We all thoroughly enjoyed the show andwhen the crowds had dispersed the staff bought out our wheelchair and had a good old natter with nanny asking herwhat she thought of the performance. Do your research on a site that shows the view from each seat! That said, this is a great show and I don't think you can be a regular West End theatre goer and not see it. The view from M is spot on otherwise the right distance and very central from 17/18. We sat in the Stalls in row D, seats 9 and 10. Please pass this on to all of the cast (company) and production team. Phantom of the Opera, 22 Oct 2017 Anne If anybody sees just one show this year make it "Phantom of The Opera!!" My boyfriend did say his knees hurt from no leg room, although this was not a problem for me as Im shorter. I did enjoy the first half more than the second - I found a couple of the scenes in the second half overly long really. L. Kalberer, ____________________, McCann as Phantom = Phenomenal! After providing them with the booking reference number on the ticket, I have the money back in my account, and was actually amazed at their ability to help me out (after being so notoriously bad!) I LOVED IT!!! The balcony ledge only comes up to just under waist height, and there is a narrow bar which comes up slightly higher. I have seen this show about 4-5 times over the years and I for one was moved to tears by his performance. Amazing. The only way I would go and see Phantom again is if I sat in the Stalls, but I'm not prepared to pay 50 for a show I didn't rate that highly. D13 & 14 Fantastic seats. 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. Menander, as has been said in the last chapter, once more rescued the stage of Greece from barbarism. The seats were amazing and I was so close to the action, I did not have a problem with legroom or cricked necks. 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. The fog during the boat scene didn't seem as bad as some other people have said, so not sure if they've toned it down. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The scene with the gondola, the dry ice and the candles was breathtaking and seamlessly done. ___________________, We took our seven year old Twins to see Phantom for a birthday treat at the beginning of August 2005, though my Wife and I had seen it four times previously. Legroom was, of course, excellent in F1 and I thought very good in F2 bearing in mind my average height of 5'8''. I will say it is hard to decide where the good seats are. However, you might be better off with front balcony seats than with rear mezzanine, especially at older theaters such as the Lyceum, the Belasco, and the Shubert. Angie Christie (Mrs) Bromley I had no idea such incredible music could be ruined so easily. Theatres use "dynamic pricing." He has a strong voice and I think he will make a good Phantom in the future. I was just wondering how restricted the view will be from there. Probably the best view I have ever had at the theatre. Very nice people! I was sat in seat 21 of row A of the grand (upper) circle, and have to disagree with Theatre Monkey's comments about there being a bar intruding on the view here. Thechandelier was amazing and just above our heads and I felt like I could almost touch it when it flew in front of me at the beginning of act one! I was a little worried when I read about the huge cast overhaul that had been made a couple of days prior but I needn't have worried - I found the show magical, I sat mesmerised throughout the whole performance and had constant shivers running up and down my spine that started the moment they raised the chandelier at the auction house to the very end, it was wonderful! So it is no surprise to me he has gone from strength to strength in his career, and the role of Phantom is surely one of the most demanding on any singer. I was seated in row L seat 5 - totally great seats - at Her Majesty's Theatre. Use our interactive seating plan to view 1352 seat reviews and 2662 photos of views from seat. At least 30 people in the queue at 10am. Revel in the haunting beauty of Paris Opera House in Andrew Lloyd Webber's world-famous musical at Her Majesty's Theatre. 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. I had to phone See again, and after much discussion over the phone, they begrudgingly gave me their complaints department email address (something very difficult to find online). The only seats that are really bad in the Sumner are any in the first row, and the second arent much better. You must see this show, at least once!!!!! Dave Lorenz. This classical theatre should be running for many years to come. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. A ,.^ : ^*> s amertcan CommontDealti^si LOUISIANA JISIANA ro ACCOMPANY vERT PHELPS MERICAN COMMONWEALTHS. Katie's vocal range is out of this world and I feel so lucky to have seen both Katie and Sofia and could not choose who played it better! Was a pity but nonetheless a spectacular show! _________________, I tried to keep an open mind. and Christine wasn't a shade of the beautiful, haunted talent she once was. This time it was Phantom, sitting in our favoured spot in the front row of the Dress/Royal Circle, in the outer section just by the aisle, A25 and 26. Youll have either an incomplete view because of the position of the seats, or something may be in your line of sight like a pole, speakers, or the sound board. I was travelling from Croatia to London with my 15-year old daughter for a few days stay. __________________, I was visiting London from the US July 25 2005, and luckily procured fantastic tickets for Phantom of the Opera. Tickets left at the box office for collection may be picked up on the day, during the hour before the performance starts. I appreciate it is an operatic production, but when all the characters sang different lines at the same time it just came across as a cacophony of noise. I could also see how Christine and The Phantom enter the mirror, which spoiled the effect for me. BEWARE These seats have restricted viewing (although not sold as such ) the floor of the balcony cuts off the top of the stage. The curtains need a good wash (as an earlier reviewer noted, I think), but it was still great!!! They were outdone by every other department working on the show. I wanted to experience a West End show as even at only 24, I saw it as one of those things you have to do sometime in your life. Best seats are stalls F 22 and 23. Do not believe the hype, this show may be in its 21st year, but that is surely musical retirement age. Also, being the main theatre in Aberdeen all the shows are usually here so you don't have much choice. The comparison with the latter being particularly apt, as that too is always a disappointment. I'm 5 foot 10 and my knees were several inches away from the start of the orchestra wall so that certainly wasn't an issue. Stall standing is floor and is standing only. The drama of the chandelier at the beginning always sends shivers down my spine, as does the "Masquerade" scene. 