Balcony at the London Coliseum

Rows A to K, the top level and the cheapest seats in the building. It feels high, and it is, but the view is clearer than the height suggests.

Where we'd put you

Row K, in the centre. It's on the cheapest level in the building, it sits higher than the rows in front so it's easier to see over heads, and it has the best legroom up here, comfortable for people up to about 5ft 9 and a bit beyond.

Anywhere central on this level works. You see the whole stage from a long way up, and in the West End's biggest theatre that means faces are small. At Balcony prices, that's a fair trade.

What to avoid

• Rows A and B. A double safety rail runs across the front of the Balcony and gets in the way from both rows. Row A is also cramped.
• The small side blocks at the front. Little legroom and a restricted view.
• The far ends, if you want the whole stage. A side seat misses one corner of the stage. It's a small loss.

The Balcony seats

Up here the seats are fixed rather than tip-up, closer to a padded bench divided by armrests, and comfortable enough for a full show. Some of the aisle-end seats in row K have no armrest on the aisle side, which gives you a little more room.

Stairs and the lift

The lift reaches the Balcony and row K, the step-free row, where the level's six transfer seats are. The seating plan marks 20 steps on this level. Walking up from the foyer is 86 steps, so allow a few extra minutes. There are handrails along the outer walls down to about row D from the back.

Drinks and toilets

Right at the top of the building is the Balcony Bar. Through it you'll find the Trafalgar Room, which has a grand piano and looks out towards Nelson's Column. The toilets on this level include an accessible one, which has two steps.