|
Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2019 11:49:18 GMT
There's a massive difference between observing that by the interval you are the only one within about 5 rows, and asking an usher if you can move. Or half your row being empty and asking 'may I move to the end for some legroom and a quick exit' and presuming you have the right to leap into a seat.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2019 11:49:42 GMT
In fairness people should in fact be paying extra for that kind of service. (quote fail, but Ryan in anyone's lap is for sure an 'added extra' perhaps of a different kind of offence) Sometimes I like to give Joe Public what they want. Premium seating darling.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2019 11:50:04 GMT
I mean, as laws and rules go, this is obviously one of the more benign ones when broken, and I'm sure a great many of us have done it with no ill consequences, but I think if you're going to go to the theatre enough and consider moving seats enough, then you should be aware of what you're doing, ideally you should ask permission rather than just taking the gamble, and you should be completely willing to accept that the answer may be "no" or that the usher may ask you to move back to your original seat.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2019 11:51:30 GMT
Sometimes I like to give Joe Public what they want. Premium seating darling. V.I.P.
|
|
1,244 posts
|
Post by londonmzfitz on Apr 29, 2019 12:16:51 GMT
I had a friend bail on a show at Wembley Arena a few years ago, but other friends were going (in different seats). I waited at Wembley station to walk down with them - mistake, they were running late - and arrived during the first act (of four) on stage ... to find my second row seat(s) were occupied by a couple of chancers. No biggie, I crouched down out of the way of other punters, pointed out they were in my seats - and they didn't move, refused to make eye contact, despite others around tsk'ing and tut'ing .... I actually had to find an usher to ush them off back to their own seats about 10 rows behind. I mean, jeez, what did they think I was going to do, shrug and go home?
|
|
2,963 posts
|
Post by crowblack on Apr 29, 2019 12:33:52 GMT
Any actors on this thread? What do you prefer, a yawning gap in the stalls or occupied seats? When it's a show that's had a lukewarm reception and the place is sparsely occupied I'd have thought those on stage would be glad to see some enthusiastic faces in the good seats.
|
|
18,857 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 29, 2019 12:48:16 GMT
I went through a period of flying domestic a lot for work, often on those very small propeller aircraft where it’s 2-1 seat layout and damned uncomfortable. Asking to move to an empty row would sometimes just get a cheery, “yes after take- off thats fine” to all sorts of nonsense from some fascist-in-a-fleece crew member. “No, it’s for safety reasons” ”No, it affects the trim the aircraft” ”I’ll have to ask the captain but he/she will probably say no because...” If there was a consistent answer then fine* but given that there wasn’t I have to assume they just enjoyed being difficult.
*apart from the one about the trim. I’ll never believe that me moving one row, which is about 30” is going to send the plane off balance and into some fatal tailspin because a)the crew are shoving a trolley full of over priced butties up and down the aisle without incident and b)if I went down the back and parked myself on the loo for 10 minutes (as many do) we’d all be quite safe.
|
|
4,968 posts
|
Post by TallPaul on Apr 29, 2019 12:50:49 GMT
I've noticed that many of the theatres I visit regularly now drip-release seats, so the seats at the front, those most visible to the actors, should always, in theory, be occupied.
This is the Stephen Joseph Theatre's approach:
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2019 13:02:22 GMT
I'm not an actor, so I don't know how they feel about audience members so generously risking being told off or even removed from the auditorium by selflessly moving their way from behind a pillar in the circle where the actors might not see them to a plum seat in centre stalls so the actors know that they're being supported, but I'm certainly enjoying the way people are explaining these motivations, which are apparently only ever altruistic and never have anything to do with the fact the stalls seat has a better view.
|
|
|
Post by asfound on Apr 29, 2019 13:05:44 GMT
I've moved seats at the Old Vic before. In the packed upper circle the side slips were deserted and I like as few people around me as possible because I'm anti-social and people get on my nerves easily. Granted I was actually moving into a worse seat than the one I had but the usher was fine with it.
|
|
4,458 posts
|
Post by poster J on Apr 29, 2019 13:11:30 GMT
I think there's a difference between shuffling up a few seats in the row you're in at an opportune moment after the show has started or in the interval to be a bit more central (absolutely no problem with that, I'd do it myself, or sometimes the opposite to get an empty aisle seat!) and bring presumptuous enough to assume that an empty seat somewhere else in the theatre by a minute before the show starts means no-one will be turning up for that seat, and therefore moving into it. Ummm, I don't see the difference myself. Moving into an empty seat that you didn't pay for is the same thing, whether it's the one next to you or diving into an empty seat somewhere else in the theatre. Ah but I didn't say anything about price - a lot of the time the whole row is the same price, so what actually is the harm in moving a few seats more central in that case?
|
|
18,857 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 29, 2019 13:12:27 GMT
When you get on the train to find the reservations aren’t working, so you settle yourself into any old seat. Then someone comes along with their ticket and says “I’m terribly sorry I think you’re in my seat” and you look down the carriage....