1st in line got O3 which wasn't better. So if anything is happening higher up the stage you cannot see it. Anyway, only last week we plumped for two 40 tickets via See Tickets and rolled up to Her Majesty's on Friday night (29th January 2010). Will Barratt as Raoul was very good, if not particularly memorable. Purchased tickets for here for a show in July. Over all, an excellent afternoon's entertainment, especially as we had only paid 33.00 for our seats as part of a group discount." My partner and I went to see this show recently (July 2005), it was my umpteenth time and his first. You don't miss a thing at these seats, and they made the show much more enjoyable. I know which one I'd choose ;) Anyway, yes I loved it. A wonderfully memorable evening and well worth the 20 year wait to see the show - may it continue another 20 years! It is dragging the West End back. But I had no need to worry at all! I thought I must have been tainted having seen the movie far too much, and that it was just me who was mildly disappointed by the acting efforts of Earl Carpenter and Oliver Thornton. The head of the man in front of me obscured my view slightly and my partner (who is 6'4") found that the legroom was not sufficient for him and he was a bit uncomfortable and had to keep shifting in his seat. (is that a word?!) I phoned the See Tickets box office number the day before I went (as the theatre does not have its own telephone line) to check that you could purchase day seats like other theatres in London. It would be nice if a soundtrack was available of the current cast. Reasons for this can vary from the area above the stage being obscured by the overhang from the dress circle, to a safety rail blocking your eye line. __________________________________, October 3rd 2016. The music is very enjoyable and much more familiar than I expected. So if anything is happening higher up the stage you cannot see it. So for a show which is all about the relationships between the characters it failed. I first saw John playing the part of one of the students in Les Mis many years ago - he stood out even then! Given a big enough budget, landing helicopters, flying cars or video screens do not prove a challenge to the set designer, whereas "Phantom's" "coups de theatre" are achieved almost entirely with VICTORIAN stage workings. I wish they would hurry up 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. I saw Phantom of the Opera on 12th July 2012 with a friend. You are close enough to the stage (there is no row A) to see most of the action and by sitting right at the side of the auditorium you didn't have to move your head from side to side too much to follow the action. We sat in the Grand Circle, Row B16 and B17. We were in Row B, which is the first row, I am only 5' 2" and my knees were crushed against a low black wall between me and the orchestra, sit further back for a much better view. The Merlyns worst seats are really not that bad, and certainly shouldnt put you off if theyre the last ones left. Christine's interaction with the Phantom when she gives him a ring and kisses him being especially moving. Stalls, C12: Not a bad seat, actually. Seat review: Grand Circle. I had to head-bob most of the night. Excellent view of the stage and I enjoyed it very much. This show is an amazing visual spectacle and I would definitely go and see it again for that aspect of it alone. He was by far an amazing singer and actor. A line from one of the songs goes "Half the cast aren't here, but still the audience cheer" The same could be said of this performance r.e. __________________________, We saw the show for the first time on Saturday 7th October 2006. Got two seats in stalls Row C 9 and 10 for 25 each for that afternoon matinee. Christian Ball, Some people have thought that the show dragged but I think that is par for the course with musicals when they are a couple of hours long, and actually I was eager for the second half to start as I was really enjoying the performance. My first problem was Raoul. The silver lining for me had to be the 80s music: not long into the first half the synthesizer kicked in, shortly followed by the drum-beat which I'm guessing originated from the same lame 80s Casio organ (they must have been taking good care of it for it to last so long..). Initiative. However, really enjoyed it still produces the old goose bumps it has to be said the music is great. She has the kind of voice that you would never get tired of listening to. When the Phantom was on top looking down he seemed to be looking directly at us. Really great seats for a total bargain, there were a couple of moments we couldn't see brilliantly due to dry ice and the action being directly above us but nothing to quibble about and they were fleeting. Sitting anywhere else in this row, I would have had to change seats, as I physically wouldn't have been able to last the duration of the performance (34inch legs) Thankfully, the overwhelming performance and amazing view made me quickly forget about the leg room, but feel this should be mentioned when you buy the tickets. The Phantom's deformity can be clearly seen, and you see the performers' expressions. The cast was excellent, and the Phantom's performance was quite impressive and emotional. Tut tut Christine Daae! I felt sorry for Earl that he had to work with such a bad performer who was overacting all the time. UK The Comedy Theatre might not be as big as its sister venues the Regent or Princess, but its cosiness works in its favour. The main things to be mindful of at fortyfivedownstairs are the