Grand Circle at the Piccadilly Theatre

Rows A to M at the top of the theatre, about 365 seats. It's the level for a lower budget: the view is clear, but it's steep, tight on legroom and a long climb.

Where we'd put you

The front rows, ideally around B to D in the centre. From there the stage doesn't feel far away and you see the whole of it. These are usually the cheapest seats in the theatre, but before you book up here, compare the price with the back of the Stalls, which puts you lower and closer if the gap is small.

What to avoid

Stay in front of row G. The rake is steep, and behind that the back rows feel high above the stage. If legroom or stairs matter, skip the Grand Circle altogether: it's the tightest level in the building and the steepest. There's no centre aisle up here either, so the middle of a row means climbing past people, and safety rails run along the front of the circle and at the row ends.

Getting up there, drinks and toilets

It's 70 steps up, with handrails, and there's no lift, so allow for the climb when you arrive, especially with the queue at the door. The Grand Circle Bar is at the top of the stairs, with the Ladies on the way up and the Gents at the top, by the bar.