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2019 13:26:19 GMT
I've moved seats at the Old Vic before. In the packed upper circle the side slips were deserted and I like as few people around me as possible because I'm anti-social and people get on my nerves easily. Granted I was actually moving into a worse seat than the one I had but the usher was fine with it. Sometimes a downgrade is SO much better. From my grand circle seat for The Ferryman, I lost a whole aunt and the entire dining table. From the standing space at the back of the stalls, where the usher gave me permission to move to, I only lost the very top of the stairs.
|
|
2,963 posts
|
Post by crowblack on Apr 29, 2019 13:55:52 GMT
I'm not an actor, so I don't know how they feel about audience members so generously risking being told off or even removed from the auditorium by selflessly moving their way from behind a pillar in the circle where the actors might not see them to a plum seat in centre stalls so the actors know that they're being supported, but I'm certainly enjoying the way people are explaining these motivations, which are apparently only ever altruistic and never have anything to do with the fact the stalls seat has a better view. Why do you doubt my comment about actors? I've often sat in theatres seeing marmite shows, especially previews, where many haven't returned at half time and I sit there wondering how bad the actors must feel when all the faces disappear. Similarly, travelling from Liverpool I have to book theatre trips well in advance to get cheap rail fares, weeks before reviews come out, and find myself sitting in a theatre seeing a production that looked good on paper but got bad reviews and the theatre is only half full or worse. I detest Giles Coren but do know what he means about theatre making him anxious for the actors, though sensitivity to others' feelings isn't something I've ever credited Coren with - I even get worried when there's an onstage costume change in case a zip sticks or a sleeve is inside out. If my seat is a bit crap because it's a sold out show (travelling, Sat Mats are my only do-able date but these sell out fast to members), I ask at the box office if there have been any last minute returns and sometimes get lucky. These are the SAME PRICE as the one I had. I always book stalls or front circle: I've learned that if I'm going to shell out £50 travelling and take a day out of my life I'm not going to go so far to see a show from behind a pillar or the top of a favourite actor's head. Special mention to the Soho Theatre, where the ushers went unbidden to all the people in the slips and moved them to unfilled stalls seats. They actually got the best seats in the house (and no, I didn't move to one). Great for the audience and nice for the actors who don't have two empty benches in their eyeline (I spoke to the actors in the bar afterwards and they commented about a woman who left 20 mins before the end - they thought she'd been offended by the content: I told them it was because she was unwell, which was true - she was sick in the bogs and upset about missing the end.) Btw, I never sit in unoccupied front seats because sometimes an actor uses them during a show or a celeb is ushered in at the last minute. But I will shift sideways to an empty seat at the Almeida or Donmar if (sod's law) the person in front is tall. I'm not.
|
|
2,963 posts
|
Post by crowblack on Apr 29, 2019 13:58:52 GMT
I think you’re in my seat” Yeah, but I have OCD and a favourite seat - best view, best legroom, table, power point, less chance of being coughed on and not near the bog... (so saying, I've only ever asked someone to move when the quiet carriage has been full and it's clearly labelled reserved)
|
|
2,352 posts
|
Post by zahidf on Apr 29, 2019 14:13:54 GMT
I move all the time if its convenient and there are empty seats. Most of the Pinter at the pinter I moved from pillar seats to middle of stall seats, and I always move in the interval if I don't like my seat. Someone got shirty with me when I took their seat at the interval at the barbican cos they turned up late, but if you turn up for the second act, that's your problem. My feeling is, either they had sold the seat and the person hasn't turned up, so no loss of money for the theatre. Or they couldn't sell the ticket, they aren't getting the money anyway, and at least one of their customers is having a better time at a lower price The Old Vic really are knobheads about moving people. Young Vic and Royal Court on the other hand are lovely about it. National are 50/50 Oh no. No no no no no. If you don't like your seat, pay for a new one. I'm guessing the pillar seats are cheaper so if you only want to spend the least amount of money then I'm afraid you should stay stuck behind a pillar. Most theatres nowadays tell you if your seat is a restricted one. If they don't and you've also been charged full price for what turns out to be a restricted view then that is a different matter and it should be taken up with the Duty Manager. If one knowingly books a cheap ticket, more often than not there is a reason for that fact. Like it or lump it I'm afraid. And quite right that someone got shirty with you when you took their seat at the interval. I've paid for a ticket, if I want to turn up 5 minutes before the end of the show then I jolly well have the right to do so. If you're in my seat at whatever time I arrive you'll either get my backside on your lap or the used lemon slice from my G&T in your eye. Oh, I moved when told: most the time when it happens, I just act confused and move back.
