Stalls at the Harold Pinter Theatre

Rows A to U, 416 seats, about half the theatre. This is the level for anyone who wants to see the actors' faces, and the most comfortable one for legroom.

Where we'd put you

The centre of rows E to K. You're close enough to see every expression, far enough back to take in the whole stage, and in front of both the pillars and the overhang.

The front rows are worth having too if you like being close. The stage isn't high, so you're not craning up at it, and in a theatre this size row A puts you almost in the play.

Go about a third of the way across the row rather than dead centre. There's no aisle through the middle of the Stalls, so it's much easier to get out at the interval.

Where the value is

Further back, if you pick around the pillars. From row N back the seats are often cheaper, and the seats nearer the side aisles see past one pillar at most. Behind one you lose part of the stage, so pick the exact seat. We'd take a well-placed seat back here over most seats upstairs at the same price, because the Stalls are more comfortable.

What to avoid

  • Directly behind a pillar. Two pillars stand in row M, about a third and two-thirds of the way across, and there's one more in the centre of row S, so from row N back you look past them. Seats exactly in line with one are the ones to skip at full price.
  • The ends of rows C to H. The first and last two seats in each of these rows sit outside the frame of the stage, and they're too close for the angle to improve
  • C1, C21, K1 and K20, if you're tall. A slim pillar stands in front of your legs, though it doesn't block the view

The overhang

The Dress Circle is above you from row L, but it only clips the top of the stage from about row Q. For most plays staged here you won't miss anything that matters. In those rear rows, the pillars matter more than the overhang.

Legroom in the Stalls

The best in the building, and fine for most people, apart from the four pillar seats above if you're tall.

Steps to the Stalls

There's no lift to this level. It's 29 steps down from street level. The step-free seats are in the Dress Circle.

Drinks and toilets

There's a bar on this level, and toilets too. The biggest bar is the one in the foyer. To skip the interval queue, order drinks to your seat.

Stalls FAQs

Are the back rows of the Stalls good at the Harold Pinter Theatre?

They can be good value. The two pillars in row M come into view from row N back, and the circle above clips the top of the stage from about row Q. Seats nearer the side aisles see past one pillar at most.

Is the front row of the Stalls too close?

Not here. The stage isn't high, so you're not looking up much, and you see every expression. If being close is what you want, the front rows are a good choice.

Is there a centre aisle in the Stalls?

No. The Stalls are one long block, so sit about a third of the way across the row for an easier exit at the interval.