Stalls vs Circle: Which Seats Are Better?
Wondering which seats will give you the best theatre experience? You’re not alone, and we’re here to help unravel this common dilemma. While the “best” choice often depends on personal taste, there are a few key factors to consider when weighing up Stalls vs Circle such as the type of show you’re attending and even how tall you are. Keep these in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to choosing the perfect seat for an unforgettable night in the West End!
Where Are the Stalls and Circle in a Theatre?
In a theatre auditorium, Stalls are the ground-level seats closest to the stage, offering an up-close view of the performance. The Circle, often called the Dress Circle, is the first level of seating above the Stalls. Many London theatre seating layouts include an Upper Circle or Balcony as well, but the most sought-after areas are the Stalls and the Dress Circle. Premium-priced seats are typically found in both sections.
Theatre Stalls: Pros and Cons
Stalls Pros
Close-up view of performers, including facial expressions
Immersive experience from the front half of the Stalls
Fantastic for plays or intimate performances
Stalls Cons
The front of the Stalls can be too close for large-scale productions
Restricted sightlines from high stage or the Circle overhang
The rake is often quite flat – blocked view if someone tall is in front
Theatre Circle: Pros and Cons
Circle Pros
Wide view of the whole stage – great for choreography
Elevated view and rake for seeing over people in front
Hidden gem seats at the sides
Circle Cons
Can feel steep if you suffer from vertigo
Tall theatregoers may find the legroom is cramped
Less detailed view of facial expressions
Stalls or Circle for Plays
In general, plays are considered better from the Stalls because these seats are closer to the stage. Many theatre fans agree that being right in the thick of it for a drama is unbeatable. After all, who wouldn’t want to see every nuanced emotion performed by an award-winning actor!
The Stalls are also brilliant if you’re watching a comedy like The Play That Goes Wrong. Choose seats in the front couple of rows and you might be affectionately singled out for audience participation.
Top Tip: Seats in the front few rows of the Circle are sometimes better than the back of the Stalls – no overhang cutting off the top of the stage, and in smaller venues you’ll see every detail.
Stalls or Circle for Musicals
The Circle is very popular for musicals. You’ll get a wide, sweeping view of the stage that’s perfect for watching fast-paced choreography, and the sets look impressive from this angle too. Tech teams for musicals often use the central front rows of the Dress Circle as a focus point – which we think says it all!
This doesn’t meant the Stalls are a no-go, however. There are plenty of incredible seats at the biggest West End musicals, and in The Lion King, animals parade down the Stalls aisles at the start of the show!
Top Tip: If you’re seeing a show with children, take the rake into account. They might prefer the Circle for an elevated view, but booster seats are often available in the Stalls.
Stalls or Circle for Ballet
Much like musicals, ballets are incredible from an elevated Circle position because of the scale of the production. And why not take a Royal’s advice? When Princess Margaret was patron of Birmingham Royal Ballet, she would always sit in the middle of Row C in the Circle!
This is a matter of preference, however. If you sit in the front of the Stalls, you’ll be able to see the dancers’ footwork up close and really marvel at the intricate costumes and set decorations.
The Verdict: Is It Better to Be in the Stalls or Circle?
Ultimately, it comes down to personal taste and the type of show. If you’re watching a play and want to catch every dramatic moment, the front half of the Stalls is perfect. However, if you’re watching a big musical or ballet with lots of set pieces and movement, the Circle is brilliant for taking it all in.
For a quick side-by-side look, the table below sums up how Stalls and Circle compare:
| Feature | Stalls | Circle |
| 👀 View | Close-up details including facial expressions | Wide perspective for choreography and large sets |
| 🎶 Acoustics | Immersive but can be muffled (or very loud) in the front rows | Clearer, more balanced sound |
| 🥳 Atmosphere | Part of the action – lots of energy! | Less intimate but a full, sweeping look at the stage |
| 👣 Legroom | Usually best legroom in the venue | Legroom can be more limited; sometimes steep |
| 🧐 Restricted Views? | Front row (high stage), side and back rows; some pillars | Front row (safety rail), side and back rows; some pillars |
| 💰 Pricing | Most expensive overall. Cheaper at back and sides | Generally cheaper than Stalls but premium in the front & centre rows |
| 🎭 Best For… | Plays | Musicals & ballets |
Don’t forget: you can see seating plans, seat reviews and view from seat photos for all London theatres and London shows.
Stalls vs Circle: What Do You Choose?
Are you Team Stalls or Team Circle? Let us know where you prefer to sit at a West End show in the comments.
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