Theatre Royal Drury Lane Seating Plan

There are four levels. The Stalls are on the ground floor, the Royal Circle and then the Grand Circle stack above them, and the Balcony sits at the top. Boxes flank the stage at Royal Circle and Grand Circle height, and a further row of them lines the back of the Royal Circle. Row letters repeat on every level, so a "row C" ticket means nothing until you know which level it's on.

Before you choose, look at the overhang, which is simply where the level above sits over the seats below. Sit far enough back under it and the top of your view is cropped: you see the underside of the level above rather than the full height of the stage. at the very back, it feels like you're looking through a letterbox. For most shows this barely matters, because the action stays on the stage itself, but for anything that uses height, flying sequences, staircases, action played up high up on the stage, it makes a real difference.

Where are the best seats at Theatre Royal Drury Lane?

Downstairs, it's the classic spot: the middle of the Stalls around rows F to K, close to the action and near eye level with the performers. One floor up, the Royal Circle's front rows in the centre, B to E, are just as good, with a wide elevated view that suits the scale of a Drury Lane musical.

For value, the Grand Circle is the level we recommend rather than just a budget option. Aim for the centre of rows A to C. The Side Stalls, rows K to P in the side blocks, are the other good buy: a strong clear view for a good deal less than the middle.

Stalls or Royal Circle: which is better?

At the same price, either. The Stalls put you closer and near eye level. The Royal Circle gives you the whole stage laid out below you, which suits a show with big dance numbers or projections. Go to the Stalls for faces, the Royal Circle for the full picture, and if the prices are close, rows F to K of the Stalls and rows B to E of the Royal Circle are equally good.

The levels at a glance

• Stalls, rows A to X. The best seats are the centre of F to K; the Side Stalls are the value, and the top of the set is cut from around row R
• Royal Circle, rows A to L. The front of the centre is the other best seat in the building, and the back rows feel closer than you'd expect for the price
• Grand Circle, rows A to K. Our value pick: the whole stage for a lot less, especially from the front of the centre
• Balcony, rows A to K. The cheapest seats and very high. Take the middle rows for the clearest view
• Boxes, at Royal Circle and Grand Circle level. Private, but side-on or set back, and for the view we'd book a seat in the centre instead

Where does the overhang start?

• Stalls: the Royal Circle comes over from around row N, and you start to lose the top of a tall set from around row R
• Royal Circle: the Grand Circle comes over from row E, and the top of the stage goes from around row J
• Grand Circle: the Balcony comes over from row F, and only the back row, K, loses the top of the stage
• Balcony: nothing above it

Taller, or bringing children?

Legroom improved a lot in the 2021 restoration. The Stalls are best, and the side blocks in row M have an empty row in front of them, so you get extra legroom and nobody sitting directly ahead. The Royal Circle, Grand Circle and Balcony are fine for most people up to about 5ft 8 or 5ft 9, a little less in their front rows.

For children, the Royal Circle and the Grand Circle are the levels to book, because the rake means they're not looking over the heads in front. The Stalls work well too with one of the theatre's free booster cushions, but there aren't many, so ask early.

Step-free seating

The lift reaches all four levels. Step-free rows are Stalls row M, Royal Circle row K, Grand Circle row E and Balcony row B. The access route has the detail.

The seating plan

The seating plan shows all four levels and the Boxes. Tap a section to see what's left on your date and what it costs, then pick your seat from there.

Call us on 020 7193 9050 if you'd like a hand reading it, or weighing a back-Stalls seat under the overhang against the front of the Grand Circle.