TheatreFix - Planning Your Trip

Five easy steps to plan your trip

Not sure what the theatre's like? Uncertain how to get the best value for your money? Not sure how to behave or what to wear? Take a look at our five easy steps showing just how easy theatre-going can be.

1. What shall I see?

There are loads of websites listing nearly every show in London, and most have short descriptions of them too. Official London Theatre is the most comprehensive site although there are normally also listings in newspapers and magazines such as Time Out London. Read the plot and look for any features on the shows to get a feel for them.

2. How do I get the best value tickets for my money?

• Tickets can be bought online, by phone or from reputable ticket agents. Look out for the STAR symbol when buying from ticket agents as this means they are members of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers and you won't get ripped off.
• The tkts booths in Leicester Square and Brent Cross are run by the Society of London Theatre and tickets for most shows can be bought on the day, sometimes with up to a half price discount! You can now also buy discounted tickets up to a week in advance.
• Don't forget to ask for any student discounts and remember that preview performances can be cheaper.
• Make sure you're clear about where you'll be sitting and that you are happy to pay the given price for that seat. Theatre Monkey has colour coded seating plans showing the seats that fellow theatre-goers think offer the best value for your money.
• Don't forget to bring the bank card you used to pay for your tickets when you go to the box office to collect them.

3. What's the best way to get there?

Use the journey planner at Transport For London to find out the best way to get to the theatre. Make sure you arrive well before the performance starts, especially if you need to collect your tickets. Remember, latecomers may not be let into the show until the interval. Decide on whether you want to eat before you go to the theatre. Many restaurants have pre-theatre meal deals. Take a look on at Visit London.

4. What will it be like when I get there?

• Clothes: Anything goes - there isn't a dress code in London theatres.
• Food and drink: You are allowed to bring your own snacks and drinks but there are also some to buy there. Remember not to make too much noise during the performance if you decide to have any of your food as noisy sweet wrappers can be really annoying! Ordering your interval drinks before the start of the show can often avoid queuing and drinks can sometimes be taken into the second half in plastic glasses.
• Mobiles: Make sure these are switched off. Even texting can distract both fellow audience members and actors.
• Cameras: You're not allowed to take photos or record any of the performance on camera or mobile phone.
• Smoking: As in any public place, smoking isn't allowed inside the theatre.
• Extras: Programmes and official merchandise can be bought on the night. These are not included in your ticket price and can normally be found in the foyer of the theatre.

5. And if I don't like what I'm watching?

• You can escape, but only at the interval
• Refunds aren't given unless there is a technical problem with the show or it is cancelled. If you can't make the performance you could give the tickets back before the show and you may be able to get your money back, but only if it's sold out.

Official London Theatre

If you want an unbiased view of what a show is about, take a look at Official London Theatre. As well as listings for shows across London, there are first night features, venue information and interviews with the stars of the stage. Check out Offwestend.com for special offers and details of productions playing outside the West End.

Discounted Tickets

Want to see a show but living on a tight budget? Check out the tkts booths in Leicester Square and Brent Cross and grab yourself some discounted tickets. They offer half price on the day tickets for a wide variety of West End shows. You can see what productions are on sale that day at the tkts website.

For all the latest London theatre news and information, plus ticket offers and video tasters of some of London’s most popular shows, be sure to visit Official London Theatre.

We hope you enjoy whatever show you decide to see!

Use the link below to download a map of London's Theatreland. This file will open in a new browser window.

Theatreland Map (280k - pdf format).