When attending a performance at the iconic Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden, choosing where to sit can be an important decision. With over 2,200 seats spread across the Stalls, the Royal Circle, the Grand Tier, and the Amphitheatre, the Royal Opera House has a variety of options at different price points. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each section can help you select the right seats for your experience.
Quick Overview of the Different Seating Sections
Here is a quick overview of the key sections at the Royal Opera House:
- The Stalls – The main floor right in front of the stage. Considered prime seating.
- The Royal Circle – The first balcony above the Stalls featuring forward-facing, slightly elevated views.
- The Grand Tier – The second balcony above the Stalls with the most central, closest elevated views.
- The Amphitheatre – The highest section at the very top of the theatre with the most affordable seats.
The Pro’s and Con’s of Stalls Seating
Many consider the Stalls to be the best place to experience the Royal Opera House. Here are some of the key benefits and drawbacks of sitting in the Stalls:
Pros:
- Very close and intimate views of the stage
- Ability to see performers’ facial expressions and make eye contact
- Located on the main floor for easy accessibility
- Central Stalls seats are the most expensive and prestigious
Cons:
- Less elevated perspective compared to balconies
- Potential for obstructed views in side sections
- Lacks orchestral surround sound effect
- Least comfortable seats with limited legroom
In summary, the Stalls provide an unforgettable up-close experience and are ideal for opera, drama, and dance, but lack some of the visual perspective and comfort of other sections.
A Review of the Royal Circle at the Royal Opera House
The Royal Circle is the first balcony above the Stalls. Here is an overview of the benefits and tradeoffs of sitting in the Royal Circle:
Pros:
- Elevated perspective gives excellent overall view
- Still quite close to the stage and performers
- More comfortable seats with extra legroom
- Cheaper prices than most of the Stalls
Cons:
- Views less intimate than the Stalls
- Farther back from the orchestra than Stalls
- Central Royal Circle has most demand and highest prices
- Side sections can still have some obstructed sightlines
The Royal Circle strikes a great balance of reasonable prices, comfort, and excellent sightlines. It lacks the extreme proximity of the Stalls but offers a more elevated viewing angle.
Evaluating the Grand Tier at Royal Opera House
The Grand Tier is the second balcony above the Stalls. Here are some pros and cons of the Grand Tier seats:
Pros:
- Very central perspective right in the heart of theatre
- Arguably the best overall elevated views
- Surrounded by beautiful opera house architecture
- Better prices than Stalls while still close to stage
Cons:
- Farther back from the performers than Stalls or Royal Circle
- The most limited legroom and comfort
- Demand drives up prices for central seats
- Side sections still have obstructed sightlines
With extremely central elevated views, the Grand Tier is excellent for seeing the full scale of productions. However, the tier sacrifices some comfort and proximity compared to the Stalls and Royal Circle.
The Amphitheatre – Highest and Cheapest Seating
The Amphitheatre is the highest section in the Royal Opera House, providing the most affordable tickets. Here are some of the main pros and cons:
Pros:
- By far the most affordable tickets in the theatre
- Excellent downward sightlines to see full stage
- Surrounded by historic opera house architecture
- Can experience performances on a budget
Cons:
- Farthest away from the stage and action
- Performers appear much smaller than other sections
- Side sections have very limited sightlines
- Least intimate perspective of performance
Sitting in the Amphitheatre allows you to experience the Royal Opera House for the lowest prices. However, the tier is the farthest from the stage with the most limited views.
Key Factors When Selecting Seats
When choosing seats at the Royal Opera House, here are some of the most important factors to consider:
- Viewing Distance – How close do you want to be to the stage and performers?
- Elevation – Do you prefer an elevated perspective or being closer to ground level?
- Legroom – Will you prefer more comfortable seats with extra legroom?
- Obstructions – Are blocked sightlines a major concern?
- Budget – What is your budget range for ticket prices?
- Centrality – Is being front and center a priority over side sections?
Prioritizing these factors can help determine whether the Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Tier or Amphitheatre will provide the best experience.
Recommendations for Different Performance Types
Certain sections may be better suited depending on the type of performance:
Performance Type | Recommended Section |
---|---|
Opera | Stalls for an intimate, up-close view |
Ballet/Dance | Royal Circle to see full stage and elevation |
Drama | Grand Tier for the central elevated perspective |
Orchestra | Stalls for being nearest to the performers |
However, these are just general suggestions and personal preferences can vary.
Choosing Seats for Your Budget
Your budget will play a significant role in which seats you can afford at the Royal Opera House. Here are price estimates for different sections:
Section | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
Stalls | £100-£250 |
Royal Circle | £50-£150 |
Grand Tier | £40-£120 |
Amphitheatre | £15-£50 |
Within each section, prices rise for central seats and fall for sides. If your budget is limited, aim for rear Stalls, central Royal Circle, sides of Grand Tier, or Amphitheatre for the best value.
Booking Tips and Tricks
Use these tips when booking Royal Opera House seats:
- Book early for the best availability and prices.
- Check seat views online before buying.
- Read the seat numbers carefully.
- Avoid the back corners of the Grand Tier and Amphitheatre.
- Call the box office if you have specific questions.
- Purchase from official channels for guaranteed authentic tickets.
Conclusion
With its variety of seating sections, layout, and price points, finding the perfect seats for your Royal Opera House experience involves weighing preferences like viewing distance, elevation, legroom, obstructions, budget and centrality. The luxurious Stalls are ideal for intimacy and proximity. For elevation with strong sightlines, opt for the Royal Circle or Grand Tier according to your comfort and budget needs. And the top Amphitheatre provides excellent downward views for the lowest prices. Use the tips above to unlock the magic of seeing a show at one of the world’s most famous opera houses no matter where you sit.