Plays from the cheap seats in London

As the top seat prices continue to rise in the West End, do you get value for money in the ‘cheaper options’?

This post was planned for Pygmalion at the Old Vic as well, but the lovely people there upgraded my seat from £35 restricted in dress circle D to £50 in stalls N (highly recommended, by the way, and a £35 saving in itself on the top stalls prices).

So – just one exhibit this time:

Show and venue:

Private Lives at the Ambassadors.

Seats:

Stalls front row A 6 and 7 £25 each.

Note:

These seats are close to a high stage.

Expectation:

A bit of neck craning, and maybe some restriction in act one’s scene on the balcony.

Reality:

These are excellent seats for the price (three rows behind are priced £115). Yes, you have to look up, but for this production, most of the action is at the front section of the stage.

The balcony scene is fine. The second half misses a couple of bits where the principal characters are at the piano and at the window, and you can’t see feet, but you can see the actors’ facial expressions clearly.

How I felt:

I was very satisfied with my purchase. The Ambassadors Theatre has exceptional leg room at the front of the stalls, and it is a perfect spot for a quick exit. Top tip, though – head for the circle loos, not the stalls, as the queues are much shorter.

Evidence:

Here is a snap from before the play started, which gives you an idea of the angle.

Next time, the Young Vic and Untitled F**k M**s Saigon Play.