2,302 posts
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Post by Tibidabo on Apr 16, 2017 21:55:47 GMT
I LOVE the Trafalgar Studio seats. They are my favourite because they fit like a glove. Trafalgar Studios, how they have the temerity to charge £85 for miniscule seats with leg room for perhaps a two year old Yes, but I'm a very advanced two year old.
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6,378 posts
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Post by Jon on Apr 16, 2017 21:56:06 GMT
Now I think about it, I genuinely cannot call to mind any theatres with seating I actually like. However, Jon has a point above: Curzon Victoria has fabulous seats! The Prince Edward and Prince of Wales have great seats and I have a fondness for the Harold Pinter.
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4,603 posts
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Post by Mark on Apr 16, 2017 22:38:59 GMT
Have vowed never to sit in the gallery at the sunderland empire ever again. The view is truly awful.
Back of the Garrick in the pillar seats - not worth it
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2017 22:39:15 GMT
The £15/£18 seats at the front of the Lyttelton and Olivier aren't Travelex seats, they're just cheap because there's no rake and no arm-rests. They cost the same whether it's a Travelex-sponsored production or not.
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4,799 posts
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Post by The Matthew on Apr 17, 2017 5:27:11 GMT
I was recently in the BFI and thought how nice the seats were for comfort, legroom, width, etc and regretted that so many theatre seats were not of the same standard. Cinemas have the advantage of usually not being in listed buildings Theatres weren't in listed buildings when they were built. Sometimes it's almost as if the theatre was designed by someone who thought "OK, we'll put the seats where you can't see anything just there, and this part can be the unraked section that will result in heads blocking the view, and the rows that are so close together that people have to stand on the seats to let others by can go over there..."
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7,576 posts
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Post by alece10 on Apr 17, 2017 6:22:12 GMT
The £15/£18 seats at the front of the Lyttelton and Olivier aren't Travelex seats, they're just cheap because there's no rake and no arm-rests. They cost the same whether it's a Travelex-sponsored production or not. Ah right. Didn't know that. Thanks. Still awful seats
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649 posts
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Post by ptwest on Apr 17, 2017 7:40:54 GMT
The Prince Edward and Prince of Wales have great seats and I have a fondness for the Harold Pinter. With the Prince Of Wales in particular you can see where the money has been spent -excellent level of comfort and legroom. At 6'6" I can appreciate that seating is going to be a little tight but I resent spending hours in pain at the current prices. There is no point booking most upper circle / balcony seats so that generally means top price is the only viable option. Very grateful that Sheffield Crucible and the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds are two of my locals- excellent sight lines, good legroom. Forgot the stalls at the Duchess - the seat was so low I thought about booking a chiropractor for the interval!
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4,048 posts
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Post by kathryn on Apr 17, 2017 8:26:13 GMT
Theatre Royal Haymarket balcony - tried it once, never again!!
The Globe obviously has uncomfortable seats, but I have tried them more than once. Eventually came to the conclusion that I may as well stand at the Globe - why pay so much more to be almost as uncomfortable as standing?
For sheer annoyance at a compromised view that last couple of rows in the stalls of the Garrick gets an honourable mention. They really should improve the rake there.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2017 8:38:57 GMT
The £15/£18 seats at the front of the Lyttelton and Olivier aren't Travelex seats, they're just cheap because there's no rake and no arm-rests. They cost the same whether it's a Travelex-sponsored production or not. I didn't know that either! Explains a lot though. You forgot to mention the low backs as well which add to the fun!! Where are the Travelex seats?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2017 8:43:10 GMT
I LOVE the Trafalgar Studio seats. They are my favourite because they fit like a glove. Trafalgar Studios, how they have the temerity to charge £85 for miniscule seats with leg room for perhaps a two year old Yes, but I'm a very advanced two year old. You know I read your post about 30 seconds before writing mine but my mind was totally unable to process the information so I turned it into seats at the St James/Other Palace! I actually remember picturing them in my mind 😂😂
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806 posts
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Post by duncan on Apr 17, 2017 8:55:27 GMT
The £15/£18 seats at the front of the Lyttelton and Olivier aren't Travelex seats, they're just cheap because there's no rake and no arm-rests. They cost the same whether it's a Travelex-sponsored production or not. I didn't know that either! Explains a lot though. You forgot to mention the low backs as well which add to the fun!! Where are the Travelex seats? I saw Amadeus from Row G of the Olivier Circle - which is the very back row and looking back I've been down as far as Row B in the Circle on a Travelex. Whilst in the Lyttleton I've only been once on a Travelex and was in Row J of the Circle.
