Going to the Theatre in London

Last month, in our article about luxury London, we briefly mentioned Theatreland. There is no doubt that “going to the theatre” is one of those luxury events that we would all like to do more often, but rarely have the time or money! So here are some hints to help you enjoy a trip to the theatre a little more often.

Plan Ahead

We all love a last minute treat, but when it comes down to it arranging a theatre trip to fit in with our 21st century lives is difficult. Just pick a date, pick a show, pick a friend and go. You can not only book tickets ahead of time but special packages including pre-theatre dinner and hotel accommodation. Booking ahead also means that you can take advantage of special offers.

Keep costs down

Theatre is an expensive business. But during the week, many shows offer huge discounts. They are rarely available at the theatre direct, but they will be available at special agents selling tickets, theatre/dinner packages and theatre breaks. Stop cost becoming an issue by going midweek and picking up a bargain.

For example, discounts for Monday to Friday performances are currently available for Kinky Boots – the hit musical with music by Cyndi Lauper. And I got that off of Facebook!

Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre, London – Image Matt Crockett

Be the first to know what's happening

So often we only get to hear about the best shows in town when they are already sold out, or even already over! Sign up to get theatre news by email or follow a news feed on facebook or twitter to make sure that you keep up to date. This is also useful if you are trying to keep costs down as you can book tickets for previews or take advantage of early bird discounts.

Choose Your Friends

Theatre is best to go to with friends, but don't try and arrange everyone for a particular night. You are best off having a group of friends that you can choose from, only going with one or two of them at a time. It makes arranging dates, tickets, limos etc much easier.

Make it a habit

“See you soon” is the death knoll of many plans. Make sure that you have a specific date to look forward to. Change “see you soon” to “see you on Thursday – the limo will pick you up at six o'clock!”

So let's start the process now. Here are some show and dinner discounts that will kick start this year's theatre-going for you.

• Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre

• American Idiot at the Arts Theatre

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane

• The Entertainer at the Garrick Theatre

• Jersey Boys at the Piccadilly Theatre

• Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre

• Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre