Exalted figures in the theatre (4)

I believe the answer is:

gods

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'in the theatre' is the definition.
('the gods' are the highest seats in a theatre)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gods that I've seen before include "Area of theatre" , "Deities" , "high up in theatre" , "Gallery of a theatre" , "Supernatural beings" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror and The Daily Express.

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