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. 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. I give it 9/10 (only 9 because I had bad seats and could not enjoy the show to it's full extent). But it is often possible to grab cheaper tickets on the sides of the stalls, where slight sightline restrictions are compensated by the immediacy of the performers. We simply want to catch JOJ as Phantom before the imminent arrival of our baby, as we will be unable to do much theatre afterwards.) That said, it did take some time for me to get to "know" the central characters - so to speak - but we were in the Upper Circle and I think you always get wrapped-up in things a lot quicker when sat down in the Stalls. THE C AMBRIDGE HISTORY OF I R EL AND The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries were an era of continuity as well as change. I have to say I was more impressed than I was expecting. We sat in the Royal Circle and found the seating cramped and the view inferior to a good Stalls seat. We had seats D22 and D23 in the stalls, tickets bought via the annual 'Get into London Theatre' offer. What Im not fine with is the kind of audience it attracts. It all seemed too loud to me and at times I found the level almost painful. Phantom is also a quiet musical, and does not rely on deafening the audience to be effective, apart from the natural crescendos within the score, and obviously the Phantoms theme tune The lighting is absurdly clever, as are most of the special effects. I suppose you either love it or hate it and unfortunately we fell into the latter. Beautiful, subtle, and heartbreaking The view from M is spot on otherwise the right distance and very central from 17/18. At that time you heard her voice only over the speakers and not coming from the stage as before (I was very close). It gave the whole performance a strident edge that I did not enjoy. Obviously the restricted ones have their downfalls but at least you know that in advance. I went with a friend to the Saturday (June 8th 2013) matinee performance of this amazing show. After asking the very helpful woman behind the desk whether they had seats available, she informed us that Her Majesty's theatre does not offer day seats, never has and never will. 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 ____________________________, I would just like to add my review of a most wonderful and exhilarating performance of 'Phantom' (9th June 2007). Originally designed by John Truscott, it suffered from poor acoustics for years, but these issues were largely eradicated in the upgrade, and now even high up in the balcony, the sound is powerful. I thought it strange that the three seats (10,11 and 12) in front of me were unoccupied. I didn't find the seat very comfortable. The balcony ledge only comes up to just under waist height, and there is a narrow bar which comes up slightly higher. I can't wait to see Love Never Dies! BEWARE These seats have restricted viewing (although not sold as such ) the floor of the balcony cuts off the top of the stage. As has been said, this is a fab seat if you have seen the show before as it does give you a new experience on things. I was responsible for buying the tickets hence I had checked reviews of the seats using TheatreMonkey, which I found was very useful. I think all the seats in the stalls at both sides at the back will be the same. The problem is that I've heard them performed much better elsewhere. Nic Greenshields was in the role, however! Faris. The only moan I have is that sound wasn't loud, so you missed parts of the singing, and the final lair boat scene, I missed parts of that. As the climax approached I felt my eyes moisten and I was totally engrossed in the fine performances. Tickets left at the box office for collection may be picked up on the day, during the hour before the performance starts. They just dragged the whole thing out. London, (Editor's note: * 'Swing' - performer who can fill in for a number of other performers if they are absent. John Owen Jones was great as the Phantom and the music is still as great as ever. Some may find his higher-pitched singing rather light, as he is closer to Michael Crawford than his predecessor John Owen-Jones. Sherrie I was sitting front row centre (B13 and 14) and found these seats to be very good, experiencing no problems at all. Booked these seats having reviewed them on this website beforehand and would like to add my recommendation as I was very happy. Opera is an extremely symbolised art form and Phantom manages to capture it's darkness and romanticism beautifully. In general, it is best to get into the centre of any seating block, as some side seats can be very much on the side. Stalls F16 and F17: I did enjoy the first half more than the second - I found a couple of the scenes in the second half overly long really. Belonging to the 6 footer club, I have not yet had trouble fitting into seats at Her Majestys. Ramin is worth the ticket price alone. I shall focus on my experience with buying the tickets, rather