Second Circle at Sadler's Wells
4 shows on now · From £18 · See shows
The top level, rows A to Q, and the cheapest. You're high above the stage, which shows you the whole of it, and the front rows feel closer than you'd expect. The catches are legroom and height: it gets steep towards the back.
Where we'd put you
Rows A to D, in the middle. The view from the front of the Second Circle is clear, and it can feel closer to the stage than the back of the First Circle below. In row A, sit at least two seats in from the aisle, as on the level below.
The two small side blocks by row L are worth a look. They're angled towards the stage, with nothing in front but a rail and a drop, which gives you room for your legs, and they're often a better buy than the middle of row L.
What to avoid
The back rows if you're tall or don't like heights. From about row H the circle gets steep, and almost every row behind the front is cramped for anyone over about 5ft 6. The very back row is a long way from the stage, though you still see all of it, and it's where the cheapest seats in the theatre are.
Legroom
The tightest in the theatre. Row A suits people up to about 5ft 8, but behind it most rows are tight for anyone over 5ft 6. The exceptions are Q3 and Q31, in the back row, with nothing in front of them.
The slips
The same layout as the First Circle below: high bar stools with no back nearest the stage, with a side view that loses the top of the stage, and movable chairs behind them. The chairs up here have a little more room than the ones below, fine for most people up to about 5ft 7.
Getting there, bars and toilets
The lift goes up to this level, but there are steps to every seat, so there's no step-free seating up here. You come in at row F, two steps up from the entrance, then it's three steps per row down to the front or up to the back. The access page has the step-free options on the lower levels.
There's a bar on this level, open an hour before the show.
Second Circle FAQs
Is the Second Circle at Sadler's Wells too high?
Not at the front. Rows A to D give a clear view of the whole stage and feel closer than you'd think. From about row H it's steep, so if heights bother you, stay in rows A to D.
Is the back of the Second Circle worth it?
For a low price, yes, as long as legroom isn't a worry. You see the whole stage from a distance. Over 5ft 6, the back rows will feel cramped, so go for Q3 or Q31 if you can.