Stalls at the Novello Theatre
Now playing: Mamma Mia! From £21 Book tickets
479 seats in a single block from row C to row X, with no row I. Row C is the front row.
Who it suits
Almost everyone. This is the best level in the theatre, and the reason is the level above it: the Dress Circle is set high enough to clear the Stalls, so the back of this section keeps its view of the stage.
Where we'd put you
The centre of rows E to P. It's the strongest part of the theatre, close enough for faces and far enough back to take in the whole stage.
For value, the centre of rows Q to V. From about row S you begin to lose the very top of the stage, and no more than that. On MAMMA MIA!, where most of the action happens on the stage floor or halfway up, it costs you almost nothing and saves you a good deal.
The front rows put you close to the cast. You look up a little at the stage from row C, and the seats are staggered, so you're looking between the two heads in front rather than over one.
What to avoid
- The seats at the ends of the rows from row O back. The first and last three seats in each of those rows lose the top of the stage well before the centre does. Further forward, the rows only curve slightly at the ends, so the edge seats keep a better view than their price suggests.
- The middle of a long row, if you'll want to get out. There's no aisle to escape down, so a seat in the middle of row M means asking a dozen people to stand. If you like an easy exit at the interval, book near an end.
Rows W and X have gaps in the middle, where the sound and light desk sits. That's what the hole on the plan is.
Legroom in the Stalls
The best in the building. Row C, the front row, has the most. Rows F and G each have a seat near either end with open floor in front of it. Rows D and E are tighter. Elsewhere the seats are fine for most people up to about 5ft 11.
Steps to the Stalls
It's about 40 steps down from the foyer to the Stalls, with no lift. Anyone who'd rather avoid the stairs should book the Dress Circle, which is at street level from the Catherine Street entrance. The access page has the detail.
Drinks and toilets
Ivor's Bar is behind the Stalls. Getting to it means two steps down, a walk through the auditorium and three more steps. There are toilets on this level.
Stalls FAQs
Are the back rows of the Stalls good at the Novello Theatre?
Yes, in the centre. The Dress Circle overhangs the Stalls, but it sits high, so the top of the stage only goes from about row S, and for MAMMA MIA! that's a small loss. Seats at the ends of the rows lose it sooner, from row O.
Which is the front row of the Stalls?
Row C. There is no row A or B at the Novello, so a ticket for row C is the front row, with only the orchestra pit between you and the stage.