For an immersive, intimate experience, especially in the forward half, the Stalls put you right in front of the proscenium arch. A gradual upward rake ensures clear sightlines over heads, with Rows E through L in the Centre offering the absolute sweet spot for a perfect, eye-level view of every performance nuance.

However, be mindful of the rear section: the Dress Circle overhang extends far forward, meaning seats in Row P and beyond suffer from a low ceiling that cuts off the top half of the stage. Additionally, structural iron pillars lining the sides of the rear Stalls can block sections of the acting area, so always check for restricted view warnings before booking these rows.

For a magnificent, comprehensive overview of the entire production, the Dress Circle, one tier above the Stalls, wraps tightly around the auditorium. A legacy of a sharper rake ensures your sightlines easily clear the heads in front, with central seats in Rows A to C being highly coveted.

However, be cautious of the side slips at the extreme edges of the horseshoe curve. While these seats place you remarkably close to the stage, they face the performance at a sharp angle that requires turning your body significantly and cuts off any action happening on the near side of the stage.

For budget-friendly ticketing, the Lilian Baylis Circle, named after the legendary theatrical manager, is your go-to. This upper tier is exceptionally high and steep; the sharp downward viewing angle looks directly down onto performers' heads, making them feel somewhat distant and potentially triggering for anyone prone to vertigo.

Like most historic galleries, legroom is very tight up here, making aisle seats a massive saving grace for taller patrons. While Row A offers a completely unobstructed view of the stage, a prominent safety rail sits right at eye level, meaning shorter theatregoers or children may need to lean forward slightly to see past it.