I'm from the U.S. - Can anyone tell me what the "standing stalls" theater layout is like at the Carling Apollo Hammersmith? I can view the seating/standing chart but am not familiar with a "standing" layout in front of the stage. Is it one big area where people stand wherever they can rather than like the U.S. venues where there are chairs (assigned seats) set up on the floor? Thanks for any info.

Yup - it's an open area where you can stand where you like. Near the front if you like a good old crush, or a bit nearer the back where there's a bit of room to breathe and easier access to the bar. If you are after comfort and are less than 6 foot tall, you may be better in the seats upstairs.

Thanks, Mr. Magoo. Is there any slope to the floor or no, and that's why you suggested the height restriction and the seats at the back for shorter people? Does the size of the floor compare to area of U.S. sport arenas (that large)?

There's two possible layouts for the venue - either all seating, which tends to be uncommon, or all standing downstairs (capacity 5035) and seating upstairs. I seem to remember there is a slope downstairs, but the view is not great if you are under 6 foot. I guess it all depends on who you are seeing and whether you prefer the mad crush downstairs or the more refined upstairs! I certainly don't think it is as big as the arena's you are mentioning - 3000 seats upstairs - 5000 standing downstairs.

Thanks again, Mr. Magoo. Ticketmaster allows only one seat choice, "Best Available," and so far they've only provided the standing stalls location. Perhaps they sell those out before they start releasing the seated sections. Last question about your perspective - does the "seating upstairs" hang over the "standing downstairs" like a balcony? Thanks again for your perspctive.

Yup - balcony overhangs.
Might be that seats have sold out!

I see - floor seats (the front half, anyway) typically sell out first in the U.S. My friend found a mention of "Dress Circle" seating in a concert venue - can you describe that? Thanks again!

Some of the concert venues in London are very similar in layout to a more traditional London theatre - downstairs stalls (standing area at Hammersmith) and two or three levels of balcony, of which the dress circle is usually the lower balcony. Hammersmith just has a downstairs and one level of balcony - do you know which venue your friend is referring to?

P.S. In the distant past 'dress circles' were generally the most expensive seats and there was an expectation that you dressed accordingly!! Needless to say, there are generally no dress codes today

My friend was out of touch today, but I'll ask him which venue he found the dress circle seats in. I'm guessing it was at Hammersmith, because we're only looking for tickets to the one concert, and it's there. Checking .......