The Old Vic Theatre houses 1020 seats in total, spread across three sections, namely stalls, dress circle and Lilian Baylis circle. The theatre doesn't feature the smooth round edges most big West End theatre boast but has a more jagged arrangement of seats. Let's look at each section in detail to give you a better idea of the Old Vic Theatre seating plan.
Navigating the Old Vic Theatre seating plan
Old Vic Theatre - Recommended seats
💸 Value for money seats
Last two rows in stalls and seats in Lilian Baylis circle
🎭 Best views of the stage
Stalls - Rows E-L
Dress Circle - Middle seats in rows A-D
🦵🏼 Sufficient legroom
Stalls - Front row seats
Now playing at Old Vic Theatre
Guide to Old Vic Theatre's Seating Chart
Stalls
The largest seating section in the theatre by a huge margin, the Old Vic Theatre holds 543 seats in total. These seats are spread across 22 rows from A to X and are numbered in the range of 3 to 35 moving left to right. There's no central aisle in this section to segregate the seats, forming a big chunk of seats. Rows at the end of the section become wider and curve slightly towards the end. Still, the great rake in the stalls ensure that other audience members don't block your view.
Avoid seats in the first few rows since the theatre is at a height and you might have to crane your neck slightly to watch the performance. Also, row Q has support pillars and the rear rows feature the dress circle overhang, partially obstructing the view.
Dress Circle
The dress circle section is the first of the two elevated levels of the theatre and holds a total of 208 seats. There are five rows in the section from A to E and three additional rows on either side of the section. The seats are numbered from 4 to 34, moving from left to right. This section is very shallow and wraps around the theatre, giving audiences a side view of the stage if they pick a corner seat. This is offset by the fact that the section features an excellent rake.
Rows A to E feature support pillars that restrict the views partially, with row C being the worst of the lot. Seats at the end of the section offer a great view of the stage, although they're quite narrow.
Lilian Baylis Circle
Named after one of the Old Vic Theatre's managers, the Lilian Baylis circle section houses 269 seats. The section features a layout similar to the dress circle with a central block of seats and two rows that extend on the sides. There are seven rows in the central block from A to G which are numbered in the range of 2 to 36. We would recommend avoiding the corner row seats as they're are pretty much benches and very uncomfortable. The front two rows of the central batch are quite restricted while rows C to E offer a decent view of the stage.
Which seats offer the best view?
Given just how diverse and offbeat the structure of the Old Vic Theatre is, you can't rely on the regular seats to offer the best view. Opt for the middle row in the stalls section for the best view of the stage since there's no obstruction and the view offered is clear and direct. Specifically, you can pick the middle seats in rows E to L. If you prefer to watch the show from a height, opt for seats in rows A to D of the dress circle. The middle seats in these rows offer a great panoramic view of the stage and don't face any obstructions.
Which seats offer the best value for money?
If you want to have a great experience at the theatre but are unwilling to spend on premium seats, value-for-money seats are your best bet. You can opt for the last two rows in the stalls section for a perfectly clear view of the stage. Legroom would be an issue here, but the price of the seats makes up for it! You can also pick seats in the Lilian Baylis circle for some great deals. Opt for the back row seats in this section as they offer a decent view of the stage and are quite cheap. The only downside? These seats feel a little far off from the stage since they're at the literal end of the theatre.
Frequently asked questions about Old Vic Theatre
How many sections does Old Vic Theatre have?
Which seats offer the best view of the stage in Old Vic Theatre seating plan?
Which seat offers the best value for money in the Old Vic Theatre seating plan?
What is the Stalls section in the Old Vic Theatre seating plan?
What is the Circle in Old Vic Theatre seating plan?
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