Balcony at Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Rows A to K, the top level and usually the cheapest seats in the building. It's very high and very steep, and you're a long way from the stage, but the view from the centre takes in all of it.

Where we'd put you

The middle rows, in the centre. They give the clearest view on this level, clear of the safety rail at the front and not as far back as the last rows.

If you'd rather be a little closer, take the front rows and accept the rail. The metal safety bars along the front don't block much, and those seats are often sold for less because they count as slightly restricted.

Row K, the back row, is raised above the row in front and has a footrail and extra legroom. It's the furthest seat from the stage in the building, so book it for the price rather than the view.

What to avoid

• This level, if heights bother you. Take the Royal Circle or the Stalls instead.
• The seats at the very ends of the rows. The Balcony curves, and from the edge you look across that curve and miss part of the stage on the far side.
• Rows B and C if you hate distractions. When people in row A lean forward to see past the rail, they block the rows behind.

Legroom in the Balcony

Much like the Grand Circle below: fine up to about 5ft 8 for most people, slightly tighter in row A, and roomiest in row K at the back.

Steps and the lift

It's 112 steps up from the ground floor, so take the lift if you can. It goes to the front of the Balcony, and row B is step-free from it. There are no wheelchair spaces on this level.

Drinks and toilets

There are toilets up here, but no accessible toilet on this level; the nearest is in the Grand Circle, off row E. The closest bars are the Grand Saloon and The Terrace, two floors down on the Royal Circle, and the lift will take you.