Where to sit in Sydney’s theatres, including the Capitol, State and Enmore theatres

The Star’s main theatre underwent a renovation in 2017, which made it feel a hell of a lot more intimate without sacrificing capacity. Basically, they moved the dress circle and grand circle closer to the stage by adding new rows to the front of each balcony and taking rows off the back. We’d still recommend sticking to the front half of the stalls – and, because it’s a narrow auditorium, you can be pretty far to the side and still have a decent view. But, if you’re in the front of either circle, you’ll have a great view and won’t have to bring binoculars. It’s also fine to sit at the front of the stalls for most shows as the stage isn’t super high and the orchestra pit gives you a tiny bit of breathing space. But beware: Some shows don't use the orchestra pit, so splashing out on front-row seats for your favourite young niece or nephew might not be the best move.

The best seat we’ve sat in: Stalls, Row F, Seat 38

The Capitol is a big theatre and, if you happen to be at the back of the circle, it can really feel grand. But there aren’t any major sightline issues in any of the seats. If you’re towards the front of the stalls, you might want to avoid seats right on the sides, but otherwise it’s a pretty well-designed auditorium. The floor doesn’t have the steepest rake though, so if you’re bringing kids along, definitely grab a booster seat when offered one.

The best seat we’ve sat in: Stalls, Row B, Seat 17

Here’s what you mightn’t realise about the State Theatre when you look at that seating plan: the dress circle might be the level above the mezzanine, but it’s actually closer to the stage. If we’ve got a choice between the two, we’d always pick the dress circle – the view of the stage is excellent (particularly from rows A to J) and, if the show isn’t so great, you can pass the time by looking at the gorgeously designed Art Deco roof above. Downstairs, most of the stalls are good, but it’s sometimes hard to see the top of the stage from the back few rows.

The best seat we’ve sat in: Dress Circle, Row A, Seat 29

The Enmore has a pretty wide range of shows, but especially when it's a show with stronger party vibes, you’re better off downstairs as the floor is often open as general admission standing. The dress circle is quite a long way back and it’s not a very steep rake, which means there can be sightline issues if you’ve got tall people sitting in front of you. The floor itself has got a gentle rake, which means you’ve got a good chance at actually seeing the action on stage if you’re downstairs. But that said, if you can snag seats in the rows closer to the front of the dress circle, the atmosphere of the recent refurb, which casts the heritage ceiling decals in vivid lights, is pretty special

The best seat we’ve sat in: Standing, general admission

This is a big hall, so opinions on the seats with the primo view differ. As long as you're happy to pay top dollar, go for the middle seats in rows D, E, and F. Seats in the first row of the circle are also good. If you're after good value and you're attending a music-focused event like the symphony, the box seats next to the theatre are good, because the sound is great. But if you want a good deal for a visual-focused performance, go for the centre seats in rows N to S.

Joan Sutherland is small for an opera theatre, meaning it’s nice and intimate, and you won’t be squinting no matter where you are. The only seats with really dodgy sightlines are in the loge (the balconies either side of the stage) and we wouldn’t recommend booking seats in the boxes (the level above the loge) unless you’re only there for the aural experience. The front few rows of the stalls are generally not as expensive as the middle, which can be a mixed blessing: the stage is quite low and the view across the orchestra pit is spectacular, but if it’s an opera that uses surtitles you either won’t be able to see them or will be constantly craning your neck. But if you’re seeing a dance show or a show that’s entirely in English, the front row can work out to be a bargain.

The best seat we’ve sat in: Stalls, Row H, Seat 23

The Drama Theatre is a weird space. Tucked away underneath the Concert Hall, it feels a little like a wind tunnel thanks to its low roof. But the auditorium goes back quite a long way – 20 rows to be exact – and you can feel like you’re watching the show through a viewfinder up the back. The best seats are from row P forward, and we’d recommend avoiding the very sides of the front few rows if you’re seeing a long show; the sightlines are usually fine, but you will have to turn your head or turn in your seat to watch the show.

The best seat we’ve sat in: Row F, Seat 22

The Roslyn Packer is a thoughtfully designed theatre. It’s fairly intimate, with just 896 seats, but if you’re going to see a show that seems small-scale – check the cast list for a hint as to how big the show will be – you probably don’t want to be at the very back of the dress circle. Everywhere in the stalls is fine – your optimal position is probably about row D to H – and the front row doesn’t feel too intense for most productions. But also beware that if you’re seeing a big classic with big actors, you could get spat on if they enunciate too enthusiastically. Although if you want Hugo Weaving to spit on you, we won’t judge.

The best seat we’ve sat in: Stalls, Row D, Seat 15

The seats in the middle bay of Belvoir’s Upstairs Theatre always sell out first and are usually a little bit more expensive than others. But don’t be afraid of the seating banks on the side: Belvoir shows are built to play out from the stage in the middle of the auditorium, and the experience is just as good from any bay. There’s also something exciting about front row at Belvoir – the actors are right in your lap, but rarely in a way that feels intimidating (although there was once a production of Hamlet where Toby Schmitz kissed somebody in the front row). Although it’s a small theatre, you start to feel like you’re less involved from about row G back.

The best seat we’ve sat in: Row C, Seat 11

If you’ve ever been to Griffin’s SBW Stables Theatre, you’re familiar with the rush that happens when the auditorium door opens. That’s because Griffin only has general admission seating and although it’s properly intimate (it holds just 105 audience members) not every seat is created equal. You’ll want to be near the door to make sure you don’t end up right at the back, but maybe hang back until about 30 people have gone in so you end up near the aisle – otherwise you can end up rammed up against a brick wall as people file in. It’s a pretty bold person who deliberately chooses to sit in the front row of Griffin – those actors are so ridiculously close you could trip them (but please don’t) – and we salute those brave souls.

The best seat we’ve sat in: Third row back, on an aisle