Stalls at the Garrick Theatre

The biggest level, 24 stairs down from the foyer. The rows run from A to X, with AA and BB added in front for some shows. Up to row L it's one wide block with no aisle at all; from row M it splits into a centre block and two side blocks. It suits anyone who wants to be close to the action, and anyone tall, because the legroom is better down here than in either circle.

Row by row, front to back

Rows AA to C. The stage is high, so from the front few rows you're looking up at it, and these rows sit directly behind one another rather than offset. Close, but not where we'd put you at top price. Row C is also tight for legroom.

Rows D to L. The pick. From row D the seats are offset, so you see between the heads in front, and you're far enough back to take in the whole stage. There's not much slope before row G, where the Dress Circle starts to overhang. At the very ends of rows E, F and H, the wall of the Boxes cuts off the near side of the stage, and there's a slim pillar at each end of row G.

Rows M and N. The level splits into three blocks here, and the overhang comes low enough that you start to lose the top of the stage. There are pillars at the ends of the centre block in row N. Row N in the side blocks has extra legroom, which makes those the Stalls seats for long legs, away from the centre-block pillars.

Row O to the back. This is where it gets harder to see. The overhang takes the top of the stage, the slope is gentle and the rows aren't offset, so a tall person in front matters more, and there are pillars at the ends of the centre block in row R. If you're sitting back here, the side blocks are the better choice, as the pillars affect them less. Legroom gets tight from row O for anyone over about 5ft 11. For musicals there's a sound desk at the very back.

Where the value is, and what to avoid

If you're going to sit at the back of the Stalls, take the side blocks: they're less affected by the pillars and usually sell for a fair bit less than the centre. For the view, though, we'd rather you were in front of row M or in the Dress Circle. The side seats in the front block are cheaper too, though they look at the stage a little side-on.

The seats to avoid are the ones behind the slim pillars: at the ends of the centre block in rows N and R, and just behind the pillars at the ends of row G. They're always marked as restricted when you book, so you'll know before you pay for one.

Getting there, drinks and toilets

The Stalls are 24 stairs down from the foyer, and there's no lift, so if stairs are difficult the step-free seats are in the Dress Circle. Once you're down, the Stalls bar is at the back of the level, which puts the back rows first in the queue at the interval, and the Stalls have their own Ladies and Gents.