Dress Circle at the Novello Theatre

257 seats. The main block is rows A to K, the slip rows AA and BB run along the side walls, and Boxes A and C are at the front. It's the only level with step-free seats.

Who it suits

Anyone who wants to see the whole picture from above, and anyone who'd rather not face a long flight of stairs. It's excellent at the front and falls away behind it.

Where we'd put you

The centre of rows A to D. A genuinely good view, the equal of anything in the Stalls, and there's no safety rail across the front of this level to get in the way.

What to avoid

• Row E back, if you mind losing the top of the stage. From about row E you start to notice the Grand Circle overhead cutting it off, and from row H back it's at its worst. Sit far enough back here and you're watching the show through a letterbox.
• The slips, rows AA and BB, unless the price is right. Long, curved rows down the side, sold cheaper for a side-on view. From most slip seats you see about a third of the stage without leaning forward, and when you lean, so does the person next to you. They're good value only if you don't mind the angle. If you do book one, BB 3 is the one to look for.
• The very ends of each row, where the Box beside you clips a sliver off the edge of the stage.

Legroom in the Dress Circle

Tight, especially in rows A and B. The centre of rows C to F has the most room on this level, fine for most people up to about 5ft 9. If you're tall and set on this level, take one of those; otherwise the Stalls have far more room.

Steps to the Dress Circle

It's 3 to 10 steps from the main foyer on Aldwych. From the Catherine Street entrance, row A is at street level, reached by a wheelchair lift. The access page has the wheelchair and transfer seats.

Drinks and toilets

Sam's Bar is behind the foyer, 7 steps down. There are toilets on this level, including an accessible one, step-free from row A.