Best seats at the Eventim Apollo: Stalls or Circle?

The Eventim Apollo opened in 1932 as a cinema, and it still has the layout of a large Art Deco theatre: a ground-floor Stalls area facing the stage and a single large Circle above it. With around 3,600 people seated, or about 5,000 when the Stalls are standing, it is big enough for major tours but still feels close to the stage. Choosing between Stalls and Circle is the main decision.

The layout depends on the show: for some events the Stalls are seated, for others they are standing. Always check the plan shown by the ticket seller when you buy.

How the venue is laid out

• The Stalls: the ground floor in front of the stage. Since 2003 the Stalls seats have been removable, so they can be seated (comedy, some concerts) or standing (most rock and pop gigs). For some seated shows, there is limited standing at the back of the Stalls.
• The Circle: a single, large balcony above the Stalls, with seated rows, from Row A at the front to Row Z at the back, and standing at the rear of the Circle for some events.

The Stalls are step-free from the street. The Circle has no lift: according to the venue, it takes about 40 steps from the main entrance to the Circle auditorium entrance, 52 in total to reach Row F, and around 80 for rows G to Z and the rear standing area.

The best seats for what you want

To be close to the artist

The standing Stalls, as near to the front as you can get, or the front rows of the seated Stalls. For a standing show, arrive early if you want to be close to the stage.

To see the whole show

The front rows of the Circle, facing the stage. The view over the stage and the production is excellent, and the Circle is never very far from the stage in a theatre of this size.

For the sound

Aim for the centre: the middle of the Stalls, near the sound desk, or the centre of the Circle.

For comedy

Comedy shows are often fully seated. The central Stalls give the most direct contact with the performer; the front of the Circle offers a clear view at a slightly greater distance.

Seats to think twice about

• The back of the standing Stalls if you are short.
• The rear of the Circle if you struggle with steps: rows G to Z require around 80 steps in total from the entrance, according to the venue.
• Seats in front of standing areas: the venue warns that in the rear Stalls and rear Circle standing areas, and at some events in the Circle generally, people may stand during the concert, and staff cannot always prevent it.

Children

According to the venue's house rules, anyone aged 14 or under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over, every child needs a ticket, and under-3s are generally not admitted (the rule can vary by event). When standing Stalls tickets are on sale, the venue recommends that under-14s sit in the Circle. Check each event page for its own age restrictions.

Accessible seating

The venue has two accessible platforms in the rear corners of the Stalls, for up to 8 access ticket holders and their companions per event. The Stalls, foyer, bars, Box Office and accessible toilets are all step-free from the street, via the front ramp. Accessible tickets are booked by email or phone with the venue (details on its access page); the Access Card (Nimbus) is optional but speeds up future bookings. A hearing loop covers the whole auditorium.

Planning your visit? See our guides to getting to the Eventim Apollo, parking at the Eventim Apollo and where to eat near the Eventim Apollo. After the show, write a review to tell others how the view was.

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to sit in the Stalls or the Circle at the Eventim Apollo?

The Stalls for proximity and atmosphere, especially when they are standing; the front of the Circle to see the whole stage from a raised position. The Circle has no lift.

How many steps are there to the Circle at the Eventim Apollo?

According to the venue, about 40 steps to the Circle auditorium, 52 to Row F and around 80 to the rear rows. There is no lift.

Is the Eventim Apollo all standing?

Not always. The Stalls seats are removable: for some events the Stalls are standing, for others seated. The Circle is seated, with some standing at the back for certain events.

Can children go in the standing Stalls at the Eventim Apollo?

The venue recommends that under-14s sit in the Circle when standing Stalls tickets are on sale, and anyone aged 14 or under must be with an adult aged 18 or over.