structural poles that keep up the four levels of building above. _________________________. The only point from Theatre Monkey's review that I do agree with is that Christine should definitely have got the Phantom!! I would never, never have booked this seat had I known there was a pylon directly in front of it. Two friends and I went to the matinee performance of 'Phantom' on the 18th January 2011. I got a half price ticket from the 'Get Into London Theatre's offer website (ended 17th March 2007) for the performance on 28th February 2007. Final comment, absolutely brilliant show, would thoroughly recommend it, want to go again, and again, and again. Very angry and very disappointed. The Theatre advised me where the best seats were and this was reflected in the top price 58 (we paid 38) they were emphatic that the seats we had were not restricted viewing. I would recommend row D and above. Andrew Lloyd Webber is a musical genius and Phantom of the Opera is not to be missed. There is no allocated seating, either, so there is often a bit of a wild stampede for good seats as soon as the curtain parts. Great vocalists and the staging was very smart. Some may find his higher-pitched singing rather light, as he is closer to Michael Crawford than his predecessor John Owen-Jones. Seats throughout the Grand Circle are generally cheaper than other tiers. In this seat, you are sitting next to a spotlight operator, but the gentleman I sat beside was very respectful. Which seats I should ask for the best view Are you allowed to take outside food & drink into the venue? Pontefract. The music and pure voices bring a lump to your throat and the way that the sets change around to create the different scenes is amazing. Plenty of leg room for the aisle seats, as lots of room in front, but was also adequate when moving in. Premium seats The only real disadvantage was that it's quite close to a speaker on the wall, which sometimes makes it difficult to locate a voice on stage because the sound's coming from a different direction. Swansea John Owen-Jones and Celia Graham played the lead roles and were fantastic. The last time we had the front row centre and the chandelier was terrifying! Her Majesty's Theatre Stalls. Prices below were compiled as booking originally opened. I have ended up with bruises on my knees due to no leg room at all very disheartening due to paying 60 for tickets. Kelsey R. I have seen this show twice before with John Owen Jones and I think JOJ had the better voice. I hope to see Brian reprising the role in the future as Phantom himself, and not as his understudy. __________________. But then I found your website, and spent over an hour reading anything and everything Phantom-related, and so it were that yesterday we stood for all of 45 minutes outside Her Majesty's Theatre, and got ourselves two tickets for the matinee, in the 4th row (stalls!) Sitting in the dress circle can allow you to feel immersed in the action of whats on stage, but you are able to sit from a height so you can appreciate whats going on at all levels, something which you may miss if you are sitting in the stalls. Despite one of the Front of House making an announcement just before the show began that people should NOT change seats and sit in seats that were unoccupied (in case of latecomers - hmmmmy opinion is that if you are late, you should have to wait at the back until the interval but maybe I'm harsh! The set and props were used well and it is always interesting to see how a show can use the space. 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. It is advised to avoid row B as the seats are very uncomfortable and whilst B10-12 seats are sold very cheaply and can be seen as a bargain it is worth knowing that the conductor obstructs the view. We were pretty much underneath the chandelier so got to experience it firstly heading towards us from the stage then the thrill of it falling towards us from the ceiling. A "Must-See". Phantom never lets us down, another amazing experience in Her Majesty's Theatre from start to finish and is even better that the Las Vegas production of the musical. The monkey advises checking performance times on your tickets and that performances are happening as scheduled, before travelling. The sets quite good..and some of the songs quite memorable. This is very important to remember for the rest of the show. Still, it was a relief to hear a non-American accent (both Patric Wilson and Emi Rosum needed voice coaching). She had the voice of a goddess. I'm not overly keen on it, but my girlfriend wished to see it, so off we went. The legroom wasnt too bad ( I am 5 feet 5) and the seats were a standard size. Unfortunately - 50 is rather a stiff price to pay to see such a good performer. Terrific view of the stage and actors, it was great to be close enough to see the expressions on their faces. Ramin is worth the ticket price alone. During one of the pastiche opera sequences the high notes of the 'Prima Donna' threatened to bring the chandelier down without the help of the Phantom. I must comment on the helpfulness of the theatre staff, as my grandmother uses a wheel chair, we were approached on entering the theatre by staff and taken round to a side door, shown the disabled toilets and taken to our seats before the crowds came in. When I got to the show and saw the cast board, Scott Davies was listed as the Phantom alongside Katie; and I had one other understudy - Marc Vastenavont as Piangi. ), four 'ladies' decided to do just that after the show had just started and decided they would sit on the row in front of us so everyone on that row had to stand up while they very unhurriedly took their (stolen) seats. Earl Carpenter's singing and acting is superb throughout, as he brings true emotion to the role. Grand circle may be better for these reasons than the rear of the stalls or dress circle where this action might be missed. From Monday 3rd April 2023, Jon Robyns will playThe Phantom and Holly-Anne Hullwill playChristine Daae - with Paige Blankson playing the role at certain performances. Masquerade '' scene songs quite memorable Wilson and Emi Rosum needed voice coaching ) department on. An earlier reviewer noted, I was just wondering how restricted the view from M is on... 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