I'm not pretending to be altruistic: I paid for a cheap seat and want a better seat if I can get it. If its free, then I don't see the harm really.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2019 15:30:41 GMT
I think I’ve moved twice in my life. The first I literally moved to the seat next to me (which was the row end seat) and had to move back when they turned up 20 minutes late. I believe that was Pygmalion at the Garrick.
The second time was Some People (I think) with Imelda Staunton. I had a front row seat and took ill half way into act one. When I returned to stalls I just took an seat at the back of the stalls which were empty anyway. No one bat an eyelid.
Personally I get annoyed when people move seat - not so much because they are trying to get a better seat, but because some people make it absolutely obvious that they’re looking for an alternative seat that you can’t help but hope they can’t find one.
Maybe if I wasn’t a regular theatre goer I’d be more inclined to move, but years of experience mean I now book the right seat at the right price for me: I know my budget and I know which seats are good value (in terms of view) within that limit. I’m very rarely disappointed with a seat I’ve booked nowadays.
|
|
4,799 posts
|
Post by The Matthew on Apr 29, 2019 16:01:39 GMT
I think I’ve moved twice in my life. My first thought was "Wow, that's taking couch-potatoism to an extreme".
|
|
7,545 posts
|
Post by alece10 on Apr 29, 2019 16:04:02 GMT
I worked in a small theatre for a number of years and we used to "dress" the theatre if not full. So make sure front and center were full by moving people in from the far ends to the centre of rows or moving people down. It looked better from and audience and actors view. Of course, some people liked to stay where they were which was fine.
|
|
2,963 posts
|
Post by crowblack on Apr 29, 2019 16:14:40 GMT
I worked in a small theatre for a number of years and we used to "dress" the theatre if not full. When I lived in London a BBC friend would sometimes ask us to come in to make up numbers for recordings with unattractive subjects.
|
|
821 posts
|
Post by ensembleswings on Apr 29, 2019 16:40:18 GMT
I’ve moved myself twice to better seats (although they’ve been the same price band) without asking. Once was to a seat much closer to the stage (2nd row stalls rather than 12th) I never actually sat in my booked seat but instead stood at the side of the stalls until the show was about to begin and sat in one of the free seats towards the end of the row, the other time I moved along a couple of seats to avoid a tall person sat in front. The other times I’ve moved have been in the Bristol Hippodrome where ushers always say (in the upper circle at least) if there are free seats as they shut the doors then we can move without issue. I’ve only ever moved along a few seats to space out as those bench seats feel very closed in.
|
|
1,936 posts
|
Post by wickedgrin on Apr 29, 2019 16:59:37 GMT
Interesting discussion.
I have never upgraded or swapped seats prior to the first act. I would be too nervous of the real ticket holder turning up late and being embarrassed having to move.
I completely agree about the law in this matter in that you have paid for the seat you are sat in and not “entitled” to upgrade. However I have frequently upgraded myself at the interval - I have never been challenged as I am clearly an asset to any audience and completely fabulous!
The move of seats can be for many reasons. Sitting behind someone tall or with big hair or bad behaviour and simply moving to a different seat in the same price band. Moving back to an empty row for more room or solitude.
My most outrageous upgrade was for Chess last year with friends. They had booked cheap seats in the gods (£10) and due to the staging and behind a tall man I could not see a thing. During the first act I spied an empty Upper Circle Box - so we moved. I did expect to be challenged but we weren’t!
