Attraction" (April 2014). At 5'3", I had a perfect view with plenty of legroom, and felt as though I got my money's worth; any more than that and I would have been unhappy."

"B17: "Heathers" (September 2018). Excellent seat, great clear view."

"C5 to 8: "Sweet Charity" (May 2010), (James – regular reader). View was good, but C5 and 6 are certainly not worth top price as they start to cut off a significant part of the stage."

"C21: "Queen Anne" (July2017). On the aisle, great view, only losing a tiny corner of the stage at the front and I don’t think anyone was ever in it. Good legroom. I love this theatre."

“D7: "Sweet Charity" (May 2010), (Mark – regular reader). Good seat, but I'd say go for the stalls at top price or at least central dress circle."

"D17 and 18: "Daytona" (July 2014), (Bob Pickett). In terms of view, great seats with a clear view of the entire stage, close enough to pick up on all expressions and nuances (important when seeing a “straight” play rather than a musical). Other reviewers have mentioned the curve of the theatre and this does tilt you slightly at the corner of the stage. Leg room was acceptable without being generous. But the thing no-one seems to mention is that they are not the most padded of perches; we felt the need to fidget as did others around us."

"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 took 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."

“Row E: "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."

"E7: "The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia" (March 2017). A really good seat, there's no heads in sight line due to the way the seats in front are laid out, and able to stretch out into the aisle."

"E15 and 16: "Much Ado About Nothing" (December 2016).  We got them at 40% off through a deal from London Theatre and were very happy with them. It is a beautiful theatre, and the Circle managed the perfect combination of having sufficient rake that the view was excellent and yet not feeling so steep that those with vertigo (me!) would feel anxious at all. They were very close to the centre and only one tiny bit of the stage was obscured by the tall person in front of me. Good leg room for both of us, including Tall Daughter at 5’11”. Not very wide seats but for the slim, no problem, and a cosy atmosphere all round – the theatre is small enough that you don’t feel far from the stage up there."

"E16 and E17: "Rosencrantz and Guilderstern Are Dead" (June 2011). (Laura). On the left hand side (looking towards the stage) of the centre block. Plenty of legroom (but then we are only 5'2" and 5'3", not sure how it would be for those lucky enough to be taller), and excellent view of the whole stage. It also felt like a very intimate space which added to the production. There may have been a slight bit of overhang but it genuinely wasn't noticeable, although due to the set construction most of the action seems concentrated in the first half of the stage but that could change for other shows."

"F4 and 5: (David Farthing). Are fair value as suggested"

"F6 and 7: "One Man, Two Guvnors" (March 2012), (Graham). Thought this Dress Circle was great and the seats were excellent, offering a very clear view of the stage in a comfortable seat. These seats (well F6) is on the aisle so great for leg stretching! The rake is such that it's practically impossible for anyone to block your view. Not sure I'd want to sit in the side blocks but they looked OK to me even if they were off centre."

“Row F17 to 21: (Lizzie). Love the theatre. Sat in the Royal Circle and all had a really good view – the legroom was fine too.”

"G3 and 4: "Great Britain" (October 2014) (Laurence T). Under the National Theatre's Entry Pass scheme I got two seats for £12.50 altogether. I was sat in the circle, row G seats 3 and 4. These were great seats with no restrictions on our view and just close enough to see the actors expressions. Anywhere in the circle, apart from the very outermost two seats would have great views it seemed."

"G4: "The Elephant Man" (May 2015). Described as excellent value, and I can concur with that as I had a marvellous view, a really decent seat and plenty of leg room. It was close enough for me to feel part of the action but also able to take the whole show in. For £52.50 - probably the higher end I'd spend on a ticket as a part time student on a not fantastic wage working full time! - I was really pleased!

"G19 to 21: "One Man, Two Guvnors" (March 2012). We paid £118 for the three tickets, I think the standard price is around £58 each. The seats were absolutely fine, we could see the entire stage without any obstruction. Legroom was acceptable for me, might be an issue for someone taller than 5'7" or 5'7". The seats were good value at the price and I'd reckon them to be fine even at full price. Couldn't see any real drawbacks with these seats."

"G22: "Taken At Midnight" (February 2015) (Mary). I had room to stretch (because I was on the aisle) and a great view of the stage. The stage itself seemed to have been built outwards and in my direction so I was often watching the play straight on."

"G24 and 25: Really good view. I think G25 is unfairly marked red on the Theatremonkey website. I swapped seats at interval as G25 had more legroom and the view was the same. I think these are fairly priced at second price, and are good if you want a little extra room."

"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." 

"H19 to 21: "Accidental Death of an Anarchist" (June 2023). Perfection! Ample leg room, rake ensured a clear view, on the aisle, spacious seats. I wasn’t expecting much after my last trip to the Haymarket which saw me in the cramped, squashed upper circle where we were almost on each others laps and suffering from vertigo. this was like being in a different theatre - unbelievable!"

"Box B: "Flare Path" (February 2011). Not the best box I have ever used, but a long way from the worst."

"A10: "Heathers" (September 2018), (Kelsey). Saw heathers 4 times over October and November 2018 in seat A10. Sat in this seat multiple times after seeing the show in the dress circle first. If you don't lean forward you will only see 30% of the stage due to the ledge and lighting rig, but the seats behind you are also classed as very restricted and only sold in person so you're highly unlikely to be blocking someone's view. There is a cushioned ledge to lean on and you can see the whole stage comfortably. As it's marked as very restricted it can only be bought at the box office in person for £15, but considering the seat next to you is worth £25 I would happily sit here again. Legroom is excellent for an average person and side exit to the grand circle is just at the end of the row which makes it best for a quick exit. Seat is very well padded, although nearby seats can be creaky."

"A17 and 18: "Fatal Attraction" (March 2014) (Marina). Leaning over a metal bar and spent my time moving from side to side to get a view or rather to get myself comfortable. It wasn't a good value for money."

"Row B: 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." 

“Row C: (A Morgan). 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."

"C6: "Heathers" (September 2018). Classed as restricted view, I was pleasantly surprised. Nothing missed for this show as nothing really happens in the DSL corner. Felt surprisingly close to the stage. I'd certainly consider Upper C6 again for 'The Band'.

"C6 and 7: "Waiting For Godot." (January 2010), (James – regular reader). 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."

"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."

“C12 and 13: “One Man, Two Guvnors,” (Chris B). I’m quite disappointed with these seats. They are nicely located on the third row of the upper circle, towards the right (as you look at the stage) but as there is a steep rake (as with most upper circles) if anyone in the rows in front lean forward your view is heavily obstructed. I had to ask the person in front to sit back because I couldn’t see a thing past their head as they insisted on leaning forward. If you’d like the cheaper tickets and choose to sit in the upper circle I’d suggest the front row is your best bet. OR else chance your luck further back. It’s a shame because the upper circle doesn’t feel that high up they have the potential to be good seats. The legroom is rather restricted too.”

"C13 and 14: "The Rat Pack - Live From Las Vegas" (January 2018). The view was fine and we didn’t have any issue with anyone in the rows in front leaning forward. There was more legroom than we’ve experienced in other theatres, perhaps because of the steep rake from one row to the next. That rake though does contribute to our only negative comment about this, which is the very steep steps down to the lower rows - with no handrails to steady yourself, it’s quite a dizzying descent down those stairs and not advised for the infirm or those with vertigo!"

“D 4, 5 and 6: "One Man, Two Guvnors" (March 2012), (Liz). These were £25 - a fair price I thought, for the view. The aisle seat was OK, but seat 4 had about a quarter of the bottom right side of the stage obstructed so a few bits of the play were missed (though didn’t ruin it). Many people in front were leaning forward in order to see properly, and people closer to the wall were sitting on the top of the back of their seats. I would probably recommend paying a bit more to sit in the central block as it is such a fabulous play."

“D7 and D8: 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."

"D 9 and 10: "Heathers" (September 2018) (Bob Pickett). It's pretty steep up there, the frail of limb should sit at a lower level. That said, the steepness helps you clear the heads of the patrons in front. You are easily close enough to see every expression on the face of the cast. Both seats lose a small corner at the front of the stage, and D 10 has the glass safety panel intrude when the cast is on the far side of the stage. Leg room was adequate for my 29" legs. Seats are comfortable, not a fidget during the performance."

"D11: "Heathers" (September 2018). Would have been a great seat, except someone two rows in front spent the whole show leaning forward. Major issue with blocking the front centre section of the stage - be warned!

"D11: "Sweet Charity" (April 2010). Not a bad seat, view was quite good, although there was nobody in the two rows in front of my seat so I think that helped. It did feel a little bit far away, I would have liked some binoculars but they didn't seem to have any."

"E12 and 13: "The Libertine" (September 2016). Very good view and we missed only a thin slice of the front of the stage, nothing to moan about. Highly recommend buying these bargain seats."

"F12 and 13: "The Rat Pack" (February 2018). £40 price but bought during the Mastercard promo at £20 each. (Runs just before the "get me in" promo.) IMHO good value at this price for little discomfort and bang in the centre in the UC and with a great view of all the stage which I felt was not too far way. Agree about the rake being not for vertigo sufferers!"

"F15 and 16: "The Picture Of Dorian Gray" (February 2024), (Taljaard). A great view. We paid £49.50 when booking first opened but because of dynamic pricing they are currently £70. My advice is to book early!"

"G3: (Jon Bemrose). 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.)"

"G10: "Waiting For Godot" (October 2024), (Taljaard). A bit distant, but a really good seat for the money."

"G11 and 12: “Last Five Years” (October 2008), (Hannah). £30 for 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!"

"G12 to 14: Very high up, slightly terrifying getting to seats as the rake is very steep. This is a good thing when you’re sitting down as you get a clear view but as the seat in front of you is at ankle height there isn’t anything to hold on as you stagger down the row. This is the back row of the grand circle but the balcony is straight behind you. Seating there is bench style with a low back. Our seats were rather uncomfortable - very narrow, not much legroom."

"Gallery: 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!"

"Row A: "The Tempest" (September 2011). Just an update on the Gallery seats. I saw 'The Tempest' with trepidation, having seen the reviews of these seats on your site. I didn't need to worry; the Theatre Royal have removed the top metal bar and the view was not restricted. The leg room in row A was great, I am over 6ft and had no problem. The sound was fine from the stage, but the other audience members up here took a while to settle. I would say the middle of the Gallery is a better bet than the edges of the upper circle. Yes the seats don't have comfortable backs, the cushions are not great and you are quite a way up, and the seat numbers are hard to see, and you are not worthy enough to go in the main entrance for the theatre..... But what do you expect for the kind of money these seats go for. Good value for money I say." 

"B15: Avoid. There's a ridge through the middle of the seat, so feels like you're sitting on a bump. Ouch."

“Row C: (M Boyd).” I plumped for Gallery seats. When I arrived 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."

“Row C: (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".

"E1: (Jon Bemrose). 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."