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Post by theoracle on Jan 2, 2023 13:04:20 GMT
With ticket prices rising and an increasing presence of “premium seats’, I was curious to know where people’s favourite place to sit in the theatre is. Of course, I’m aware different venues will have different layouts and sight lines but keen to see whether board members’ preferred seats are indeed centre of rows E-G in the stalls or elsewhere or if you’re indifferent.
I’ll go first and say that I personally do really enjoy row E-G in the stalls or if it’s a more intimate space without a raised stage e.g Menier, Southwark, Donmar - front row as there’s no heads blocking my view.
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Post by NeilVHughes on Jan 2, 2023 13:18:22 GMT
Always aim for the centre of the first 5 rows of the stalls, I like to be close to the action, if in the round always aim for an aisle seat looking diagonally across the stage a similar distance from the stage.
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Post by longinthetooth on Jan 2, 2023 13:48:22 GMT
First five or six rows from the front, without a doubt (I draw the line at premium). Obviously, though, these seats are frequently expensive and I often do sit elsewhere, to the sides or further back - and therein lies my problem. Thinking of the shows I haven't particularly enjoyed, it's always been because I haven't been up close to enjoy the action. I get very easily distracted by anything going on around me, so stages in the round are a no no. For example, at From Here To Eternity recently, I spent half my time glancing at the audience directly opposite or on the slip seats up the side.
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Post by starlight92 on Jan 2, 2023 13:57:39 GMT
I would prefer to be nearer the front but with the ticket prices lately I've sat further back in the stalls, which is usually fine apart from having heads in the way! I also tend to prefer being at or near the aisle because of my anxiety (probably sounds silly I know, just would feel a bit trapped slap bang in the middle of a row!). I've done front row a few times which is great for feeling super close to the actors, it did mean I missed the floor projections at Life of Pi though.
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Post by marob on Jan 2, 2023 14:02:55 GMT
Always as near as possible, preferably front row. I feel exactly the same as longinthetooth. So easily distracted. Anytime I go to the Royal Exchange in Manchester (not that I’ve been since Covid) I end up staring at the people on the opposite side of the stage. I just can’t get into a story the same if I’m further away.
And it also tends to be the case that the higher up the theatre you go, the more cramped the seats get. And as someone who is a little bit taller (and fatter) than average that’s an issue too. |
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Post by Dawnstar on Jan 2, 2023 14:08:35 GMT
Front row stalls when I can afford it. When I can't then I will always go nearer with a restricted view rather than further away with a clear view. I'm very short-sighted & if I can't afford to get near enough to see facial expressions then there's not much point in me going.
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Post by hadeswasking on Jan 2, 2023 14:14:44 GMT
Typically I try my best for stalls or royal circle. My one rule (which I've broke once or twice) is no more than £50 for a ticket. - average probably £15-30 spend.
Where I sit is usually purely based on price of tickets and seat plan photos. For some shows if I know the lighting is particularly impressive I'll want to be higher up to get the full scope of things. Love being up close though and going solo most of the time, I also try to be closer to an aisle just for that little bit of extra room.
Usually buy my tickets when there's a sale. ATG venues I look out for solo seats as they're usually reduced. TodayTix rush is a god-send. My local touring venue does £10 rush too for any seat not sold in the stalls. Love it!
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Post by Someone in a tree on Jan 2, 2023 14:47:07 GMT
Lincoln section for Newsies!
Depends on the piece but generally like to be near the front of the stalls but if its dance then in the Circle.
Opera generally sounds better the higher up you go.
I detest the circle at the Donmar - Front row you feel on top of the actors and row C bizarrely feels miles away.
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Post by bee on Jan 2, 2023 15:06:47 GMT
Being someone who has the unfortunate combination of having long legs and being a bit on the chubby side, I almost always go for an end-of-row seat, usually in the stalls. The Theatremonkey website is an absolute godsend for me. I thoroughly recommend consulting it if you are similarly challenged. Actually it's worth checking even if you're normal-sized. Full of great advice on which are the value-for-money seats in each theatre.
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Post by dontdreamit on Jan 2, 2023 15:26:56 GMT
Front row of the stalls every time, if not an aisle seat in the first 6 rows or so.
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Post by Mark on Jan 2, 2023 15:32:32 GMT
Front stalls would always be my preference. That said, I typically buy everything last minute or through rush so usually get great seats at great prices, Especially in New York, you don’t really get a choice where your rush seats are, but they’re usually alright, occasionally quite far to the side.
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Post by fiyerorocher on Jan 2, 2023 16:43:10 GMT
In an attempt to see the most amount of theatre of a low budget, I almost always end up sitting in the absolute cheapest seats going. And, in over a decade of doing exactly this, I've never once had a trip ruined because of not liking the seat. I'm just happy to be in the room! Any notion that no seat is better than a cheap seat is nonsense, in my humble opinion.
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Post by alece10 on Jan 2, 2023 17:25:49 GMT
When I was young and first moved to London it was always upper circle as it was all I could afford.
