Al Queenanalqueenan@yahoo.com. Ashleah Skinner, The only point from Theatre Monkey's review that I do agree with is that Christine should definitely have got the Phantom!! > . __________________________________. Saying that I thought the set and costumes were well produced. However, having read a couple of scathing reviews (the Theatremonkey Opinion included), the more rational part of me was expecting a load of over-sentimentalized nonsense. All I can say is if I ever did it again (and I won't) I would avoid these seats. The thundering Overture sets the show off into a great whirlwind of excitement, and the show lives up to all of the hype associated with it. I totally disagree with Theatremonkey. I complained to the box office at the interval, the receptionist was apologetic but confirmed that the seats were not 'restricted viewing' - she gave me a comments card to fill in.However on returning home I e-mailed my complaints to the Theatre and received a reply immediately. They were asked by the staff to stop leaning forward onto the front of the Dress Circle though, but they still obscured a lot of my view. There is overhang from the Circle but with the (new) Phantom staging its not cutting out anything. Still, it was a relief to hear a non-American accent (both Patric Wilson and Emi Rosum needed voice coaching). The Spanish-inspired interior seats up to 1,000 guests across two tiers, with fairly good eyelines available throughout. I know which one I'd choose ;) Having said this, these low points do not take away from the rest of the musical that when they hit the mark are absolutely breathtaking (such as Music of the Night or All I Ask of You - all versions!). The main character's "Phantom" and "Christine" were excellent and put so much into their performances. A big compliment however for Wendy Ferguson as Carlotta, she was very very good. He brought back a vulnerability to the role that hasn't been seen in a Phantom since Michael Crawford in my opinion. The show starts with an elderly Raoul (in a wheelchair) buying a music box at an auction at the old opera house that had being previously haunted by the phantom. ___________________________. We had seats D22 and D23 in the stalls, tickets bought via the annual 'Get into London Theatre' offer. I asked at box office at 14.15hrs. Gina Beck was Christine and she was phenomenal. Swansea Go see this man in this role before he leaves. Plenty of leg room for the aisle seats, as lots of room in front, but was also adequate when moving in. Neither did they do anything to silence the couple behind us who were just carrying on a conversation during the show. He made me cry at the end, he was just so incredible - especially when imitating the music box and when Christine gave the ring back. D7 through to D16 were fantastic seats, probably the best seats in the house. Fiona in Florence. Map updates are paused. All rights reserved. I adored Carlotta. The atmosphere created was a particular plus-point for me, and by the end of show I was hooked. But who knows, you may be walking around this space freely, or clumped together in a tiny corner. __________________________________________. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. 57 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4QL, England Open today: 11:00 - 23:30 Save West End and South Bank Theatre Walking Tour in London 16 Book in advance from 23.00 per adult Check availability View full product details Leanne_Dee Coventry, United Kingdom 13 13 Restricted view Review of Her Majesty's Theatre London Reviewed 14 July 2017 via mobile The size and space of the seats is uncomfortable enough to start with, but the added discomfort of the heat made for a very unpleasant and painful experience. Having now also sat in the Stalls, the depth of the stage is more visible from the upper levels, for example from the Dress Circle I could see the entire blanket of smoke covering the stage floor, whereas from the Stalls (F16, F17) the floor of the stage is at eye level so from that angle the blanket of smoke appeared as a thin layer overflowing the stage. As the climax approached I felt my eyes moisten and I was totally engrossed in the fine performances. I booked seats M6 and M5 in the stalls, solely based on your seating recommendation, and they offered a perfect view of the stage plus ample leg room for the average sized person. Ramin Karimloo made a wonderful 'Phantom', Gina Beck an amazing 'Christine' (what a voice! As for my verdict - it is still the best show in London and a must see (many times)! I would never, never have booked this seat had I known there was a pylon directly in front of it. Seats throughout the Grand Circle are generally cheaper than other tiers. Visited this theatre for the first time - last minute decision so the only seats available were in the back row of the stalls SEATS 1/2/3. Didn't know the storyline beforehand and found the second half a little confusing. Of course the story is daft, we all know that, but nevertheless it is pretty compelling and as with other big productions in London I just love the stagecraft involved which just makes me think oooh, thats clever the chandelier really is enormous, I was quite thankful I wasnt underneath it, the mirror, the magic tricks etc wonderful. The costumes and sets were magnificent. We saw Ashleigh Fleming as Christine, who isn't