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725 posts
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Post by Latecomer on Apr 17, 2017 9:01:58 GMT
First rows of Lyttleton aren't raked but those in Olivier are! I love these seats as I am quite short and I actually find them quite comfortable! For some reason I find the seats at Hampstead theatre uncomfortable...just the way my back protests!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2017 9:22:04 GMT
Agree - first few rows of the Olivier are a massive bargain; smaller and a bit cramped but the view is fabulous. The Lyttleton is far less so - really uncomfortable and you lose a lot of the stage. But I've never found a good seat in there, it's a really alienating theatre.
The only thing for both is that it needs to be more explicit during the booking process that they are narrow, cramped spaces and won't be for everyone. I've seen a lot of people who just can't fit trying to sit in them and taking up half the seat of the person next to them, which is uncomfortable for everyone. In general, theatres probably need to start being clear about how big a seat actually is so people can go for the roomier option if necessary.
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1,064 posts
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Post by bellboard27 on Apr 17, 2017 9:27:34 GMT
Agree - first few rows of the Olivier are a massive bargain; smaller and a bit cramped but the view is fabulous. The Lyttleton is far less so - really uncomfortable and you lose a lot of the stage. But I've never found a good seat in there, it's a really alienating theatre. The only thing for both is that it needs to be more explicit during the booking process that they are narrow, cramped spaces and won't be for everyone. I've seen a lot of people who just can't fit trying to sit in them and taking up half the seat of the person next to them, which is uncomfortable for everyone. In general, theatres probably need to start being clear about how big a seat actually is so people can go for the roomier option if necessary. Agreed about information on seats when booking. I like the ROH site which shows you a picture of the view and another of the seat. OK, there are no dimensions but it is a big help.
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Post by Honoured Guest on Apr 17, 2017 9:37:19 GMT
A big part of the problem with restricted views throughout the auditorium, including premium central stalls in the outdated West End theatres, is that the nature of theatre productions has changed since the theatres were originally planned and built.
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223 posts
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Post by Kim_Bahorel on Apr 17, 2017 14:47:15 GMT
Any seat at the Sam Wanamaker however they charge 10 quid to see NOTHING unless you are well over 6 foot 5 to stand. I had standing last year and didn't even bother going in the end. Just gave back my ticket. But yet they charge less to stand in the yard at the Globe and you can see pretty much everything.
Trafalgar studios has annoying seats concidering in most cases you are paying £70 for sitting in it.
I haven't sat in it but never sit row A in upper circle of Queens. I have sat AA quite a few times and always have the ones moaning behind me they can't see. But you have to lean forward.
Seats in Southwark playhouse are just padded chairs. But they are only charging £18-25 so...
I sat in the top part of Playhouse when I saw Rocky horror. There was no real rake in the seats and couldn't see a thing. I was lucky I had an aisle seat but it didnt help. I paid £40 for that.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2017 19:41:46 GMT
Noel Gallagher Theatre - 'sat' in the slips for Cheery Orchard 20 odd years ago. Appalling seats. U can't see the flippin stage!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2017 19:42:46 GMT
Noel Gallagher Theatre - 'sat' in the slips for Cheery Orchard 20 odd years ago. Appalling seats. U can't see the flippin stage! iPhone predictive is on FIRE tonight!
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2,764 posts
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Post by daniel on Apr 17, 2017 20:54:00 GMT
Wolverhampton Grand have "Listening Only" seats. I kid you not. I don't dare sit in them, but they're extreme sides of the Stalls &I Dress Circle, where I guess you will see next-to-nothing. I get it, they've obviously thought "there's some space there, let's put some seats in", but who goes to the theatre happily expecting that they're not going to see anything?!
Some of my nominations for terrible seats:
-Queens Theatre second row Upper Circle. If these were discounted more I wouldn't have an issue, but they're a rip off at second price. Leg room is zero, and also the leaners in front and staging crossing the proscenium meaning a restricted view (much worse than "may need to lean forwards" as the ticket suggests"
-Savoy back row dress, side block. No issue with the view, but legroom is worse than a Ryanair flight, and the back of the seat is a wall so is flat, no comfort at all. At least this one is marked as "Limited legroom" so you're expecting it.
Some of my favourites are Prince Edward, Prince of Wales, and Salford Lowry. Never had any seating issues at any of these.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2017 21:02:32 GMT
Wolverhampton Grand have "Listening Only" seats. I kid you not. I don't dare sit in them, but they're extreme sides of the Stalls &I Dress Circle, where I guess you will see next-to-nothing. I get it, they've obviously thought "there's some space there, let's put some seats in", but who goes to the theatre happily expecting that they're not going to see anything?! Some of my nominations for terrible seats: -Queens Theatre second row Upper Circle. If these were discounted more I wouldn't have an issue, but they're a rip off at second price. Leg room is zero, and also the leaners in front and staging crossing the proscenium meaning a restricted view (much worse than "may need to lean forwards" as the ticket suggests" -Savoy back row dress, side block. No issue with the view, but legroom is worse than a Ryanair flight, and the back of the seat is a wall so is flat, no comfort at all. At least this one is marked as "Limited legroom" so you're expecting it. Some of my favourites are Prince Edward, Prince of Wales, and Salford Lowry. Never had any seating issues at any of these. You still not over the Queens Theatre debacle...