than the show itself (which was obviously outstandingly amazing!!!) PUBLIC TRANSPORT There was plenty of legroom and the view was very good. I have to say this was by far the best visit to see this long runner in a long time, and only have one gripe. Less said the better! Also for this show we got Harriet Jones as Christine and she had such contrasting frightened and sexy sides! However, this musical is one of the few shows that uses the stage space in a constantly varied way. Unfortunately, the conductor was in the way for some of the time and when the dry ice with the boat scene happened, we could not see anything as the dry ice completely cut off our view - and it became very cold for a while. _____________________, Saw Phantom this week (December 2010) for the first time and was blown away! I was in the Grand Circle in seat F21. The balcony seats tend to be pretty high up, but they might be the best choice for the budget-conscious. I just wanted to tell you that your site made an already great week in London positively awesome! My friend who came with me has bought me the CD of the show so I can sit on this computer and drift back in my mind to that memorable Saturday afternoon matinee 2 week's ago. We also booked drinks for the interval and reserved a table, or so we thought, but when we got there our drinks and canaps had just been put on a table and two other people had nicked the seats around it, so we had to stand to eat and drink. __________________. We sat in the Grand Circle, Row B16 and B17. The rest of the show he seemed very tired and bland. Not only was this happening but I was leaning to the right (luckily it was towards my friend in seat G1) which made my right leg dangle lower than my left one!! More Cuban dance music here: https://youtu.be/awTKVyyHbeUI hope you enjoy my other playlists. Sound mix was often dreadful however. 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 went to see The Phantom of The Opera on the 1st December 2009 with a group of friends. Fantastic show! They were dead centre, we had not a single obstruction and could see every aspect of the production perfectly. __________________________________, October 3rd 2016. So what it the emotion is overblown? Another limitation of Her Majesty's theatre is that it is acoustically bad and offers dismal views. _________________________. Plenty of leg room for the aisle seats, as lots of room in front, but was also adequate when moving in. His voice cracked twice more during the second half, and I felt a little bit sorry for him because I can imagine that is one of the worst things that could happen to anyone on stage. We sat in the Stalls in row D, seats 9 and 10. __________________. Also, for the record, Brian McCann is a 'swing'* in the programme - yes, but he is also listed as 'first cover'** for the Phantom, Scott Davies is the standby Phantom, i.e., the 'alternate. It was extraordinary. Katy Hall as Christine was magnificent, her voice was excellent and she acted well in addition to singing well. He said, just wait a moment. Seats M17 and M18 35 from TKTS. As it is, it plays like the West End's granddad on life support, while there are young, vibrant shows out there in Theatreland. JOJ has total anguish in everything he sings and performs and Ben just didn't, sigh. I saw Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre around New Year's and it was amazing. Firstly, I should say that our seats were perfect. Brilliant show was well worth going to Aberdeen to see this. It is never a consistent struggle to see the actors, since they are always moving around. He was brilliant and earned the standing ovation he received at the end. John Owen Jones has ruined any other Phantoms for me and sadly, Ben Forster just didn't have the gravitas that I would have liked. My first moan goes to Raoul (who is currently played by Oliver Thornton). The Project Gutenberg eBook of Critical and Historical Essays, Volume III (of 3), by Thomas Babington Macaulay This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. 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. Not dreadful but certainly not worth 25 in any way shape or form. the use of understudies. The other seats are also restricted view, but this is worse. My view was very good. The cast sounded like a train wreck when they all sang different lines at once. However, what I did NOT enjoy was the behaviour of some of the theatregoers on the row in front (we were Upper Circle E12 and E13). Kate Radmilovic and Rohan Tickell as 'Carlotta' (she really was fantastic) and 'Piangi' were fabulous. Book your tickets online for Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne: See 526 reviews, articles, and 132 photos of Her Majesty's Theatre, ranked No.27 on Tripadvisor among 781 attractions in Melbourne. 