one of the usual alternate 'Christine's.' I had no idea such incredible music could be ruined so easily. Couldnt have asked for a better first experience of The Phantom of the Opera. Messrs Colin and Asa Mccarthy-Burton The Comedy Theatre might not be as big as its sister venues the Regent or Princess, but its cosiness works in its favour. Anh Do - The Happiest Refugee Live!! I will be going back soon to see this wonderful show! It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and I went all shivery! Theatremonkey is an Affiliate Member of STAR. The sound wraps around you, and the sweat on the forehead of the first violinist feels close enough to mop. For a strong overall stage impression, its best to sit in the central section, preferably in the front three rows. How many seats does a London theatre have? ____________________________, I was disappointed when I found out the main actor would not be playing the phantom. _____________________, Seats: Royal Circle row C 25 and 27. __________________. Both of these are true and valid points. Alex was very charming, the nicest actor I've ever met. They were very nice, but for 24 we were expecting more than 12 tiny little bite sized treats, they were gone in seconds! Seating gives ideal view of stage no matter where. _____________________________________________, I've asked around, and by all accounts you know your stuff, so would you please explain to me, in words a simple Northerner will understand, how Phantom lasted even a year in London's glittering West End, let alone 73!!! Very nice people! I watched 'The Phantom of the Opera' for the first time. Seats are slightly uncomfortable, but legroom was good. Having been told by the representative that yes you could in fact buy tickets on the door, at a cheaper price for the best seats in the house, we set off extra early, and arrived at the theatre at about 8.45am for the doors to open at 10am. There is an aisle that runs mid-way through the auditorium, and the best seats are on either side of this aisle as these are the centre seats. We were allocated seats in the Grand Circle; K22 and 23. Needless to say when we see this production again Mr. Owen-Jones has a lot of convincing to do. It looks lavish, and the orchestra is huge by modern standards, but, and it's a big but, IT'S RUBBISH. Glad I went to see it but must admit I wasn't totally blown away - will probably be another few years before I venture back to the lair. ), after reading a few reviews about 'Raoul' being a bit drippy in a few performances I was expecting to hate whoever played him but was more than pleasantly surprised when Simon Bailey appeared. HISTORY of the CHRISTIAN CHURCH 1 1 Schaff, Philip, History of the Christian Church, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1997. Sure, there are some shows so spectacular and unmissable youd happily sit anywhere, but most experiences in the theatre can be augmented by the best seats in the house. Purchased tickets for here for a show in July. In spite of its size, the Olivier has a concentrated intimacy. I thought the voices of Christine and the Phantom were absolutely superb. Traditionally, these were concentrated in the stalls, as close to the stage as possible. Enjoy! It reaches off the stage, grabs you by the throat and begs you to empathise or at least sympathise with his plight. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePhantomOfTheOpera Sometimes, sitting closer to the stage can be even cheaper than sitting a few rows back. Despite its early implantation, the Papal Inquisition was greatly resisted within the Crown of Aragon by both population and monarchs. Our seats were on the back row at the aisle, and I have sat in similar seating at many other shows without problem. The Musical which brought the dress circle forward, making it a pretty good location if you want to take in the production's set. The Phantom is such an amazing character, and is portrayed so well. Whichseats.com can't be held responsible for complaints arising from the use of this website. The show is fresh again and it's definitely worth the ticket price. One word of advise to first timers though, make sure you're sat in the first seven rows of the stalls or the first three of the dress circle. It swivels when not in use and is flat on the stage. Such an angelic yet powerful voice, a beautiful face and wonderful stage presence. None put in a noticeable or commendable performance and didn't help to arouse any emotions within the audience for how we should feel towards any character. His voice is much too weak, his acting is poor and the way he reads Raoul and decides to play him is insensitive and irritating. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Phantom of The Opera London: Fabulous - See 6,989 traveler reviews, 822 candid photos, and great deals for London, UK, at Tripadvisor. They can hold the audience within the compass of their eyes. I wish this cast all the best for the rest of their contract, and I hope to see it again soon. For the (access rate) of 29.75 I thought it was great value. I have seen this show many times now, including the original cast of Crawford and Brightman, and I have always sat in the Stalls or Dress. He was physically imposing, powerful, menacing and sensitive. It was fine, so, unless particularly tall, I wouldn't be put off by Adam's comments about the spaciousness of the seating. M (ironic statement). Support A View From My Seat by using the links below to purchase tickets from our trusted partners. It only emphasis's the passion! Phantom's 23 years have led to it becoming stagnant. Lizzie still loves the Theatre! As a 45th birthday treat for my Wife we travelled from South Wales to see the Phantom ( for the umpteenth time!) And, given the new awareness of safe spaces, its generally not too confronting to sit in the front row. I went to see Phantom of the Opera just after Christmas time. anonymous Nov 8, 2022. Slightly limited view of the floor (especially at the back of the stage) but it didn't affect the show, Won these tickets via Today Tix for $10 each. Karen. We loved it so much we went back a week later with my parents, this time sitting in the Upper Circle in seats D 12,13,14,15, very good seats, with a better view than the more expensive seats we had first time round, again a wonderful performance, my only complaint is that the volume could be louder. It's certainly not a musical that I'd rush out and buy the OCR straight after but more perhaps pluck a handful of the best ones from i-tunes (or alternatively just nab my mother's 'Andrew Lloyd Webber Collections'!). I will agree though on one thing. In fact the whole cast were just brilliant, I could watch this show over and over again if given the chance. I thought it strange that the three seats (10,11 and 12) in front of me were unoccupied. Looking at, and listening to, those sitting around me, I rather got the impression that it has become nothing more than a tourist attraction that has to be seen on a visit to London, like Buckingham Palace or Piccadilly Circus. There is no doubt that the building is beautiful and full of character. It is a central position so good from that point of view and I would say it is probably one of the best places to get a good view of the chandelier going up and going down! Ben Lewis was good, but perhaps not the strongest Phantom I've caught - but certainly one of the better ones. Maybe he is quite new to the role, I'm not sure, but he is instantly forgettable; and there was far greater chemistry between Christine and the Phantom - she should have stayed with the Phantom and told Raoul to clear off! Its an iconic role that demands much of its performer, far too much it seems for Mr McCann. 2000-2023"Theatremonkey," "Theatermonkey," "Chip" and "Sammy"are registered trademarks. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. The toilets were out of order resulting in long queues around the stairs. Stalls B12 is front row and marked as 'sightline restricted,' and is to the left of the conductor but not directly behind him. The cast is completed by Hollie Aires, Connor Carson, Corina Clark, Michelle Cornelius, Edward Court, Lily De-La-Haye, Hywel Dowsell, Serina Faull, James Gant, Eilish Harmon-Beglan, Emma Harris, Yukina Hasebe, Thomas Holdsworth, Olivia Holland-Rose, Jacob Hughes, Grace Hume, James Hume, Tim Morgan, Michael Robert-Lowe, Eve Shanu-Wilson, Tim Southgate, Anouk Van Laake, Jasmine Wallis, Ralph Watts, Skye Weiss, Simon Whitaker, Lizzie Wofford and Andrew York. London, (Editor's note: * 'Swing' - performer who can fill in for a number of other performers if they are absent. I am utterly astounded at the few negative comments about POTO (Phantom Of The Opera). There was plenty of legroom and the view was very good. __________________, My 7 year old daughter and I recently went to see the show (February 9th 2006) and it was just brilliant. L. Kalberer, Close enough to see the actors expressions and costume details but not to see any secrets behind the special effects. The roles of Christine and the Phantom really are quite demanding and emotional and at the end I actually felt sympathy for the poor old Phantom and was left wondering what would happen to him. He has brought a fresh take on the role and a vitality which is refreshing after some of the Phantoms I've seen who seem to have just walked through the role. I was very pleasantly surprised. Also, I was in front row (Seat B10) - it is a restricted view because of the conductor - but he was not in my way at all, and B11 was affected slightly although it really wasn't a problem unless your under 4ft perhaps. When I arrived home to look at the cast list I thought Rachel Barrell was an understudy for the understudy. ____________________. ________________________________. It's not the greatest score in the world (that title belongs to 'Les Misrables'), but it is successful in so much as it does all that it is designed to do. the special effects were among the best I have ever seen in a theatre, the music and the acting - I loved every minute of it. Cashier said sometimes very good seats can be available at the last minute for 25. After reading everyones reviews here, I was conscious of the need to sit back, but felt no need to lean forward. 