I agree with Jim Dixon: for most plays, I like to be right in the very front row, as close to the actors as I can get. That way, I can watch all their tricks and techniques - I'm there to learn. I've very recently seen Warren Mitchell (in "Visiting Mr.Green") and Roy Dotrice (in "Brief Lives") up close and it was wonderful. That's where I'm also going to sit to see Vanessa Redgrave in "The Year of Magical Thinking" and Simon Russell Beale in "A Slight Ache". At The Globe, I think the very best place is standing as a groundling leaning onto the stage, too.

The great advantage of being so close: these are often the cheapest tickets, because most people don't like to be so near the stage. It means I can get to see plays more often - I've been to a play nearly every week this year, so far.

I've also had some great times sitting in restricted view seats at the very side, where I have been able to see people waiting in the wings, and to watch the stage crew. I know some people would find that spoilt their enjoyment, but I think it's great !

The only time I wouldn't want to sit so close is for a big "epic" type play. Yesterday I went to see The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other by Peter Handke - 27 actors playing 450 characters, no dialogue, moving across a town square. Might sound strange, but it was mesmerizingly good. The other one I'm going to see from up high and at a distance is "Fram" by Tony Harrison: Ship, Arctic wastes, ice floes....

Apart from me and Jim - does anyone else prefer sitting close to the stage ?

- jeanie