Old Vic Seating Plan

For this season the Old Vic is In The Round: the stage is a circle in the middle of the Stalls, with seats on every side of it. That's the layout for Martin Guerre and A Christmas Carol.

The seats are in seven areas. The main Stalls face the Stage Stalls, a block built on the old stage, across the circle. Above the Stalls is the Dress Circle, with the Stage Dress Circle behind the Stage Stalls, then the Atkins and Benthall Boxes at the sides and the Baylis Circle at the top. Row letters repeat from one area to the next, so check the area as well as the row.

Where does your money go furthest?

The side rows of the Dress Circle are the best value in the theatre this season. You look down onto the stage from close by, and they're often priced well below the Stalls. One row has tall seats with a footrest, which suit you if you don't mind sitting up high.

In the Baylis Circle, the middle of the back rows is among the cheapest seating in the theatre, with much the same view as the rows in front. Down in the Stalls, the short side rows where the old Boxes were put you close to the stage for less than the main block, though the floor there barely rises. In the Stage Stalls, rows M and N have pillars, so they're worth it when they're priced as restricted.

Where are the best seats?

In the main Stalls block, facing the stage, as close as your budget allows. The shows play all the way round, but they still play more to this side than to the seats behind the stage. In the front rows you're level with the actors, with nothing between you and them. Further back, the middle of rows J to L is the best spot in the block.

The Dress Circle is the choice if you'd rather look down on the whole circle from a little above.

Which seats should I avoid?

At top price, skip Stalls rows D and G. They're flat, so you're looking at the back of the head in front, and rows C and F are the ones to book instead.

The Stage Dress Circle, the raised rows behind the Stage Stalls, is the area to book last. It's a steep look down, there are safety rails in the view, and there's very little legroom in the front two rows. The benches along the sides of the Baylis Circle are the cheapest seats in the theatre, but they're backless and sold as severely restricted, so only take them if the budget decides it.

When you book, the plan names the restriction on each restricted seat, so you know what you're buying.

Should I sit in the Stalls or the Dress Circle?

The Stalls, if you want to be close. They're built up almost to the height of the Dress Circle, so the circle feels more like the back of the Stalls than a level above. Take the Dress Circle for the overview, looking slightly down on the stage, or for the side rows if you want value.

Legroom and step-free seats

If you're tall, book the Stalls. They have the most room by a distance, about 47cm from the edge of your seat to the row in front, while the Dress Circle and Baylis Circle are much tighter and the front rows of the Stage Dress Circle are the worst in the theatre. The Stalls are also the only step-free seats, through the Waterloo Road entrance and its lift. The access page has the detail.

The seating plan

The plan shows every area around the stage. Tap a section to see what's left on your date and what it costs, then pick your seat.

Call us on 020 7193 9050 if you'd rather talk it through with someone.