Dress Circle at the Cambridge Theatre

Rows A to J, 295 seats, one level above the Stalls. The theatre calls it the Dress Circle; you'll see it called the Royal Circle on some sites, and it's the same level.

It's easy to read on the plan. There are three blocks split by two aisles, and the side blocks are exactly 11 seats wide in every row from A to G, so the centre block is simply seats 12 onwards, up to seat 22 in row A and 26 in row G.

Where we'd put you

The centre block, rows B to G, seats 12 to 24. The front rows look straight down at the stage and are excellent, and because the level is properly tiered, you see over the row in front. For Matilda, the front centre is priced with the best Stalls seats, so choose it for the view from above rather than to save money.

Further back, rows G and H cost about the same as the back of the Stalls. From row H back you start to lose the very top of the set, but it shouldn't affect your view of Matilda.

The side blocks aren't poor seats, but if you're paying full price, you might as well be in the centre.

What to avoid

• Row A, if you're tall or short. A metal bar runs along the front of the Dress Circle, a little higher at the aisles, and row A is the only row that really notices it. The legroom there is tight for anyone over about 5ft 7.
• The ends of row J. It's a short back row of 14 seats, and there are rails at each end that cut slightly into the view.

Legroom in the Dress Circle

Fine up to about 5ft 11 everywhere except row A. The aisle seats give you a little extra room to move a leg.

Steps

The Dress Circle is 31 steps up from the ground floor, by stairs, with handrails on both sides and the step edges marked. Inside the circle, there are two steps between each row.

Drinks and toilets

The Dress Circle bar is on this level, 31 steps up from the foyer. The Gents are level with the bar, and the Ladies are up three more steps.