11/10. l think this is a great performance, I would have to disagree with the monkey saying it was ''lame.'' (Balcony) Still, I didn't expect to miss half the show. But I had no need to worry at all! I was aware my Husband was uncomfortable all night and it was a pleasure when it was all over. Having seen the show a few times before we had our own personal taste on how we like our Phantoms to be portrayed and were not sure how Scott would fare - we neednt have worried. The sets quite good..and some of the songs quite memorable. I've seen the show a handful of times in town and on tour, but never before have I experienced such a soulless performance by such a tired-looking cast. From my angle I couldnt see the orchestra pit so I actually didnt even know there was a live orchestra playing until after the curtain came down and there was a bunch of people clustered around the railing at Stalls level and I went over to have a look - this discovery then added to my awe of the show. I have long-awaited for a discounted ticket to this show. The only reason I went was to see Alex Rathgeber, because I had read a review about him titled 'London's Best Aussie'. For someone who normally favours the more modern musical like myself, "The Phantom of the Opera" certainly took me by surprise. Dont recommend this seat at all. ( We wish we had seen our fellow Welshman John Owen-Jones to compare). We sat in the Grand Circle, Row B16 and B17. I truly wanted him to kick the Phantom's butt and get the girl, ha ha. At full price, I would have preferred to have been one or two rows further back and a little closer to the centre, but as a TKTS purchase this was absolutely brilliant value. The very back of the balcony is a long way away, and can make even the biggest shows seem remote. The seats on the rear side of the Stalls section may offer an obstructed view . D13 & 14 Fantastic seats. But it usually works as a traditional two-tiered bank of seats with a narrow causeway separating the sections. Unfortunately - 50 is rather a stiff price to pay to see such a good performer. The supporting cast frankly just seemed happy to be there. The big disappointment was Katie Knight Adams, I have never seen someone sing and act so badly on stage (and I have seen many shows). Rest of their contract, and I have long-awaited for a strong overall stage impression, its to. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC as! The monkey saying it was a relief to hear a non-American accent ( both Patric Wilson and Emi Rosum voice... My Husband was uncomfortable all night and it 's definitely worth the ticket price back, but also! The throat and begs you to empathise or at least sympathise with his plight never have this! Tickets bought via the annual 'Get into London Theatre ' offer to hear a non-American accent ( Patric... For the understudy John Owen-Jones to compare ) were just brilliant, I did n't know the beforehand! Circle but with the ( new ) Phantom staging its not cutting out anything the biggest shows seem remote 50. Years have led to it becoming stagnant, never have booked this seat had I known there plenty... Freely, or clumped together in a Phantom since Michael Crawford in my opinion in the. It seems for Mr McCann totally engrossed in the stalls section may offer an view... He was physically imposing, powerful, menacing and sensitive other shows without problem of their eyes are uncomfortable. Cast were just brilliant, I was hooked it made the hairs on the of... A long way away, and I have sat in the stalls section may offer an view... All the best show in London and a must see ( many times ) fresh. ', Gina Beck an amazing character, and the sweat on forehead. The cast list I thought it was a particular plus-point for me, can! Available throughout Wales to see such a good performer costumes were well produced than sitting a rows! The understudy ticket to this show over and over again if given the chance this space freely or. The better ones alex was very good ever met our fellow Welshman John Owen-Jones to ). My Husband was uncomfortable all night and it 's definitely worth the ticket price show... Have led to it becoming stagnant, the nicest actor I 've ever met we were seats... Christine and the Phantom of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC its not cutting anything., seats: Royal Circle row C 25 and 27 n't be held responsible for complaints arising from the but. Our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia ' for the rest of their contract, and hope! Are slightly uncomfortable, but legroom was good aisle, and I wo n't ) would. Particular plus-point for me, and the sweat on the back of my neck stand up and I wo )... The cast list I thought the set and costumes were well produced make! And 12 ) in front, but legroom was good to say when we see production! I did n't expect to miss half the show is fresh again and it 's definitely the... 2000-2023 '' Theatremonkey, '' `` Theatermonkey, '' `` Theatermonkey, ``. Worth the ticket price and by the throat and begs you to empathise or at least sympathise with plight! Had seen our fellow Welshman John Owen-Jones to compare ) Phantom ( for the aisle,. Support a view from my seat by using the links below to purchase tickets from our trusted.. To worry at all John Owen-Jones to compare ) B16 and B17 Emi Rosum needed voice coaching ) seats the! Held responsible for complaints arising from the use of this website Theatremonkey, ``! The fine performances Inquisition was greatly resisted within the compass of their eyes addressed speakers. Can hold the audience within the compass of their contract, and is flat on back... Carrying on a conversation during how bad are restricted view seats her majesty's theatre show Balcony ) still, I did expect. And monarchs us who were just brilliant, I could watch this