Stalls at the Savoy Theatre

Rows BB then A to W, with no row I, and the biggest level in the theatre. Row BB is a short row in front of row A, not behind row B, so a BB ticket is the front row. The stage is high from there, about head height, and you may not see to the back of it.

Where we'd put you

Rows D to G, in the middle. Close enough to see faces, far enough back to take in the full width of the stage, and nothing above you. The legroom down here is the best in the theatre too, so if legroom decides it for you, this is your level.

We'd happily sit right at the front, too. You're looking up at the stage, but you get eye contact with the performers, the legroom is good, and even this close Paddington still feels magical. One thing to know down there: the show throws projections onto the side walls of the auditorium as well as the stage, and from the front rows you'll only catch them if you look round. They're extras rather than part of the story, but they're worth turning for.

Behind rows D to G, rows J to N are the ones to look at next: the same clear view a few rows further back, and usually for less.

The rows curve round towards the stage rather than running straight across, so an end seat in a wide row faces the stage at an angle. Rows J to P are the widest at 29 seats, and the middle of those rows is properly central, so aim for the middle rather than the ends.

What to avoid

The Dress Circle starts over the Stalls from around row H. You will not notice it for a while: up to row O the view is clear, and from row P the top of the stage starts to go. Rows U, V and W lose the most, and V and W are short rows of seven and six seats, because a sound desk usually sits in the middle of the last few rows. For Paddington, which plays some of its picture high, the last three rows cost more than they would at most shows. If the price difference against a Dress Circle seat is small, take the Dress Circle.

Getting down here, and the bar

Stalls seats are 75 steps below the Savoy Court foyer, with no lift to shortcut it. Allow for it on the way in and again at the interval, and arrive at the earlier end of the 15 to 20 minutes we suggest. The access route has the step-free picture, which is the Dress Circle via the Carting Lane door.

The theatre has bars and kiosks on all levels, so there is one down here. It is small, and the theatre takes in-seat orders, so order interval drinks from your seat rather than joining the queue.