Elgin Theatre
Balcony

Balcony Guide

The Balcony is located just behind the Mezzanine, but not in a separate tier. Continuing up a steep rake, a wide horizontal aisle divides Row H of the Mezzanine and Row J of the Balcony, with a safety rail running in front of Row J. Balcony rows span J-S, becoming wider toward the rear of the auditorium, where views begin to vary.

Rows become less curved and seats face the stage slightly more head-on, with reduced comfort and legroom due to staggered seating, safety rails and support pillars. This section is divided into four blocks of seating by three steep, stepped, vertical aisles.

Four support pillars are dotted throughout Row N and Row O, causing view and comfort restrictions in seats immediately surrounding them. Due to the height of the Balcony, views may feel distant, particularly in rows O-S, where the rake becomes extreme and seats are positioned at the far sides of the theatre against the wall.

Balcony Front Left

Rows in the front-left of the Balcony barely curve toward the stage, however this does not restrict sight-lines in seats at the far ends of rows. Seats are higher-numbered in this area, reaching up to 408 and decreasing toward the centre. A high safety rail sits in front of Row J, which may restrict the view in seats directly behind. A steep rake and staggered seating allows for limited obstructions from other patrons, however views can begin to feel distant from here, and the rake occasionally limits legroom.

Balcony Front Right

Rows in the front-right of this area curve very minimally toward the stage, however this does not restrict sight-lines in seats at the far ends of rows. Seats are lower-numbered in this area, beginning at 101 and increasing toward the centre. A high safety rail sits in front of Row J, occasionally restricting the view in seats directly behind. A steep rake and staggered seating means limited obstructions from other patrons, however views feel distant from here, and the rake occasionally limits legroom.

Balcony Centre

The centre is the best place to sit in the Balcony, divided into two blocks of seating by a steep, vertical aisle. A sharp rake ensures limited obstructions but causes limited legroom, but staggered seating allows for clear sight-lines. Due to the height of this section, detail can potentially be missed, however central seats allow for a panoramic view of the stage. A safety rail runs in front of Row J, restricting the view and comfort of seats directly behind, whilst two large support pillars in Row O significantly hinder the view in seats next to and behind them.

Balcony Rear Left

Rows in the rear-left of the Balcony are angled toward the stage, with seats at the ends of rows up against a wall. Safety rails run through this section but do not obstruct the view, however thick support pillars in Row N significantly affect the view and comfort in surrounding seats. A steep rake and staggered seating contributes to clear sight-lines; however action can feel very distant and legroom is limited. Seats in the rear-left are higher-numbered, reaching a maximum of 408 and decreasing toward the centre.

Balcony Rear Right

Rows in the rear-right are curve minimally toward the stage, with seats at the ends of rows placed up against the theatre wall. Safety rails run through the section but do not obstruct the view, however thick support pillars in Row N significantly affect the view and comfort in surrounding seats. Staggered seating and a steep rake contribute to clear sight-lines; however action feels distant from here and legroom is limited. Seats in the rear-right are higher-numbered, beginning at 101 and increasing toward the centre.

SeatPlan’s Best Views of the Stage

The centre of the Balcony provides the best views in this section, particularly in the middle of rows J-L. Sitting here achieves a head-on, panoramic view of the stage with minimal obstructions. Alternatively, sitting anywhere in the mid-front of this section can allow for a decent view of large-scale musicals.

Best Legroom Seats

Seats along the five aisles in the Balcony allow for slightly extra legroom, although comfort throughout the Balcony is limited due to the steep rake.

Tips

• A safety rail runs in front of Row J, which could affect the view in seats directly behind
• Support pillars in Row N and Row O obstruct the view in surrounding seats

Pricing

Balcony seats are typically good for bargain-hunters, as views are mostly clear despite the distance from the stage. Prices are uniform throughout the row, so it is advisable to sit as centrally as possible to get the best value for money, and to also avoid seats near the support pillars. Higher priced tickets can be found in rows J-L, with rows M-S the next price bracket down, due to the distance from the stage.

Bars

Bars, concession stands, and lounges are available on all levels of the theatre.

Toilets

Women’s and Men’s toilets can be found on this level.