London is one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world, and one of its main attractions is its theatre scene. The West End, also known as Theatreland, is home to some of the most famous and popular shows in the world, from long-running musicals like The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables, to new and innovative plays like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and The Play That Goes Wrong.
But with so many shows to choose from, how do you find the best London theatre tickets for your budget and preferences? In this blog post, we will share some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your London theatre experience.
Tip #1: Book online with Official London Theatre
One of the easiest and safest ways to buy London theatre tickets is through Official London Theatre, the official website of the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), the organisation that represents the West End theatre industry. By booking through Official London Theatre, you can enjoy the following benefits:
• You can find a wide range of shows and prices, from blockbuster musicals to intimate plays, from premium seats to cheap theatre tickets.
• You can access special offers and discounts, such as Kids Week, where children aged 16 or under can go free to selected shows with a full paying adult.
• You can trust that you are buying from a secure and authorised source, as SOLT is a member of STAR, the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers, which ensures fair and ethical ticketing practices.
• You can support the theatre industry, as all profits from OfficialLondonTheatre.com go back into the industry, helping it grow and thrive.
To book your London theatre tickets with Official London Theatre, simply visit their website and browse through their online booking system. You can search by show name, genre, date or venue, and filter by price range or availability. You can also read reviews, watch trailers and find out more about each show. Once you have chosen your show and seats, you can pay securely online and receive your confirmation email. You can then either print your tickets at home or collect them at the box office on the day of the performance.
Tip #2: Visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square
If you are looking for last-minute theatre tickets at discounted prices, you can visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square. This is a world-famous ticket booth run by SOLT that offers a friendly and expert service. You can buy tickets for shows on the same day or up to a week in advance, depending on availability. You can also check the availability and prices of tickets online before you visit.
The TKTS booth sells tickets for a variety of shows, from musicals to plays, from comedies to dramas. You can find some great bargains on top shows, sometimes up to 50% off. However, you should be aware that some shows may not be available or may have limited seats or views. You should also be prepared to queue up for a while, especially during peak times or popular shows.
To buy your London theatre tickets at the TKTS booth, simply visit their location in Leicester Square and look at their display boards for the latest offers. You can then join the queue and wait for your turn to speak to one of their friendly staff members. They will help you find the best seats for your budget and preferences. You can then pay by cash or card and receive your tickets on the spot.
Tip #3: Browse other online platforms such as lastminute.com or London Theatre
Another option to buy London theatre tickets is through other online platforms such as lastminute.com or London Theatre. These websites offer cheap theatre tickets for a variety of shows and dates. You can compare prices and reviews, and book your tickets easily and securely.
However, before you buy your tickets through these websites, you should check their terms and conditions carefully. Some websites may charge booking fees or have different cancellation policies than Official London Theatre or TKTS. You should also make sure that they are members of STAR or have other guarantees of quality and reliability.
To buy your London theatre tickets through these websites, simply visit their websites and browse through their offers. You can search by show name, genre, date or venue, and filter by price range or availability. You can also read reviews, watch trailers and find out more about each show. Once you have chosen your show and seats, you can pay securely online and receive your confirmation email. You can then either print your tickets at home or collect them at the box office on the day of the performance.
Tip #4: Be flexible with your dates and times
If you are not too fussy about when you see a show, you can save money by choosing less popular dates and times. For example, weekday matinees or evenings tend to be cheaper than weekends or holidays. You can also look out for preview or off-peak performances, which may offer lower prices or special deals.
To find out the best dates and times to see a show, you can check the websites of each show or venue, or use the online booking system of Official London Theatre or other websites. You can also sign up for newsletters or follow social media accounts of shows or venues to get the latest updates on offers and discounts.
Tip #5: Try your luck with a lottery or rush ticket
Some shows offer the chance to win or buy cheap theatre tickets through a lottery or rush system. This means that you can enter a draw or queue up for a limited number of tickets on the day of the show. However, this option is not guaranteed and may depend on availability and demand. You can check the websites of each show or venue for more details on how to enter or apply.
Some examples of shows that offer lottery or rush tickets are:
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: You can enter the Friday Forty online lottery every Friday from 12:01am to 1:00pm for a chance to buy two tickets for £40 (£20 per part) for performances the following week.
• Hamilton: You can enter the daily online lottery from 10:00am to 4:00pm for a chance to buy two tickets for £10 each for that evening's performance.
• Wicked: You can queue up at the Apollo Victoria Theatre from 10:00am on the day of the performance for a chance to buy two tickets for £29.50 each, subject to availability.
London theatre is an amazing experience that you don't want to miss. With these tips, you can find cheap theatre tickets that suit your needs and budget. So what are you waiting for? Book your London theatre tickets today and enjoy the show!