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4,631 posts
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Post by Phantom of London on Apr 17, 2017 21:05:14 GMT
Th good thing about 'worst theatre seats', the theatre company and producers recognise this and offer them a lot cheaper, which can be a bargain, if there are are other empty seats in the theatre, it is always nice to stretch your legs before the curtain goes up.
I was stuck behind one of those pillars at the Garrick for the Miser, with the back of the stalls empty, I didn't stay there.
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2,764 posts
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Post by daniel on Apr 17, 2017 21:32:25 GMT
I think, for me at least, it's about value and transparency. If I'm sat in a crap seat, but it was £15, and I was warned about potential legroom/view issues in advance, I'll be more than happy, regardless of how crap the seat is.
On the other hand, if I've paid top whack for a seat that ends up having legroom/view issues with no prior warning, I'll feel completely ripped off and not happy.
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Post by Honoured Guest on Apr 17, 2017 21:41:40 GMT
but who goes to the theatre happily expecting that they're not going to see anything?! Visually impaired people.
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18,910 posts
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 17, 2017 21:46:48 GMT
but who goes to the theatre happily expecting that they're not going to see anything?! Visually impaired people. Many visually impaired people can see to some degree or another, even if only tunnelled vision or in patches, or even light and shade. It's very individual. Unless of course you shove the individual into seats at a theatre with no view of the stage. Thats why we dont use the term "blind" any more.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2017 8:30:48 GMT
Doesn't the ROH have listening-only seats? I'm sure I've heard of people bringing scores along and just following the music of the opera or the ballet without watching what's happening on stage.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2017 8:37:06 GMT
Doesn't the ROH have listening-only seats? I'm sure I've heard of people bringing scores along and just following the music of the opera or the ballet without watching what's happening on stage. The Gallery is standing but during the proms alot of people tend to sit on the floor and just take the music in. Its quite a good experience up there. I've seen a number of people sat up there following scores. I'd happily sit in a 'listening seat' at a reduced rate for a number of the big musicals; Phantom, Les Mis, Saigon etc.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2017 8:39:40 GMT
Doesn't the ROH have listening-only seats? I'm sure I've heard of people bringing scores along and just following the music of the opera or the ballet without watching what's happening on stage. Yes! I'm sure the Guardian or similar sent a journalist a few years back to review them. I'd be inclined to go, if I just felt like listening to the opera/ballet score. And I believe they are dirt cheap which is possibly the only way I'd set foot in the ROH.
Likewise if I've paid less than £20 for a seat and I'm told that it's fairly crap at point of purchase I'm fine with that. I missed big chunks of Hamlet due to being directly over the action, but I paid £10 and I saw 3/4 of the play so I can't complain. Likewise side balconies in the WMC for some productions are a steal at about £18 and if I miss chunks of it who cares, I paid less than half the normal price. BUT if a West End venue wants to charge nearly £60 for restricted view (Don Juan) I'm having issues...
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1,064 posts
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Post by bellboard27 on Apr 18, 2017 8:54:13 GMT
Doesn't the ROH have listening-only seats? I'm sure I've heard of people bringing scores along and just following the music of the opera or the ballet without watching what's happening on stage. I'm not aware of them, but maybe someone will enlighten us! The most restricted view slips in the amphitheatre still have some view. The cheapest seats (not standing) are less than £10, so are a bargain especially if one is happy just to listen. Frankly I would consider them for an opera (which can have a lot of 'action' relatively front and centre stage). For a ballet they are pretty bad. The dancers head off to the sides or rear of the stage and the audience applauds in approval and you are left wondering what was going on!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2017 9:03:28 GMT
I did immediately follow my post by going off and googling "listening only seats royal opera house", and they are indeed mentioned on here: www.roh.org.uk/visit/tickets. It looks like you have to telephone the box office rather than book them online, so I guess this means they do exist but they're not willing to sell them to you unless you definitely know what you're getting yourself into.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2017 9:05:42 GMT
Don't a lot of the people at the Proms use the top levels as essentially 'listening only' and sit on the floor etc? or have I made that up? (again I seem to remember an article where people were sent to 'review' their experience)
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