Balcony at His Majesty's Theatre

The top level, behind and above the Grand Circle, and 90 steps up. It's the cheapest level in the building and it feels a long way from the show.

Our advice: look at the Royal Circle first

For similar money, a restricted-view seat in the Royal Circle is closer and more comfortable. If the Balcony is clearly cheaper than that, or it's the only way you're getting in, book it, but it isn't the level we'd recommend for Phantom.

If you do book the Balcony

The centre, rows B and C, is the best of it. The two centre blocks only run from row A to row C, and the side blocks go further back.

What to avoid

• Row A, unless you're about 5ft or under. Row B suits people up to about 5ft 2, and the other rows are only a little better.
• The side blocks. The curve of the level below cuts off the front of the stage, the seats have little legroom, and the outermost ones are against a wall.
• Seats beside the safety rails, which get in the way of the view, particularly from row B back.

Seats 10 and 27 in rows A to C, and 18 and 19 in rows B and C, have both limited legroom and a restricted view.

What it's like up here

It's steep, it can get warm when it's full, and the sound is thinner here than anywhere else in the building. You see the whole stage, but from a long way off.

Steps, and your entrance

It's 90 steps up from the ground floor, there's no lift, and there are two steep steps between each row. Like the Grand Circle, the Balcony has its own entrance rather than the main doors, so check your ticket.

Drinks and toilets

There are toilets on this level, but no bar, so order your interval drink on the way up and it'll be waiting.