Grand Circle at the Gielgud Theatre

Rows A to J, the top level and the cheap one, 60 steps up with no lift. It comes in two parts. Rows A to E are one block with no aisle. Behind a low wall, rows F to J are split into two by a central aisle, which makes those rows easier to get in and out of than anything in the Stalls.

Who it suits

Anyone on a budget who doesn't mind heights. It's 60 steps up and steep, so if heights make you uneasy, book the Dress Circle instead.

Where we'd put you

The front block, rows B to E, as central as you can get. They're clear and good value. Row A has the rail right in front of it, and anyone over about 5ft 4 will find its legroom short.

At Oliver!, you'll lose the heads of a couple of characters for about 20 seconds when they cross a walkway high above the stage.

What to avoid

• The two seats at each end of a row. The curve of the Grand Circle cuts off the corner of the stage nearest to them.
• Seats with the safety rail in your line. It runs along the front of the Grand Circle and comes into view from some seats, and it's double height where it meets the aisles, so the far ends of the back rows have it in their line of sight. Both sides lose the same amount, so there's no better side to pick. In the front rows, expect to sit forward for part of the show: some people find the rail gets in the way, others that the angle of the seat does.

The Slips

The Slips are six seats at each side of the front of the Grand Circle, and the seating plan marks them as row AA. They curve round, so you lose a fair bit at the sides and corners, and the legroom is poor. They are also much cheaper, and they put you as close to the stage as anything on this level, which is why we like them more than that description suggests.

Legroom

Rows B and C suit most people up to about 5ft 10, row D is tighter at its ends, and row E has the most on this level. From row F back it's cramped, and row F most of all, because the low wall in front of it takes up toe space.

Steps

It's 60 steps up from the foyer, and there's no lift. If the stairs are a worry, the Dress Circle is 23.

Drinks and toilets

There are toilets on this level. Order your interval drink at the bar before the show and it will be waiting at the break.