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. We tell you the seats to buy, which to avoid, and how to get them at the best prices, Haymarket, __________________. I would not recomend the seat for first time watching, but for a repeat visitor it's aceptable. _____________________________________________. My boyfriend did say his knees hurt from no leg room, although this was not a problem for me as Im shorter. Couldn't see half of stage from there. The only seats that are really bad in the Sumner are any in the first row, and the second arent much better. I did not think I would enjoy this, just booked it for my girlfriend's birthday as I know she likes musicals, however, I will be honest and say I thoroughly enjoyed the whole performance. Didn't like this musical - worst musical I have seen in West End. However stay clear of cheap side seats! ___________________________, I am demanding a refund for the two tickets I purchased through lastminute.com for the 14th February 2012 performance of Phantom. So for a show which is all about the relationships between the characters it failed. The sound wraps around you, and the sweat on the forehead of the first violinist feels close enough to mop. ____________________. Now that it has, somehow, run for so long, it's going to run, and run, and run, isn't it? I have collected, vinyl - CD - DVD and finally, as a 60th Birthday treat with my family, I sat in awe and watched the show. Ramin Karimloo was fantastic as 'Phantom', but personally I felt he was outdone by 'Christine' played by Katy Hall, her singing was amazing. The latecomers were held back our side, and then began lots of standing by Ushers in the middle of the aisle waiting to place the theatregoers. We were lucky in that no-one was sitting in front of us but I think the view would not have been badly obstructed. So go see the show. We loved everything about it, the effects, the story, the acting and singing and I agree with other people, although we have no comparison with others, Earl Carpenter is fabulous as the phantom. Cannot see the top level of the stage and the top level of the set. Seat prices change according to demand for a particular performance. Good view of the stage though quite high up. Stalls section A row 12 seat aimeereynolds Her Majesty's Theatre The Phantom Of The Opera The main things to be mindful of at fortyfivedownstairs are the structural poles that keep up the four levels of building above. My cousin is only 5'5" and she said there was not much leg room either. Melbourne is blessed with a wealth of theatres, from the grand old dames like the Princess Theatreto the kooky hidden gems like the Butterfly Club; no city in Australia can lay claim to as many in as good a condition as ours. Seats were great, we had G15 (aisle) and G16 in the Stalls. I was far more impressed when it came to life and was lifted up at the end of the Auction Scene. DAY SEATS: A number of 30 day seats are released at 10am each day online at: https://uk.thephantomoftheopera.com/day-tickets/. Rachel Barrell made a marvellously emotional Christine and kept her as the feisty chorus girl of Leroux's original novel. D7 through to D16 were fantastic seats, probably the best seats in the house. The only understudy was Christine Daae which was played by Tabitha Webb. __________________________________________. I was totally "involved" whilst watching this one, feeling exhilarated and frightened, then sentimental and even a little tearful at the end!! I have two more bookings to go, and am in danger of turning into a nerd, but really, just the best show there is! 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. The overhang starts at row "J" so we were able to see the chandelier but any further back and some bits of the show would have been missed. ____________________________, I was disappointed when I found out the main actor would not be playing the phantom. Not being a big fan of the majority of music used throughout (in particular when they were supposed to be actually performing in an opera) much of it did nothing for me, and I found myself hoping many numbers would hurry along. Beth The only tiny problem with view the seats is that you cant see the head when the Phantom enters (2 second obstruction), at the start of Act 2 and the chandelier blocks the phantom for a few seconds when he is at the top of the stage at the end of Act 1. There was a huge pillar in front of me right in the middle of my eye view, but 10 was well worth it. The staff member who checked our tickets told her co worker that she was, and I quote, "f@#king wasted last weekend" not the sort of language you expect! With Sofia she seemed a bit more mature to compliment; but with Katie she acted so much younger, they did seem like childish yet lovable girlfriends. HISTORY of the CHRISTIAN CHURCH 1 1 Schaff, Philip, History of the Christian Church, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1997. Rachel Barrell is the best Christine I have ever seen, it was such a relief to see a real actress/singer after the horrors of Emi Rosum in the movie. The toilets were out of order resulting in long queues around the stairs. Truly stole the show at times. I am a regular visitor to the Theatre and am aware that the top price tickets are the best seats but in