Grand Circle at the Lyric Theatre
Now playing: Hadestown From £30 Book tickets
Rows A to G, the third level, 25 steps up from the foyer. You'll also see it called the Upper Circle, and it's the same level.
Who the Grand Circle suits
Anyone choosing between the cheaper seats. From up here you're looking down on the stage, but you're a lot closer to it than from the Balcony. Row A runs a long way down the side walls towards the stage. Further back the level is in three parts, a middle block facing the stage and a block down each side.
Where we'd put you
The front of the side blocks, rows B to E. The view is side-on and you're looking down, but for about £10 more than a Balcony seat you're a long way closer to the stage. It's the one to take if you're choosing between cheap seats. The seats nearest the aisle give you room to stretch one leg.
In the centre block, rows B and C are the best of the level, and reasonably priced for what they are.
What to avoid
Anything in row A numbered 3 to 12 or 36 to 45. Those are the seats along the side walls, above the Boxes, and the ledge in front of them takes a lot of the stage.
The far outer ends of the side blocks, where rails and lighting equipment start to appear in shot.
Seats 10, 11, 18 and 19 in row E, and 5, 6, 12 and 13 in rows F and G. Each has one of the pillars from the centre of row D between it and the stage.
Row G, the back row. It's cheaper, but the level above takes the top of the set, and in Hadestown that's where some of the scenes are played. There's also a walkway behind it, so you can hear the doors.
Legroom in the Grand Circle
Tight in every seat, and worst of all in row A. B11 and C10 have slightly more, because the seat in front is a little offset. Not a level for anyone tall.
Steps
Four steps up from the pavement into the foyer, then 25 steps up to the Grand Circle, and there's no lift. The Balcony hangs over the level from row C, and from row E back the ceiling is low.
Drinks and toilets
No need to go back downstairs at the interval: this level has a bar with seating, and Ladies and Gents, with baby changing in the Ladies.
Grand Circle FAQs
Is the Grand Circle the same as the Upper Circle at the Lyric Theatre?
Yes. It's the third level, rows A to G, and it goes by both names, so a ticket for either is for the same seats.