Princess of Wales Theatre
Orchestra

Orchestra Guide

The Orchestra in the Princess of Wales Theatre is the closest section to the stage and is divided into five blocks of seats of varying size: one large central block and four side blocks that curve slightly around the stage. Rows run from AA to W, with seats ranging from 3-48. Rows become wider toward the rear of the section, offering a variety of views that fall into different ticket prices.

The Dress Circle overhang begins at around Row H but does not hinder the view until around Row P, where it may cause minor restrictions in large-scale musicals. Seats are designed to be comfortable and staggered to offer good sight-lines throughout.

Vertical aisles run down the Orchestra, and a large horizontal aisle divides the side sections, between Row GG and Row B, offering excellent extra legroom. Premium seats can be found in the front-centre of the Orchestra.

There are two Boxes either side of the front of the auditorium, offering close-up but side-on views of the stage.

Orchestra Front Left

Rows in the front-left section of the Orchestra curve slightly to face the stage, which allows good sight-lines from any seat. A large horizontal aisle is situated behind Row GG, allowing easy access to this small block of seating. This area runs from Row AA to GG, with seats reaching higher numbers toward the left of the auditorium. There are excellent views from these seats, as they are positioned incredibly close to the stage. Slightly cheaper seats can be found at the far ends of the rows.

Orchestra Front Right

Rows in the front-right section of the Orchestra curve slightly to face the stage, allowing for good sight-lines from any seat. A large horizontal aisle is situated behind Row GG, allowing easy access to this block of seating. This section runs from Row AA to GG, with seats reaching lower numbers toward the right of the auditorium. Excellent views can be found in this block, as the seats are incredibly close to the stage. Slightly cheaper seats can be found at the far ends of the rows.

Orchestra Centre

The Orchestra Centre offers some of the best views in the theatre. Spanning rows AA-W, premium price seats can be found throughout this section, particularly in rows AA-E. Offering head-on, close-up views of the entire stage, the majority of the seats in this block are a good option, as the Dress Circle overhang only kicks in at Row P and does not significantly hinder the view, even toward the rear of the theatre. This allows for some slightly cheaper ticket prices in this location.

Orchestra Rear Left

The rear-left of the Orchestra is a larger seating block than the front-left, with rows spanning B-U and curving around the stage. Due to the contemporary build of the theatre, seats are staggered and ensure good sight-lines, even toward the far ends of rows. A large horizontal aisle runs in front of Row B, allowing for significantly extra legroom. Due to the Dress Circle overhang and the positioning of the seats, tickets are slightly cheaper from Row R onward, and can sometimes offer decent bargains.

Orchestra Rear Right

The rear right of the Orchestra is a larger block of seating than the front-right, with rows that span B-U and curve around the stage. Due to the contemporary build of the theatre, seats are staggered and ensure good sight-lines, even toward the far ends of the rows. A large horizontal aisle runs in front of Row B, allowing for significantly extra legroom. Due to the Dress Circle overhang and the positioning of the seats, tickets are slightly cheaper from Row R onward, and can sometimes offer decent bargains.

SeatPlan’s Best Views of the Stage

Rows AA-E of the Orchestra Centre offer the most immersive experience, along with with a premium price tag. Alternatively sitting in the centre of rows E-H can achieve an impressive overview of the entire stage, especially if watching a large-scale musical.

Best Legroom Seats

Good legroom seats can be found in Row B of the Orchestra, where a large horizontal aisle allows seats 8-16 and 35-43 to have extra space. Aisle seats also offer extra legroom.

Tips

• Seats behind Row P may be minimally affected by the Dress Circle overhang
• Pillars at the ends of rows B, G and L could potentially obstruct seats directly behind

Pricing

Seats in the Orchestra are often similarly priced, however Row AA to Row E are premium seats and are the most expensive in the section. Row AA to Row Q are top price tickets, but there are some slightly cheaper options toward the ends of rows. The cheapest tickets in this section can be found at the rear of the auditorium in rows R-U.

Bars

A bar and refreshment counter is available in the Orchestra Lobby, which is step-free from the entrance and Main Lobby of the theatre, and from the Orchestra. The CAA Lounge can also be found on the basement level, which can be accessed via a lobby elevator.

Toilets

Women’s and Men’s toilets can be found on this level. Accessible facilities are also available.