Last week I went to Victoria Theatre to watch two shows - one Cantonese opera excerpts and one Cantonese songs concert. It was the first time I was there after the Theatre's renovation. The outside and inside of the Theatre have changed quite significantly.
I think the new seating arrangement is similar to that of the Esplanade Theatre. I was at the stalls section. The circle section was higher.
After the shows, feedback from audience who were at the circle seats were all negative - “steps too steep, no handrails, too dark, too high, can't see”.
As we all know, a lot of fans who watch Chinese opera shows are elderly folks. Some have weak legs. They walk slowly and carefully. Some use walking aids. A fall could have disastrous consequences.
Perhaps in future, organizers who want to use Victoria Theatre for Chinese opera shows could leave out the circle section.