this instance we had to take the last seats available.To sum up - we paid full price for seats with restricted view!!! Both Ben Forster as the Phantom and Celinde Schoenmaker as Christine were superb in their roles with powerful singing voices and there was definitely a strong rapport between them. It was my first time to see it and thanks to theatremonkey, I got a full-priced ticket less 20! Ramin Karimloo was spectacular as the Phantom. Ticket prices. The venue is just beautiful, fits perfectly for such show. "Phantom" is one of very few shows where you can actually feel lost in the action. It depends so much on the show. Earl Carpenter has to be the best Phantom, how he packs so much emotion into it every night for so long I really don't know, and Rachel Barrell is an excellent Christine- both deserve Oscars in my opinion. Come on, recast already!! As per usual, Row B suffers from your view being spoilt if people in front lean over; I found myself envying the people sat in the central section in Row A as they paid the same price as me but are great seats. _____________________, I went to see 'The Phantom of the Opera' on the 10th April 2009 with a friend and we were sat in the stalls row F19 and 20. __________________________, We saw the show for the first time on Saturday 7th October 2006. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Unfortunately, my camera had no battery and was charging at home so I'm definitely going back to get photos, which they very kindly pose for. Very good leg room. They were very nice, but for 24 we were expecting more than 12 tiny little bite sized treats, they were gone in seconds! The heavy romance keeps seats filled and the thudding mock grandeur of the score seems to reassure audiences of the quality. ____________________________, Went to see Phantom again last week (June 2007) it must be 15 years since I last saw it. _________________________________________. I did not expect to sob as much as I did, having seen the musical many times and knowing the storyline, but this man is exceptional. Although sold as restricted view because of a pillar, it is to the left and isn't really an issue . Mark Lane, Needless to say, in the end an ineffably wet aristocrat gets the girl and the deformed freak vanishes. His voice was beautiful in my opinion he was the best phantom I have seen. Phantom and Christine were unconvincing and overworked, while Raoul fell into the usual trap of being a charisma vacuum. I'm glad I saw the show, just so I could see what the fuss was all about, but it does confuse me as to why it's so popular. Series Dedication The Red Gambit series of books is dedicated to my grandfather, the boss-fellah, Jack 'Chalky' White, Chief Petty Officer [Engine Room] RN, my de facto father until his untimely death from cancer in 1983, and a man who, along with many millions of others, participated in the epic of history that we know as World War Two . __________________________________. I don't think we missed a thing. Multiple emails bounced between me and a specific person, wanting to know the date I phoned, the exact time, who I previously spoke to, the number I phoned from.. (all of which I was unable to provide) This went on for a week, and finally they said they were unable to find any trace of my call, as I was unable to provide enough information, but they did not doubt that I had indeed phoned, and that i was told incorrect information, and that they would refund me the full price of one of my tickets. ___________________, My first West End show. All very friendly, approachable and cheerful. 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. Fantastic all the way Hull, UK There isn't much space as the theatre is small so it does feel a bit cramped but not too bad. ___________________, I am a huge, huge Phantom fan and firmly believe that the show is the best in the West End but after seeing it last night (29th April 2005) I was hideously disappointed. Therefore I thought day seats would be perfect. Was a pity but nonetheless a spectacular show! After reading everyones reviews here, I was conscious of the need to sit back, but felt no need to lean forward. Seats are slightly uncomfortable, but legroom was good. Yes view is restricted. Additionally, I am a 6ft tall fellow, and felt very comfortable, since I was on the aisle. I noticed you also attacked the disco inspired title track. In fact we were so impressed we went to the Stage Door (and missed our train, but it was worth it). Get quick answers from Her Majesty's Theatre staff and past visitors. I also thought Madame Giry wasn't nearly severe enough and Carlotta just didn't convince me at all. A big compliment however for Wendy Ferguson as Carlotta, she was very very good. Grand Circle section Left B row 28 seat AmitTheatre Her Majesty's Theatre The Phantom Of The Opera The Regent is a wide space, too, so the sightline is fine even on the side ends. Very nice people! The only action missed, which amounted to perhaps just 1 minute in total, was missed because I was sitting in the