9 Things to Know Before Booking London Theatre Tickets

London’s West End theatre scene is one of the best in the world, and it’s been at the centre of theatrical activity since the 17th century. Some iconic productions in the West End have been showing for many years, like Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Mousetrap, which has been running for decades. From classic dramas and Shakespearean plays to cutting-edge new works and experimental performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. But there are a handful of things to know before booking London theatre tickets that will help you with the entire process, which we’ve listed in the article below.

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This is an image of a Les Miserables theatre show banner plastered all over the theatre it is being held at in the West End. One of the things to know before booking London theatre tickets is that there are over 39 West End theatres.

There are 39 West End theatres…

London boasts almost 40 theatres in and around the West End, with the oldest being the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, which opened all the way back in 1663. This historic theatre has always been a hit amongst the royal family, and it was the first place people had ever heard the National Anthem and Rule Britannia. These days it plays host to musicals and pantomime performances, like Robin Hood, The Phantom of the Opera and The Wizard of Oz, plus more. If you prefer to go behind the scenes, you can also book to go on a guided tour of the theatre, which looks into the storied history of this iconic landmark, which has survived everything from tragedy and fire to bankruptcy and even murder.

This is a photo of the inside of a theatre lined with rows of red chairs. There is a floor level and a dress circle above.

… Plus, some cool smaller theatres (fringe theatres)

While the West End is at the heart of London’s theatre scene, the city is also home to numerous smaller theatres, called fringe theatres, that offer more intimate and diverse performances. The theatre at The Barbican Centre is just one of these, which is an architectural landmark in its own right. Here, you can see various performances, from classic plays and contemporary dramas to experimental works and avant-garde shows. There’s also The National Theatre, which shows a diverse selection of plays, musicals, and other theatrical works, spanning classic dramas, contemporary plays, new writing, and experimental performances. Basically, don’t forget to take a look at fringe theatres if you’re looking to experience the authentic theatrical culture and creativity of London that moves away from the glitz and glam (and steeper ticket prices) of the West End.

This is a picture of the TKTS box office in Central London. There is a small crowd milling out the front. One of the things to know before booking London theatre tickets is that you can get limited same-day discounted tickets if you go to the box office early on the day you want to go.

Image courtesy of Official London Theatre

You can get discounted tickets when buying day-of

It’s nice to have everything booked in advance and planned, but if you’re feeling spontaneous (and flexible), you can snag some pretty good on-the-day deals when it comes to theatre tickets. TKTS by Official London Theatre offers on-the-day tickets at great prices. You can either browse their selection online or visit their booth in person in Leicester Square starting at 10 am. The TKTS booth staff are super helpful and knowledgeable, so they can also assist with choosing a performance you might like. FYI – the earlier in the day you can look at what’s on offer, the better the discounts and availability will be.

There’s also the lesser-known Friday Rush on the National Theatre website. Although the tickets are for the following week, you can purchase them for specific performances for just £10. Tickets are released every Friday on their website between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m., and you’ll be added to a queue to buy tickets.

If you want to see a specific show, you have one more option: you can pop along to the Box Office in the morning and see if they have any tickets available for that day. These tickets are usually unsold tickets or ones that have been returned for the performance that evening. They tend to be offered at a discounted rate but can sell out fast, so it’s good to have a plan B.

This is a picture of a woman holding her phone while she browses something. She is also on her laptop at the same time.

There are a few reputable places to buy tickets online

Next on our list of things to know before booking London theatre tickets is all about purchasing tickets online in advance. You might find loads of results when you search online for the show you want to see, but don’t just buy tickets from any old website. Stick to reputable sources when purchasing them online, which includes the venue’s official website, London Theatre Direct, or TodayTix.

This is a picture of a busy West End London street at night. There are lots of people around, as well as a big, red, double-decker bus riding alongside them. One of the things to know before booking London theatre tickets is that you should watch out for people selling scam tickets on the street in Picadilly Circus or other tourist areas.

There are ticket scams to watch out for

It can be disappointing to come all the way to London and find yourself unable to get tickets for the theatre show you’ve been dying to see, but no matter how tempting it may be, resist the urge to purchase tickets from any random people or vendors on the street. If approached by anyone selling theatre tickets or event tickets in general, particularly in popular areas like Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square, it’s best to steer clear. These “sellers” often sell fake tickets, which will be of absolutely no use to you. For genuine tickets, rely on the reputable sources we mentioned earlier. The same caution applies to stalls around the West End claiming to offer half-price tickets – in reality, they often come with crazy markups, so it’s wise to avoid them altogether.

This is an image of a crowded and full theatre with lots of balconies and lights. The crowd appears to be clapping.

Matinees and weeknight performances are often cheaper

Friday and Saturday nights are the most popular times people tend to head to the theatre, but if you’re visiting on holiday and have a flexible schedule, then matinees and weeknight performances are great opportunities to nab tickets for a lower price. Matinee performances, which are usually scheduled for around 2 pm, are perfect for those with flexible schedules and offer the ideal opportunity to enjoy some stellar theatre productions during quieter hours. Theatres frequently provide discounted tickets for these shows as a way to fill seats that might otherwise remain empty during less popular times.

This is an image of the street in front of the theatre showing The Phantom of the Opera. People are milling around in smart-casual, comfortable clothes waiting to get in. One of the things to know before booking London theatre tickets is that you don't need to adhere to a specific dress code.

You don’t need to adhere to a dress code

London theatre generally doesn’t have a strict dress code. You’ll often find people dressed in smart casual attire, like nice shirts, dresses, or trousers, for a special trip to the theatre and maybe a nice dinner beforehand, but that’s just their personal preference. While some may opt for more formal wear, there’s generally no need to go overboard, and you can wear whatever you like. The key is to feel comfortable and enjoy the show.

This is an image of two balcony seats in a theatre.

Some seats have restricted views

In London theatres, it’s common to find seats with restricted views due to obstructions like pillars, safety rails, or balconies, which can partially block views of the stage. Despite these, many people still opt for these seats because of their lower cost or availability, with some finding that the restricted view doesn’t significantly affect their enjoyment of the show. However, you might prefer to pay more for seats with unobstructed views; it’s really whatever takes your fancy and depends on the theatre you’re going to. All theatres will have a seating plan on their website, so it’s best to check out the plan before you book tickets.

This is an image of a lively theatre show in London taken from the back of the audience. You can see some of the crowd clapping and putting their hands in the air. It is dark but the stage lights are on. One thing to know before booking London theatre tickets is that it's cheaper to book in groups.

If you book with a group, tickets are often cheaper

Last on our list of things to know before booking London theatre tickets is aimed at those travelling in a group. For many West End shows in London, group tickets are available at significantly reduced rates. It depends on the theatre and how far in advance you book, but generally, if you book for a group of 6-8 people or more, you’ll likely save a fair bit. However, booking as early as possible is recommended if you want to be seated next to or near each other and choose the best available seats.

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