Cheap theatre and show tickets

tkts booth

If you're planning a last-minute trip to see a West End show in London, your first stop should be the tkts ticket booth in Leicester Square or Brent Cross. tkts generally offers the best seats in the theatre at half the normal price so you can pick up a real bargain. And you can be sure it's a genuine bargain - tkts is the only official half price and discount theatre ticket outlets in London operated by the Society of London Theatre, the industry body that represents London theatres.

Theatre packages

Another great way to save on theatre tickets is to book a theatre break package. These usually include theatre tickets, dinner, and sometimes even hotel rooms. Check out VisitBritain Direct - Show and dinner for our latest deals and offers.

Official London Theatre Guide

This is where you can find out about the latest theatre news - but more importantly, where you can find great special offers on theatre tickets! Sign up to the newsletter and you'll be the first to know about great promotions like Get Into London Theatre (where theatre tickets sold for as little as £15). Visit Official London Theatre Guide - Special Offers to see the latest offers on tickets.

Catch the tour

Many West End shows go on tour after their stint in Theatreland, and it's often much cheaper to catch the shows then as they're out of London. For example, tickets to the Sound of Music in the West End cost £53.50, but in the Wales Millennium Centre tickets started at £15, with the most expensive tickets costing £42.50.

Student standbys

Students are entitled to lots of discounts in Britain, and theatre is no exception. