I think this will answer many questions.
Seats to buy or Avoid in this Venue
A "virtual tour" of the auditorium and foyers is available to view at
www.getlive.co.uk. Go to "Quicklinks" on the top right of the screen, and choose the venue name from the "GetLive Venues" list in the drop down menu that appears when you click the "V" at the edge of the "Quicklinks" box.
Stalls? ? Dress Circle? ? Notes
A new layout, from 17th September 2003 allows the stalls to be replaced with a standing area that will take audience capacity at the venue to around 5000 people.
If "all standing" is used, Stalls tickets will generally be marked "GA" for "General Admission". They are often sold on the Ticketmaster system as "Stalls Standing", just to be clear, though!
STALLS? seating plan
The Dress Circle overhangs the Stalls at row U. The view of the top of the stage is only affected very slightly from row AA back.
When seating is used, the stalls are split into sections by aisles. The front section is divided off by an aisle in front of row J, and contains a central and two side blocks. The middle section from row J to R has four blocks - two central, two outer.
The rear section has six seating blocks. It is divided from the middle section by an aisle in front of row T, except in the two central seating blocks, which are connected to the middle section by? some seats instead of the aisle. This little link to civilisation has been designated row S!?
The front section one central and two side blocks. Of these theatremonkey rates central block seats in rows D to H particularly worth buying. The prime rows are F to K (moving into the middle section of seating a little), offering a fine view and a good rake. Then try rows L to M, then E to A in that order before choosing the inside aisle seats in the front section.
The two front section side blocks have been moved closer into the centre of the venue, so more seats have an improved view. Seats closest to the inside aisle have a fair view, but for the same money, choose the central blocks. Closer to the ends of the rows, some seats are angled so as to restrict your view into the rear quarter of the stage.
Restricted view seats in the front block are: row A seats 1 to 4 and 25 to 28; row B 1 to 4 and 34 to 37; and row C seats 1 to 4 and 37 to 40. In row A seats 3, 4, 25 and 26 may be worthwhile if you are trying to sit as close to the stage as possible, and don't mind the slight lack of view. The box office note they can also be very noisy as the speakers are often placed here...bring earplugs is the advice!
The middle section again has two central and two side blocks. In the central two, rows J to M are worth buying. Row J seats 11 to 36 in these blocks combine good views and extra legroom. The rest of the central blocks offer just average value, try for the front section seats mentioned above first before taking rows P to S. To be fair to the venue, all rows in the stalls feel relatively close to the stage considering the size of the place, but if all seats are the same price, why not sit as close as possible?
The two outer blocks in the middle section offer poor value as again they are mostly outside the proscenium with a poor viewing angle.
The rear section is split into six blocks, with row S in the central two blocks of this section connecting them with the middle section of seats. Again the architecture allows them all to feel fairly close to the stage and, if not able to see performers faces, at least to see more than just a moving matchstick.
The two central blocks are pretty reasonable to sit in. The last two rows, AA and BB can offer particular value at a low price for those like theatremonkey who feel in need of a bargain. Take these before the back of the Dress Circle for the same money, though watch for row BB seats 34 to 45 which have the sound desk behind and could be a noisy place to sit. The rest of these blocks are also fair value.
The next two blocks out from the centre have also benefited from being moved slightly closer into the middle. When the venue is filling up fast, they are worth a thought, though they do provide a slightly distant and off centre view of the stage for the same money at the blocks next to them.?
Finally, in the corners of the rear section are the blocks of seats furthest from the stage. They are close to the exits and block 12 is near the ladies toilets, 17 near the Gentlemen's. These are the advantages. Take these seats only if you really, really must.
Behind the rear blocks is a section for wheelchair users. It has two chair spaces, with two companion seats beside them. These have an acceptable average view, with the advantage of being slightly elevated. See notes.
Behind this is space for two rows of 60 people to stand. Arrive early so that you don't have to stand behind the sound desk!
Legroom is good throughout the stalls, best in rows A, J and in row T seats 1 to 19 and 40 to 58.?
DRESS CIRCLE? seating plan
Called the CIRCLE in this theatre.
This overhangs the stalls at row U. It is divided into front and rear sections by an aisle (and barrier) in front of row G. The front section is split into five blocks, the rear into six. There is a low safety rail at the end of each aisle in the front blocks. The monkey has had no complaints about the view being affected by these.
Smaller children may find the sloped wall at the front of the circle a little high to see over if in row A or even B for the smallest. Those over about 5ft tall should be fine.
In the front section, block 9 rows B to F and the six seats just off the centre aisles in blocks 8 and 10 offer the best value in the circle. The rest of the seats in all blocks are fair value. The distance from the stage means a comfortable viewing angle, but theatremonkey feels for the same price that the stalls blocks 23 and 24 offer better value for money, being closer to the action.
In the rear section rows soar towards space with a dizzying rake, a remnant of this theatre's previous life as a cinema. The barrier in front of row G may annoy some shorter people. Theatremonkey prefers the stalls blocks 14, 15, 19 or 20 to any of these rear blocks at the same prices. If the choice is between? stalls blocks 12, 13, 16, 17, 18 and 21 or the circle it becomes less clear cut. Circle blocks 2,? 3, 4 and 5 rows G (if the barrier is not a problem) to N are preferable to stalls blocks 18 and 21, but in the circle row O back is a long way from the stage so the rest of the seats are a choice between distance, view and comfort. The stalls is closer and more comfortable. The circle has a wider view of the stage. Theatremonkey takes the stalls, accepting both options are not great.?
The two corner blocks in the circle 1 and 6 are worth avoiding.? Far away in the corners of the theatre the viewing angle is poor and the value worse. As the last seats available take the centre aisle rows L to P then rows G to J before anything else, but prepare for disappointment.?
Reader Robbie feels:
"Block 1, row 0 seat numbers 79 and 80 which I was quite worried about (as these are right in the very corner of the circle in a place) I thought the seats were O.K. I could see very clearly. The circle isn't really that far from the stage either , the centre blocks would be better but I think wherever you sit in the circle you will have a good view, as all seats are one higher than the row in front. This means that the person in front of you does not block you from seeing like it would do in Wembley in the flat floor seating."
Row K seats 11 to 13, 24 to 26, and 64 to 66 and row L seats 54 and 55 are behind stairwell walls. These restrict the view for those under five foot seven and legroom for those taller. Avoid. The other seats worth avoiding in all blocks are rows X to Z for being closer to Hammersmith Flyover than the stage. Take these last when all other seats have gone.
Standing place tickets will generally be marked "GA" for "General Admission". They are often sold on the Ticketmaster system as "Circle Standing", just to be clear, though!
Legroom is average in all seats, poor in row A and Row K seats 11 to 13, 24 to 26, and 64 to 66 and row L seats 54 and 55. Those over 5ft 10 or so may find all seats uncomfortable, alas.
Notes
Total 3326 seats, with 298 standing places are also available, 120 in the stalls, 178 in the Dress Circle, should the box office choose to sell them. When all stalls seats are removed, around 3000 standing places are created, taking venue capacity to about 5000 in total.
Not air conditioned.
Guide dog sitter available and some signed performances. Wheelchair access is via a fire door and over a small ridge to a 12% ramp into the stalls. One adapted toilet. Theatremonkey rates facilities as "trying very hard to do the best they can" in this venue - rare and praiseworthy in London.
For more information, and to make bookings, wheelchair users can call 020 8563 3806 for booking and access information and details of any concessionary prices available to them. Please DO NOT use this number for any other enquiries.
Fuller details are also available at
www.theatre-access.co.uk, Artsline 020 7388 2227 email
access@artsline.org.uk.
No food except ice cream and confectionery / popcorn. A reader notes that hot-dogs are also available.
Two bars, Stalls and Dress Circle.
Toilets on both stalls and circle levels at the sides and back of the auditorium.
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