Balcony at the Palace Theatre

Rows A to O, at the very top, 77 steps up from the foyer. It's the cheapest level and one of the biggest, around 330 seats, and it's the level we'd steer you away from.

Where we'd put you

Lower down, if you can. The Balcony is one of the steepest in the West End. The theatre is big but not deep, so the Balcony sits very high and nearly over the stage: you look straight down at it instead of across at it, and it feels detached from the rest of the theatre. Given the choice at the same money, we'd go for a restricted view in the Stalls, Dress Circle or Grand Circle every time.

If the Balcony is what fits the budget, take the centre block, rows E to H. You're behind the handrails and not yet at the steepest part.

What to avoid

• Rows A to D. Handrails run across the front of the Balcony and get in the way of the view from all four rows.
• The side blocks. They're narrow, there are metal posts at the ends of the rows, and the view is more restricted.
• The back rows, if you don't like heights. From about row J the steps get even steeper.

The layout

There's no centre aisle up here. The Balcony has a wide centre block with an aisle down each side, and two narrow side blocks beyond them.

Legroom in the Balcony

Very poor in almost every seat, and worst in row A. An aisle seat gives one leg some room.

Stairs and the lift

Allow a few extra minutes: the Balcony is 77 steps up from the foyer and there's no lift.

Drinks and toilets

There's a bar at the top, and toilets on this level, so you won't need to go back down the 77 steps at the interval.