Grand Circle at the Noël Coward Theatre

157 seats: rows A to F in the centre, plus a single row of slip seats, row AA, along each side wall. It's the second floor, and it's a high circle.

Where the value is

The centre of rows B to E. Fairly priced for what you see, and the stepped rows mean you're looking down over the heads in front rather than between them, which suits anyone shorter. The ends of these rows are often a price band cheaper.

The slips, row AA, are the cheapest seats in the theatre, along with the Balcony slips. They sit on a narrow ledge and you'll have to lean to see much. If you take one, the seats at the aisle ends are the most comfortable, and the best views are from the seats nearest the front at either end.

The best seats

The centre of row B, then C and D. Clear of the safety bar, and the Balcony above doesn't get in the way of the view from any row.

What to avoid

Row A is the one to skip if the view matters most. A safety bar runs across in front of it, doubled in places, and its legroom is poorer than in the rows behind. If you mind heights, leave the slips alone too, because the seats furthest along the side walls look straight down over the edge.

Legroom, stairs and toilets

This is the level to avoid if you're tall. Rows B to E are fine for anyone up to about 5ft 6 but tight above about 5ft 10, row A is poorer still, and the centre six seats of row E have a bit more room than the rest. Anyone taller will be more comfortable in the rear Stalls.

The Grand Circle is at least 30 steps up from the foyer, stairs only, and it has its own gents' and ladies' toilets.