rear stalls, under the overhang of the circle. Usually highly talented and skilled as they need to learn many roles in the show very precisely and may take over at a moment's notice. The cast were fantastic and the show certainly lived up to our expectations, so much so that we may go back again this Christmas for my birthday! Make the most of the situation and dont sweat the small stuff! For a musical most action in the middle of the stage , a ballet I would get better seats. I cannot recommend this show enough, and we will all definitely be going again. You have been warned!!! _____________________________________________, 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!!! I left at interval. spellbound Feb 13, 2023. I'm going to see the musical for the first time. It feels like you are peering through a letterbox, and should be avoided. This is a really great and unique show which will probably never be matched. This was the first time either of us had seen this. Theatremonkey, you are great for a lot of things but your opinion of Phantom is just plain wrong. 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. It was made in the 80's.and it shows. Best seats are stalls F 22 and 23. Thankfully British queue etiquette prevailed and we were allowed in first. Can order interval drinks from very well priced bar. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Close enough to see the actors expressions and costume details but not to see any secrets behind the special effects. Since The Phantom of the Opera premiered in 1986, the musical continues to wow West End audiences with its tale of dark romance, jealousy . This is the fourth time I've seen Phantom and it never disappoints. more, West End and South Bank Theatre Walking Tour in London. Sarah Ferguson has said Queen Elizabeth II was her 'total idol' - and admitted that when her former mother-in-law's corgis 'bark at nothing', she believes it's because the late monarch 'is passing . 17th February 2011, stalls Row G Seat 22. Kleenex was my friend that day. Sorry Theatremonkey, I normally take your word as gospel but I simply have to disagree with you about Phantom of the Opera. At about 11am he called me forward and offered two seats at the end of row E and row B (front row). I've come away from some musicals raving about the likes of Kerry Ellis and Laura Michelle Kelly, but I'm none the wiser about the three leads in Phantom, and to be honest have no interest in looking up their bio's. _____________________________. The New Wimbledon Theatre has a capacity of 1609 seats, including 720 seats in the Stalls, 473 seats in the Dress Circle and 416 seats in the Upper Circle. I took front row. I was there with my missus, celebrating her 50th birthday, and travelling from northern Sweden and staying in a fairly expensive hotel, as much as I wanted to, I really couldn't afford the 140 two tickets for The Phantom of the Opera would cost And I really wanted to take her to that. Scott Davies was back as the Phantom, a role he played a few years ago, and was mightily impressive. Al Queenanalqueenan@yahoo.com. 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. the theatre, the sets, the costumes, the effects, it was absolutely amazing from beginning to end. Killian impressed me straight away. ___________________, 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. There is a real depth of emotion conveyed by the music and the stage performances of the actors was excellent. I rarely feel compelled to correct a review, but such vitriolic bile is unjustified. It was as fabulous as ever!!! You must see this show, at least once!!!!! Highly recommended. I asked at box office at 14.15hrs. Sometimes, sitting closer to the stage can be even cheaper than sitting a few rows back. For someone who normally favours the more modern musical like myself, "The Phantom of the Opera" certainly took me by surprise. Konrad from Berkshire. ___________________, 18 years, and its still playing to sold out audiences every night! If tickets are marked as an obstructed or limited view, the venue has determined that those seats do not have a full view of the stage, field, court, ice, etc. I went to see Phantom of the Opera just after Christmas time. 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. 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. He has two great Christine's in Gina Beck and Robyn North. 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. Yet again the show was fantastic, it just gets better every time I see it, you notice parts that you totally missed the first time round. I am already planning another visit to the show, I know it won't happen, but hope the phantom gets the girl next time! No seat is far from an actors point of command; and the span of the seats matches their effective span of vision. It only emphasis's the passion! The acoustics in this theatre are good anyway but the sound from the stage was very clear. Tiny leg room, but otherwise an excellent seat! and the sound design needs perking up and mixing LOUDER!