Circle at the Dorfman Theatre
Two rows, N and P, running across the back and down both sides and looking down on the stage. It's level with the foyer, which makes it the easiest part of the theatre to reach, and it's where the wheelchair spaces are. Unlike the Pit below, it's built in, so it sits in the same place for every production.
Who books the Circle, and what it costs
People who'd rather look down on the action than sit level with it, and people avoiding stairs. Centre row N is usually at the top non-premium price, with row P behind it a band cheaper.
Where we would sit
Row P. Raised seats with fold-out footrests, cheaper than the row in front, and the extra height keeps a slice of the near stage that row N gives away to the side wall. Row N costs more and sees less, which is the wrong way round.
Down the sides, work towards the stage: the further in you sit the more stage you keep, at the price of turning your head further to watch it.
What to know before you book the sides
The side rows lose at least a tenth of the near side of the stage to the wall, and more when the people in front lean forward. A few seats in row P have a pillar clipping the edge of the view. The plan doesn't always mark them, and some have sold at full price, so ask before booking the side sections of row P.
Choosing between a side seat up here and a side seat in the Pit at the same price, take the Pit. Rows L and M down there keep the edges of the stage that the Circle sides give away.
Legroom
Row N is cramped for anyone over about 5ft 8. Row P is better for taller people, though there's less knee room than the raised seats make it look. Neither row has an aisle break, so once you're in you're settled until the interval. If that would bother you, sit near one of the ends.
Getting to your seat
Straight off the foyer through swing doors, which are held open with staff on them before and after the performance. The floor is flat with a slight slope and the doors give directly on to row N; most of the seats are then one or two steps up. Access has the detail.
Circle FAQs
Which is better at the Dorfman Theatre, Circle row N or row P?
Row P, almost always, and it is usually the cheaper of the two as well. The height is what buys you the difference.
How many steps are there into the Circle at the Dorfman Theatre?
None to reach row N: the doors from the foyer open straight on to it. The rest of the Circle is one or two steps up from there, with handrails on both sides. This is also the level that holds the two wheelchair spaces, and access has the full route.
Is the view from the Circle at the Dorfman Theatre restricted?
Nothing overhangs the Circle. What costs you is the side wall, which takes at least a tenth of the near side of the stage from the side seats, and pillars in front of a few seats in row P. The centre of both rows is clear.