Savoy Theatre

Set back from the Strand as a part of the historic Savoy Hotel, the Savoy Theatre welcomes audiences under a grand marquee. Originally opened to perform works of Gilbert and Sullivan, the auditorium burnt down in 1990, and was reopened in 1993. It was recreated to the original 1929 vision and now the auditorium and public areas exist as a perfect representation of the original building but with a modern twist.

The auditorium is set on three levels, with the stalls and stage existing below street level. Sightlines are on the whole pretty acceptable on all levels, with only a few restrictions due to safety rails. The theatre feels long and thin rather than hugging the stage and so the Upper Circle in particular can feel high and set far back. Despite this, the view from both tiers remains better than similar theatres, and depending on the scale of the show does not create too many problems.

Bargain Hunter!

For the current show there are a lot of bargains to be had by visiting the box office on the day of the performance, including lottery and day seats. Be sure to phone the box office on the day for up to date offers.

Break The Bank!

The best seats in the Stalls are actually quite far back, just underneath the Dress Circle overhang. You feel level with the stage and far back enough to see everything without feeling you are watching a tennis match.

The Stalls at the Savoy feel a lot smaller than other venues of a similar size, mainly due to the fact that the block of seats is undivided. The seats are set firmly away from the entrances and go straight back rather than curve, meaning even seats on the end of each row enjoy a good view. Each row grows to a modest 30 seats across in the centre of the section, at a slight rake allowing much of the stage to be seen.

The front of the stalls is often sold at a discounted or ‘lottery’ price due to it being very close to the orchestra pit. The stage is set quite high, and so some neck straining does occur in the first three rows. The height of the stage also means smaller audience members may miss details such as the dogs or floor props, and so for the same price The Seat Inspector would advise sitting a few rows back.

The overhang of the Dress Circle only creates a problem from row N and back, as the top of the proscenium is missed by those in the rear of the stalls. The rear stalls also has speakers which can affect sightlines, particularly for performances that use the top of the stage. Seats surrounding the sound desk at the back of the theatre should also be avoided as it can lead to various distractions. Best seats are usually midway back, as close to the centre as possible.

The Dress Circle is a unique shape split into three sections, two at the rear and one large section towards the front. Because of the shape a number of seats in this section are labelled restricted due to the safety rails that run across the balcony and stairwells.

The front section offers the best value for money, but side seats in the first few rows have less leg room due to the curve of the balcony. This section is divided horizontally, so there is no centre aisle. Those wishing to find additional legroom should sit further back in the front section towards the end of each row.

The Upper Circle overhangs the back section of the Dress Circle after row F, blocking the top of the stage from those sitting towards the rear. A rail runs along the front of the Dress Circle, which is forewarned to those sitting in row A, although it is possible to see the action without too much discomfort. The back of the Dress Circle is divided by a larger safety rail which runs across row G; affecting sightlines in the subsequent two rows. To avoid this it is worth paying less to sit a couple of rows back, or booking same priced tickets in the stalls.

The Upper Circle is divided into two equal sections by a horizontal aisle. The front section provides excellent value for money, and despite feeling far from the stage the view is exceptionally clear. The theatre warns against the front row due to a safety rail, but this is easily overcome and does not prove to be a significant distraction. Leg room in the first couple of rows is particularly tight, but further back it is more than adequate.

The rear section is more affected by safety rails, and should be considered last. There is a significant difference between the two sections, and due to the rake of the rear Upper Circle the stage feels very far away. Having said that, the view of the sets is excellent, but character detail and faces are often lost. Seat Plan has sat in this section on many occasions and never has a problem enjoying the show. It is often possible to move forward into empty seats, especially if you are visiting mid-week.