Royal Alexandra Theatre
Upper Balcony

Upper Balcony Guide

The Upper Balcony is the highest and steepest section of the theatre, with a similar seating capacity to the Balcony. Running from Row A to J, seats curve in a semi-horseshoe shape around the stage, offering a variety of views. Two vertical aisles run the length of the auditorium, providing easy access to rows and a little extra legroom in aisle seats.

A steep rake and decent staggering ensures relatively unobstructed, if distant, views of the stage, although the rake causes seats in the Upper Balcony to have very limited legroom. Rows are wider at the front of the seating, reaching up to 46 seats that curve around the stage.

A safety rail runs in front of Row A, partially obstructing moments in rows behind. Seats are high-backed, and views are better in the centre, away from any restrictions.

Upper Balcony Front Left

The front-left area of the Upper Balcony is very steep, with at least two steps between each row to reach the front rows. There are good views of the stage from here, although the curve causes some side-angled views. A safety rail runs in front of Row A, occasionally hindering the view. Seats are higher numbered in this section, expanding to 46 and reducing toward the centre. Legroom is limited in this section due to the sharp rake.

Upper Balcony Front Right

The front-right area of the Upper Balcony is very steep, with at least two steps between each row to reach the front rows. There are good views of the stage from here, although curved rows may offer side-angled views. A safety rail runs in front of Row A, occasionally hindering the view. Seats are lower numbered in this section, beginning at 1 and reducing toward the centre. Legroom is limited in this section due to the raking of the seats.

Upper Balcony Centre

The centre of the Upper Balcony is the best place to sit in this section. A steep rake and staggered seating ensures good views with minimal obstructions. The height of the safety rail in front of Row A may cause momentary restriction, but not enough to hinder the view. Seats are high-backed and there is limited legroom. A head-on, panoramic view of the stage can be achieved from the Upper Balcony, although action often feels distant.

Upper Balcony Rear Left

The rear-left of the Upper Balcony is incredibly steep and can feel distant from the stage. A steep rake allows for a clearer view, although detail is difficult to see from here and legroom is very limited. There are limited obstructions though, as the ceiling does not overhang the stage. Rows curve toward the ends, but this does not significantly impact the view. Safety railings and handrails may occasionally hinder the view, but never drastically.

Upper Balcony Rear Right

The rear-right area of the Upper Balcony is very steep and can feel distant from the stage. The steep rake allows for a clearer view, although detail is difficult to see from here and legroom is very limited. There are limited viewing restrictions, as the ceiling does not overhang the stage. Rows curve toward the ends, but this does not significantly impact the view. Safety railings and handrails may occasionally hinder the view, but never drastically.

SeatPlan’s Best Views of the Stage

The best views in the Upper Balcony can be found in the centre of rows A-E, where there are limited obstructions and a head-on, panoramic view of the stage can be achieved. It is better to sit as centrally as possible, as seats at the ends of the rows are often the same price.

Best Legroom Seats

Legroom throughout the Upper Balcony is limited, so it is best to sit in aisle seats if extra legroom is necessary. Rows A-C probably offer the best legroom, with rear rows being the most limited due to the raked seating.

Tips

• A safety rail runs in front of Row A, which may cause momentary obstruction
• Rows are priced the same, so it is best to sit as centrally as possible
• A steep rake ensures limited obstructions throughout

Pricing

The Upper Balcony is a common option for those looking to buy tickets on a budget. A variety of prices are available, with rows A-C being the most expensive. As seats in the rows are priced equally, it is best to sit as centrally as possible. Rows D-E are mid-price and are the best option if looking for cheaper tickets with a decent view. Slightly cheaper tickets are available in rows F-G, due to the distance from the stage and limited comfort, whilst Row J offers the cheapest tickets in the entire theatre, due to being very distant from the stage.

Bars

A bar and refreshment counter is available in the Upper Balcony Lobby, which can be accessed step-free from the seating.

Toilets

Women’s and Men’s washrooms can be found on this level, step-free from the seating.