Royal Circle at the Harold Pinter Theatre

Rows A to F, 126 seats, the third level up: the level other theatres would call the Upper Circle. It suits anyone after a good view for less than the Stalls, as long as they aren't too tall.

Where we'd put you

The front of the Royal Circle. It's the third level, but the building is small enough that it feels almost like the Dress Circle of a lot of other theatres. It doesn't feel high, and a clear-view seat here gives you a fantastic view of the whole stage. The middle of rows B and C is where we'd look first.

Where the value is

Right here. The front of the Royal Circle is often a bit cheaper than the Stalls and the Dress Circle, and for a clear seat it's one of the best buys in the building. Tell us your budget on 020 7193 9050 and we'll find one.

What to avoid

• Directly behind a pillar. The pillars that hold up the Balcony stand in row B, and the seats behind them are the worst up here
• Row A, if you're tall. A bar runs across the front of the circle, with upright supports in rows A and B, and row A has the least legroom on the level
• The first and last five seats in each row, at full price. The circle curves round, so these face the stage at an angle

Like the Stalls, the Royal Circle is one long row with no aisle through the middle, so sit about a third of the way across.

Legroom in the Royal Circle

Tight. The front rows are cramped, and anyone over 6ft will struggle anywhere up here. If legroom decides it, the Stalls are the comfortable level.

Getting up there

The Royal Circle has its own entrance at the side of the building, shared with the Balcony. It's stairs only, with no lift.

Drinks and toilets

There's a bar on this level and toilets too, so you don't need to go back down at the interval.