Now I'm a lot older and have more disposable income I usually always go for stalls and has to be an aisle seat. I don't do premium so it is usually end of row mid to back stalls.
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Post by catcat100 on Jan 2, 2023 18:57:43 GMT
I like to look down on the stage so circle and above for me. I do like the slips as you get closer to the action and accept any restricted view which usually isn't for long.
Also will take a standing spot over sitting in the last few rows as you get much more of a clearer view and rarely impacted by any overhang. They're also cheap.
Like an aisle seat as well, particularly when its on my left, which gives me the space to fold my legs. Depending on the theatre this can also offer a clear view of the stage.
I've been regularly going to the theatre for around 5 years and now have favourite spots for a number of theatres which I go to first when booking.
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Post by edi on Jan 2, 2023 19:20:26 GMT
Front row.
Even if the stage is high, I prefer looking up rather than looking around people's heads.
Also, I just want to see facial expressions. For this reason I never buy back of stalls, back of dress or any upper level tickets for plays. For musicals I am prepared to go a little further back of stalls/dress but still not upper.
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Post by jm25 on Jan 2, 2023 20:39:57 GMT
Preference is definitely front row. I've been fortunate to have avoided any very high stages on the occasions where I have been able to get front row tickets. There's no beating being that close to the actors, and not having to worry about very tall people in front of you is a real plus.
Primarily, however, I'm guided by price, so if front row isn't available or too expensive I'll usually just go with whatever looks best value for money. Tend to avoid back of the upper circle or any particularly restricted views where possible.
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Post by yokollama on Jan 2, 2023 20:53:00 GMT
Musicals: first row of dress/royal circle. Limited legroom doesn't really affect me (although Fortune Theatre is atrocious) and I don't want to pay the premium for row B and back. I don't like gambling with sitting in the stalls and having a head in the way. Having said that, I'd rather see more shows and am content with cheap seats as long as 1) there isn't a severe viewing restriction (i.e. extreme side view where leaning doesn't help) and 2) the seats aren't too high and leave my legs dangling. I've sat at back of balcony on a few occasions and found it distant, but fine. Poor audience behaviour hampers my experience more than being further back / higher up.
Plays: as above or front of stalls, regardless of stage height.
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Post by Jon on Jan 2, 2023 22:29:15 GMT
Depends on the show but I prefer stalls but don't mind dress or upper circles.
Aisle seats are good not just for legroom but for quick getaways.
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Post by samuelwhiskers on Jan 2, 2023 23:44:57 GMT
You know the small handful of seats in the Lyttleton circle slips, where each seat is completely on its own and not near any other seat?
Those.
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Post by alessia on Jan 3, 2023 9:50:05 GMT
Front row for me, whenever I can afford it. I'm short and don't mind looking up as long as I can see the actors' faces. if front row is too expensive, any other seat as close to the stage as possible, even if it's restricted view on the side, better for me than the far away stalls. I never chose the balcony or upper levels, too far and pointless imo.
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Post by christya on Jan 3, 2023 11:09:00 GMT
From row of the royal/dress circle (whichever is the first one up in any given theatre). As central as I can get it. I really detest seeing heads in my way, and if I sit even a row back you can guarantee the person in front will be a 'leaner' (why do people do that? Why? You're front of circle, you already have a great view!).
I quite like front row of stalls too, if the stage isn't too high or I've seen the show before. High stage is better than heads in front!
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Post by Someone in a tree on Jan 3, 2023 13:11:33 GMT
From row of the royal/dress circle (whichever is the first one up in any given theatre). As central as I can get it. I really detest seeing heads in my way, and if I sit even a row back you can guarantee the person in front will be a 'leaner' (why do people do that? Why? You're front of circle, you already have a great view!). I quite like front row of stalls too, if the stage isn't too high or I've seen the show before. High stage is better than heads in front! Totally agree - if I was PM for the day I'd be tempted to ban leaners as they really bug me! |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2023 13:15:47 GMT
Next to the handsome guy who seems unattached and ready to strike up an intelligent conversation about Sondheim during interval and then suggest we grab a drink after the performance.
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Post by FrontrowverPaul on Jan 3, 2023 14:18:44 GMT
Yes front row of the stalls for me too, ideally just left of centre. Can put up with high stage or reduced legroom. Don't like any heads in front of me except performers and musicians.
From chatting occasionally to people sitting next to me I think many people in the front row really want to be only there and nowhere else. I have known the odd occasion where the front row wasn't "A" and people have moved either before the start or at the interval so it doesn't suit everyone. Happened at Mamma Mia at the Novello once - C is front row there and a bit of a look up.
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Post by maggiem on Jan 11, 2023 15:06:43 GMT
When I go to London, I try and book the one of the end few seats in the front row of the upper circle. I may get a slight restriction on the view, but its not a real problem. If I can get the innermost one, next to the more expensive seats, even better!
I benefitted from this at Hamilton.
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