Is the Dress Circle good at the Sondheim Theatre?

Yes, at the front. The first few rows in the middle show you the whole stage in one go, which is why we'd pick them for a first visit.

Which Dress Circle seats have a restricted view?

The slip seats along the two front sides and the loges behind them. Both are marked restricted when you book, and priced lower.

Sondheim Theatre Dress Circle | View From the Seats and the Best Rows

Rows A to L, one level up and 300 seats in a single central block, with a line of slip seats along each front side and a loge behind each line of slips. It's the level for anyone who wants to see all of the stage at once.

Where we'd put you

The front rows, in the middle. You get a good overall view of the whole stage from here, and at Les Misérables that means the barricade and the big crowd scenes in one frame.

The ends of rows C, D and E are the ones to ask about. They usually sell at a significantly lower price than the middle and still have a good, if not perfect, view of the stage. The sides of the Dress Circle are also better than the loges, though you'll still be watching slightly side-on.

What to avoid

The slip seats and the loges, unless they're cheap. They run down both sides of the level and they're very side-on, so you lose the corners of the stage. Most of the action is centre stage and you don't miss much of the show, but if they're priced at around £80 to £100 they're not worth it.
Row A, if you're tall. The front wall leaves the least legroom on the level, and above about 5ft 5 you'll feel it.
The back rows, if the top of the stage matters to you. The Grand Circle hangs over the back of this level and cuts off the top of the stage. Row L also sits on the gangway at the back, so you'll hear anyone leaving early.

Legroom in the Dress Circle

Rows B to J are fine for people up to about 5ft 7, row K up to about 5ft 10 and row L up to about 5ft 9. For a longer leg, take an aisle seat at the end of rows B to K, where you can stretch one out. The slip seats are cramped.

Steps, and the step-free way in

The Dress Circle is 18 steps above the foyer, with no lift. Row D can be reached without any steps, through a side door on Wardour Street. That's where the transfer seats are, and the access page has the details.

Drinks and toilets

The Dress Circle Bar is on this level. It's one of the two big bars in the theatre, and the one we'd head for. There are toilets on this level too.

Dress Circle at the Sondheim Theatre