Rhoda McGaw Theatre Woking Seating Plan — Your Complete Guide
The Rhoda McGaw Theatre is an intimate, single-level auditorium with 228 seats arranged across 9 rows of raked seating. Known locally as “The Rhoda”, it sits within the same Peacocks Centre complex as the New Victoria Theatre and has been a cornerstone of Woking’s community performing arts scene since 1975.
Unlike the large-scale New Victoria Theatre next door, the Rhoda McGaw is an intimate space where no seat is far from the stage. The compact layout and consistent rake mean sightlines are good from virtually every position in the house — one of the genuine pleasures of this venue.
Rhoda McGaw Theatre Woking seating plan — 228 seats across 9 rows of raked seating
Understanding the Rhoda McGaw layout
The Rhoda McGaw has a single flat-floored stage (58 feet wide wall to wall, with a 36-foot curtain opening) and a straightforward single-tier raked auditorium. There are no circles, balconies or boxes — just 9 rows of tiered seats arranged in a horseshoe configuration facing the stage. This makes seating decisions much simpler than at larger multi-level theatres.
The theatre holds 228 seats in total, with two dedicated wheelchair spaces at the rear of the auditorium. The intimate scale means even the back row is relatively close to the stage — an important consideration for first-time visitors expecting a large theatrical space.
Best seats at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre
Front rows (rows A–C)
The front rows place you very close to the stage — ideal for productions where you want to feel immersed in the performance. For dance shows, youth theatre, and community productions where energy and proximity matter, the front rows offer an exciting close-up experience.
Bear in mind that the flat stage means you may be looking slightly upward from the very front row (Row A). Row B or C often strikes the ideal balance between closeness and comfort for most productions.
Middle rows (rows D–F) — the sweet spot
The middle rows are widely considered the best all-round seats in the Rhoda McGaw. The rake has built up enough height to give excellent sightlines across the full stage, while you are still close enough to the performance to feel connected to the action. For most productions — musicals, plays, comedy — rows D, E and F in the centre of the auditorium offer the most satisfying experience.
Rear rows (rows G–I)
The rear rows benefit from the full rake height and a bird’s-eye view of the stage. Given the intimate scale of the Rhoda McGaw, even the back row (Row I) is not far from the stage — this is not a large auditorium where rear seats feel distant. These seats are a good option for those who prefer a slight elevation and an overview of the full stage picture, particularly for dance and choreography-heavy productions.
Side seats
The outer seats on each row have a slight side angle towards the stage. Given the Rhoda McGaw’s compact width, even the outermost seats are not extreme. For most productions this is a minor consideration, though for shows with staging concentrated at one side of the stage it is worth being aware of.
What kind of shows does the Rhoda McGaw host?
The Rhoda McGaw primarily hosts community and amateur theatre productions, dance showcases, youth theatre, school performances, and occasional professional touring productions suited to an intimate venue. It has a particularly strong relationship with local drama groups including the Woking Drama Association (WDA), which uses the theatre for its annual Drama Festival.
Productions here have included amateur musical theatre, dance recitals from local schools and studios, comedy nights, and intimate concerts. The excellent acoustics noted by audiences and performers make it well-suited to musical and vocal performances. The atmosphere is warm and community-focused — very different from the large-scale commercial productions at the New Victoria next door.
Accessibility at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre
The Rhoda McGaw Theatre has good accessibility provision. Lift access is available to the auditorium, making it accessible for visitors with mobility requirements. There are two dedicated wheelchair spaces at the rear of the auditorium — these should be booked in advance through the box office to guarantee availability.
Level access is provided to the box office, foyer bar and toilets. An infrared audio enhancement system operates throughout the auditorium, with headsets or necklace-style devices available through the box office in advance. Guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcome throughout the venue.
For specific accessibility requirements, contact the box office directly on 0333 009 6690.
Rhoda McGaw Theatre — practical information
Address: The Ambassadors, Peacocks Centre, Woking, GU21 6GQ
Capacity: 228 seats across 9 rows
Stage: Flat stage, 58 feet wide wall to wall, 36-foot curtain opening
Box office: Opens 90 minutes before each performance
Bar: Foyer bar open before performances
Parking: Peacocks Centre undercover car park (2,500 spaces) — entrance on Level One of the Blue car park is closest to the theatre
By train: Woking station is a 5-minute walk
Entrance: Gloucester Square, opposite Woking Borough Council
A brief history of the Rhoda McGaw Theatre
Construction of the Rhoda McGaw began in 1973 as part of the Woking Centre Halls complex, opening in 1975 under the management of Mike Kelly. The theatre was named in memory of local councillor Rhoda McGaw, who championed Woking Council’s investment in the local dramatic community.
When the Centre Halls complex was demolished in the late 1980s to make way for the Peacocks Centre redevelopment, the Rhoda was saved following significant community pressure and was incorporated into the new development. It reopened in 1992 alongside the new New Victoria Theatre. The venue underwent a major £400,000 refurbishment from 2012 onwards, funded jointly by ATG and Woking Council.
Now managed by ATG Entertainment on behalf of Woking Borough Council — which still owns the theatre — the Rhoda McGaw continues to serve its original purpose: providing a home for Woking’s community performers alongside the professional productions at the New Victoria.
Booking tickets for the Rhoda McGaw Theatre
Tickets for professional productions at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre are available through ATG Tickets. Many community and amateur productions book directly through their own groups — check individual show listings for booking details.
Browse upcoming shows at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre and book tickets