Meant to say that I can remember sitting in the arena seats for a performance of Mahler's Symphony of 1000 - the seats were somewhat narrow, and close to each other and for someone like me that was uncomfortable - did my back problems no good as well... and I got the obligatory giant in front of me so couldn't see much of the conductor, even thogh I was only about 9 rows back. I vastly prefer the stalls seats - comfortable, and if I recall with a swivel device, and raked. As has already been said you have to trade off the fact that they may not be as close to the stage,and will also be at an angle to it .... but personally I'd tend to go for the greater comfort every time .