Baylis Circle at the Old Vic

The top level of the theatre, 49 steps up. There's a central block of seats and, along both sides, rows of benches. In this layout you look down onto the stage from above rather than across at it, which suits the side seats better than usual.

Where the value is

The middle of row F. It's usually priced below the rows in front, and the view is much the same. Row G is cheaper again at some productions. In the rows in front, the middle of rows B and D is the pick.

The side benches are the cheapest seats in the theatre, and they look down onto the stage, so the view is better than you'd expect. But they're backless, padded steps rather than seats, and they're sold as severely restricted.

What to avoid

Avoid row A and the ends of row B, where the edge of the circle cuts into your view of the stage. If you want something to lean on, skip the back row of benches too, which has only a rail behind it.

Legroom, stairs and toilets

Legroom is tight throughout, about 20 to 35cm from seat to row. The seats further in from the aisles have a little more room, rows G and H are fine for anyone up to about 5ft 8, and the centre seats are on the narrow side, with upright backs. It's 49 steps up to the seats and the bar, with no lift to this level, so give yourself a few extra minutes to climb.

The Baylis Circle has its own bar, open an hour before the show, and the toilets on this level are the ones the Dress Circle and the Boxes use too.