I disgracefully upgrade myself at my local ATG theatre frequently. Most recently at Glengarry Glen Ross in a very empty theatre. They NEVER discount and for this show there was not even a discount for senior citizens! So the show was quiet. The box office refused to sell me a front stalls seat at a discount so I bought a seat at the back and blatantly told him I would move forward - which I did. I was happy to be challenged but I wasn’t. @ryan did not come and sit on my lap unfortunately but then I am sure he never ventures into the provinces with the great unwashed!!
|
|
3,927 posts
|
Post by Dawnstar on Apr 29, 2019 18:25:36 GMT
I'm surprised some people on this thread are so hostile about moving seats. I'd never do it without asking but if the theatre is half empty then I do not see what is wrong in asking the FOH staff if you are allowed to move. If they say no then of course I don't but more often than not I've been allowed to. Ushers at my local theatre sometimes actively encourage people to move forward on occasion if something has sold badly. In terms of actors' opinions, I have on a few occasions had stage door conversations with actors after seeing half-empty performances & they've always said they'd rather the audience moved nearer the front so they weren't looking at lots of empty seats.
|
|
18,857 posts
|
Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 29, 2019 18:45:55 GMT
I once moved three times 😮
It was towards the end of the run of Sunset Boulevard at the Palace last year. I’d already seen it but booked again with the blerk I was seeing and foolishly decided to try the top price circle seats, second row central.
The chosen seats found our knees round the earholes of the couple in the front row. We moved back a row but still had the hard edge of our original seats sticking into our knees. We moved again to the very outer seats of the circle on the front row... hideous. We stuck it until half time and then snook down to some lovely leg roomy seats on the side of the stalls.
It was a quiet night towards the end of the run and I doubt whether Ria Jones noticed. The seats we moved to in the end were probably the same price as the original circle but I’d have done it regardless. it’s an interesting thought as to whether the “fit for purpose” rule in consumer law should apply to theatre seats (it clearly doesn’t at the moment!)
|
|
97 posts
|
Post by aksis on Apr 29, 2019 20:55:29 GMT
I occasionally move seats but always asking with an usher if it is ok. I did get into a fight once when the usher told me I could take the free seat and someone else wantes to upgrade herself too and tried to sit herself down. The usher came to solve that problem though and she got very uoset with me. There is one theatre here where they always sell all areas and always have to close of areas and replace people. I often buy a cheaper ticket there in an area that I never experienced as open and always get an upgrade to a much better seat. As long as they do that I will use this option.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2019 22:29:58 GMT
Ryan did not come and sit on my lap unfortunately but then I am sure he never ventures into the provinces with the great unwashed!! Not without enough jabs to bring down a proletariat.
I jest of course. I'm like Her Maj in many ways. We both often like to live dangerously and mix with the general public. I think to myself, well if Betty Two can schlep off to the far flung reaches of the Commonwealth to be faced with many a subject flashing their do-dahs at her, I can get Driver to batten down the hatches and take me to heaven knows where in the North every now and again.
|
|
|
Post by londonpostie on Apr 29, 2019 22:40:05 GMT
During the first act I spied an empty Upper Circle Box - so we moved. I did expect to be challenged but we weren’t! Not sure if I could pull this off alone ( ) but I love the idea of a whole group of £10ers decamping to a box!
|
|
4,458 posts
|
Post by poster J on Apr 29, 2019 22:41:24 GMT
During the first act I spied an empty Upper Circle Box - so we moved. I did expect to be challenged but we weren’t! Not sure if I could pull this off alone ( ) but I love the idea of a whole group of £10ers decamping to a box! I've always wanted to do that at the Proms (there's almost always at least one box empty and I'm always up in the Circle) but have never dared try!
|
|
1,936 posts
|
Post by wickedgrin on Apr 29, 2019 23:21:21 GMT
Not sure if I could pull this off alone ( ) but I love the idea of a whole group of £10ers decamping to a box! No I wasn't alone - safety in numbers - but only 4 of us!
|
|
|
Post by talkingheads on Apr 29, 2019 23:37:10 GMT
If I spot an empty seat further forward I just go for it. At the interval of course Never been challenged yet. I don't see the crime. The seat's there gathering dust whether I sit in it or not. For the last West End outing of Glengarry I managed to get from the middle of the Upper Circle to the second row of the stalls, that's the best so far.
|
|