Opera, musicals and straight drama share a stage but ask different things of an audience. A practical guide to spotting the differences before you book a ticket.

A practical guide to Italian audience customs — when to clap at the opera, how to shout bravo correctly, why booing is a tradition, and how to handle the curtain call.

Stalls, balconies and boxes each trade sightlines, comfort, price and atmosphere in different ways. A practical guide to reading a seat map and choosing well for the show you are seeing.