Where’s The Best Place To Sit In The Spielman Theatre?

Have you been to the Spielman Theatre? If not, here’s our seating guide

The Spielman Theatre opened in 2018 as part of Tobacco Factory Theatres. The flexible performance space has tiered retractable seating which means it can be used as both as studio space as well as a seated venue for theatre.

Its capacity is for 72 people. It does have what’s called low banquette seating in the front row. Some shows will use this but others won’t. When it’s being used, it increases the audience capacity to 84.

If you’ve seen a show in the main Factory Theatre, you may well have seen low banquette seating in this space. It is the extremely low seating right at the very front.

So where is the best place to sit when watching a performance? This depends upon what your needs might be. Every seat in this auditorium has excellent views with no obstructions.

The best sight lines will be those centrally in rows C – E.

But Disabled people need to have more specific information around accessibility. In the first instance, it’s always best to speak to the theatre’s knowledgeable staff.

From a neurodivergent perspective, Row G is likely to be one of the best.

G1 is right next to two walls. However, it feels slightly more spacious than the other seats. There will never be anyone sitting right behind you or to the right because there are solid walls.

You can only get to these seats by walking along rows. This can make it more awkward for people with chronic pain. But, if you sit near the wall, you won’t have to move during the incoming when other people are arriving – or during the interval.

If you struggle more with mobility or are a wheelchair user, it’s best to speak to theatre staff when booking.

However, the seats on the end of the row nearest the auditorium entrance are most easily accessible.

The low banquette seating is possibly best avoided depending on what accessibility needs you have. But if struggling to get out of seats is an issue on a typical day, these would be extremely difficult.

For people who like to sit near a visible exit, B12 is a good one. You will be as close as possible to the auditorium exit which will be in your vision at all times. You will also be able to take your seat last. When the performance finishes you are likely to be the first one out. Turning straight to the right and down the stairs leads you right out of the building.

For people with an urgent toilet need, B12 would make the simplest way to leave the performance with the least disturbance.

The overall beauty of The Spielman is that the seats are comfortable. The seating has decent leg room. The space doesn’t get too hot or too cold. Best of all are the views, which are excellent no matter where you choose to sit.

Featured Image: Backstage Bristol photograph of the preset for Gurt Haunted from G Row