7 ways to see the London’s best shows for the best prices.
London’s theatre scene is one of the most vibrant and exciting in the world. But for students on a budget, theatre tickets aren’t always attainable. Charging up to or even over £200 per ticket for the most popular shows, students often miss out on what’s on offer.
However, there are some ways around this. Here’s your student guide to seeing some of the best critically acclaimed shows without breaking the bank.
- National Theatre £7.50 tickets
With the National Theatre Entry Card, you can gain access to £7.50, discounts, and much more! Find out more at:
https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/entry-pass
2. Today Tix
https://www.todaytix.com/x/london/shows
From their handy app, you can access some of the best deals for top London shows on the same day or up to 30 days in advance!
Buying options include:
- Rush tickets issued from 10am on the day of performance. Typically £20-25 (West End musicals and plays)
- Lottery tickets. Enter for free on the day of performance for a chance to win £20 Front Row tickets to top shows. Eg) All About Eve with the star studded cast including Lily James and Gillian Anderson have a £20 Lottery deal going on right now!
- Other deals- West End and London shows from £13, saving up to 50% on exclusive discounts.
3. The Royal Court – Young Court Friend Scheme (free membership)
For some of the most exciting new writing in London, why not join the Young Court Friend scheme for free today?
https://royalcourttheatre.com/support-us/join/?Name=YoungCourt
For absolutely no cost, as Under 26s you can gain:
- Advanced access to £12 Monday tickets in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs (strictly subject to limited availability. Ticket limits may apply)
- Regular updates by email including general news and upcoming Young Court events
- 10% discount on drinks in the Royal Court Bar & Kitchen
- 10% discount on playtexts from the Samuel French bookshop at the Royal Court, and on the Samuel French and Royal Court websites.
- Exemption from ticket exchange fees
4. The Almeida Theatre £5 tickets
£5 tickets are available to anyone aged 25 or under on selected performances for every Almeida Theatre production. Tickets are held back and usually go on sale approximately 3 weeks before a production starts previews. Perfect for students! For all information, visit: https://almeida.co.uk/25-and-under
5. The Old Vic £10 Preview tickets
The Old Vic is renown for their high caliber, star studded productions. The theatre is home to talents like Judy Dench and Andrew Scott. For all you need to know, visit their website: https://www.oldvictheatre.com/your-visit/booking-tickets/pwc
6. National Theatre :Live
The National Theatre now broadcast some of the best of British Theatre to cinemas all across the UK, giving you a the best view in the house for under £20, in the comfort of your local cinema!
Shows are timetabled in all year long, to have a look at what’s coming up near you and save the date, visit:
http://ntlive.nationaltheatre.org.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI37LNktib4AIVwud3Ch2q-w9FEAAYASAAEgLnbfD_BwE
7. Day seats/ returns
For when you’re desperate to see a particular show, but don’t have the extra money to splash out on tickets in advance, sometimes the best thing to do is to queue at the Box Office on the day of performance. When an audience member can’t make it, their tickets are often sold at a reduced rate (returns). Day seats (typically front row!) are also issued from 10am on the day of performance, normally ranging from £15-25.
NB: Customers can often queue from 7am, so get there early to avoid disappointment!
Written by Aisling Lally – Student Writer
