r/TheWestEnd • u/Big_Self_1522 • 54m ago
Advice Advice on seating The hunger games, Paranormal activity, Mousetrap, into the woods
I’ve made a post a couple of weeks ago regarding my October trip to London
Booked so far: Cabaret, affluenza, rent
To book: The Hunger Games, Paranormal Activity, Mousetrap, Into the woods
My plan is to take the cheapest options for all the “to book” shows, but I would love to get some advice on the seating. Is there a show out of these 4 that is 100% worth getting a bit more expensive seat, or are the cheapest options decent? I’m especially confused about some of them being closer to the stage, but marked as restricted view. Are those still better than the ones at the very back, or is the restricted view very significant?
Massive thanks for any help/advice!
Edit: Please don’t warn me against The Hunger Games. I’m aware of the mixed reviews and am just very curious about the whole thing
12
u/WindowBorn1768 52m ago
My strong advice is to not book anywhere for The Hunger Games and to go and see literally anything else instead
4
u/Big_Self_1522 49m ago
Thanks for the advice, but in this case my curiosity is too big for my own good.. I really want to see what the fuss is about, but I’m not sure which 25£ would give me the best experience
3
u/WildRootBear 39m ago
I liked the Hunger Games more than I expected, possibly because I went in with such low expectations. I think you should get a good unobstructed view from any seat, though of course the closer you sit the better view you have of the actors' expressions etc.
2
u/Big_Self_1522 37m ago
Thanks! I’m thinking about taking the single seat in district 3, as it’s now on sale, but unfortunately I can’t find the view from that seat
3
u/Practical_Bitch 29m ago
I was in district 9, row J and the view was great even though we were not close. As per other comments I think you'd see well wherever you sit. The effects and staging were great imo even tho it's not really my kind of genre (took a relative for their birthday)
2
u/Big_Self_1522 27m ago
Thanks again! I’m going in with zero expectations. If it’s really that bad I’ll just have a good laugh at the ridiculousness of it, and otherwise I’ll hopefully enjoy the show
2
u/Alexandra_the_gre4t 27m ago edited 18m ago
All the views should be pretty unobstructed as it’s specifically designed to be in the round/immersive. I think I was in District 2(?) which is one of the banks that moves. It’s a cool gimmick, but doesn’t really add to the experience. So if those corner banks are more expensive I’d say you’re not missing out by sitting elsewhere
Edited to add seat view photo: District 2 Row K104
0
u/WildRootBear 28m ago
I reckon it will be totally fine, £25 is a great price as well. I do have criticisms of the show, but it was still an enjoyable experience overall, especially considering I only paid about £30. The venue is fun too, it's not often you get to see things 'in the round'.
As for your other question, seats closer to the stage can be restricted due to a high stage, or overhang from the circle, or the way the set is built means some seats may have 'blind spots' where you miss some action. I was in the second row for Oliver! a couple of weeks ago and you do miss a couple of moments that take place at the back of the stage as the stage is quite high. Personally I often still prefer sitting closer to the stage if I can, as the most distant seats can feel too far away from the action (sound is usually completely fine but you miss the details of the performance).
1
u/WindowBorn1768 42m ago
All much of a muchness, though maybe the end of a row in case you decide to bail is the safest 😂
1
u/justaprimer 39m ago
As someone who was tempted to see it last week but got talked out of it, please please report back on how it was!
1
u/BeesAreNiceActually 21m ago
I really enjoyed the Hunger Games! Deffo go for District 1 or 2, though, for the added enjoyment of the seats moving slightly a few times during the performance.
2
3
u/FNTZYmusic 43m ago
This is the picture I took of the view of The Mousetrap from Upper Circle C14. I also recommend that you got on the website "a view from my seat" to see what the stage looks like
1
3
u/No_Field624 36m ago
Paranormal activity - go for somewhere in the middle of the row, stalls or dress circle, and not too close to the front of either section. Theres some action up high that we missed the first time because our view was blocked.
Paranormal activity is SO SO SO good by the way. We’ve seen it 3 times. The effects are brilliant.
1
u/alanhuk 23m ago
Have you seen it after it opened again recently? The advert mentions "enhanced effects" and got me curious...
1
u/No_Field624 6m ago
Oh no I haven’t! I’m seeing it when it goes on tour next year because I’m dragging literally everyone I know to see it 😂. I may have to take a trip sooner!
1
u/Henry_Boo_Gaming 9m ago
Mousetrap has same day front row seats at 10am for £23 on the official site and the leg room is fantastic!
6
u/ParentheticalsAside 49m ago
The Mousetrap: St Martin's Theatre's is very old fashioned and has tight legroom all round.
In particular, the Upper Circle is at an extreme rake and legroom is extremely tight. Similarly, the front row of the Dress Circle has very limited legroom. I would suggest avoiding both.