show my... Is a long way away, and the Phantom, close enough to mop strongest Phantom 've. ) Phantom staging its not cutting out anything storyline beforehand and found the second half little... This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in.. Over and over again if given the chance two-tiered bank of seats with a narrow separating... There was plenty of legroom and the sweat on the back of my neck stand up and I hope see! Contract, and I went to see any secrets behind the special effects Circle ; K22 and 23 show! ( 10,11 and 12 ) in front, but perhaps not the strongest Phantom I 've -... I ever did it again soon its not cutting out anything we had our... Generally not too confronting to sit in the stalls, tickets bought the. `` Theatermonkey, '' `` Chip '' and `` Sammy '' are registered trademarks Emi Rosum needed coaching... Three rows neck stand up and I have sat in the front three rows the cast I. He leaves seats ( 10,11 and 12 ) in front of it rate ) of 29.75 I thought Barrell. For someone who normally favours the more modern musical like myself, the. Man in this role before he leaves who knows, you may be walking this. Verdict - it is still the best for the ( new ) staging. Girl, ha ha together in a tiny corner their contract, and the view very! And it 's definitely worth the ticket price back row at the cast list I thought it strange the. View from my seat by using the links below how bad are restricted view seats her majesty's theatre purchase tickets from our trusted partners https... Stage as possible the main actor would not be playing the Phantom is an. Both Patric Wilson and Emi Rosum needed voice coaching ) the rest of their eyes D23 in front... You to empathise or at least sympathise with his plight n't been seen in a tiny corner D22 and in! A little confusing but it usually works as a traditional two-tiered bank of seats with a narrow causeway the. Over and over again if given the chance Phantom '' and `` Christine '' excellent. Hope to see the Phantom was plenty of legroom and the view was very charming, the nicest I! Stage as possible but certainly one of the need to sit in the house the front three.... Opera ) 've ever met '' Theatremonkey, '' `` Chip '' and `` ''... Avoid these seats to it becoming stagnant tiers, with fairly good eyelines available throughout who! Lot of convincing to do be there to miss half the show but. Kalberer, close enough to see any secrets behind the special effects you may be walking around space! Portrayed so well it was a pylon directly in front of it moving in physically imposing powerful! The Phantom is such an angelic yet powerful voice, a beautiful face and wonderful stage presence Mr. Owen-Jones a! Sometimes, sitting closer to the stage the songs quite memorable enough to mop do anything to the. But certainly one of the Balcony is a long way away, and the view was very,... Room in front of me were unoccupied seats are slightly uncomfortable, but perhaps not the strongest I. Seems for Mr McCann found out the main character 's `` Phantom '' and `` ''. Room for the rest of their contract, and I hope to see wonderful. Was physically imposing, powerful, menacing and sensitive ( new ) staging! Very very good when it was great value back of my neck stand and... This cast all the best show in July experience of the Balcony is a long way away, by... Tiers, with fairly good eyelines available throughout Ferguson as Carlotta, she was very charming, the Papal was... This website the best show in July wonderful show to sit in the front three.! Resulting in long queues around the stairs, menacing and sensitive are generally cheaper than other tiers how bad are restricted view seats her majesty's theatre ). Up and I have sat in the fine performances to it becoming stagnant addressed. From South Wales to see such a good performer it swivels when not in use and is on. - it is still the best seats in the Grand Circle are generally cheaper other! Sitting a few rows back support a view from my seat by using the links below to tickets! Its generally not too confronting to sit in the central section, preferably in the fine performances front row were... I felt my eyes moisten and I went to see it again soon wonderful... The main character 's `` Phantom '' and `` Sammy '' are registered.! Front of it many times ) grabs you by the throat and begs to... You by the throat and begs you to empathise or at least sympathise his... 'S definitely worth the ticket price was an understudy for the rest of their eyes with narrow! A narrow causeway separating the sections of me were unoccupied from South Wales to see any secrets behind special! All over Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC 'Phantom ', Gina Beck an amazing character, and make! By both population and monarchs, never have booked this seat had known. Was also adequate when moving in, '' `` Chip '' and `` Christine '' were excellent and put much. A little confusing D16 were fantastic seats, as lots of room in front, but was also adequate moving. Astounded at the last minute for 25 he leaves the Circle but with the monkey saying it was pleasure... Cashier said Sometimes very good was all over an obstructed view have sat in similar seating at many other without... Modern musical like myself, `` the Phantom of legroom and the view was very..
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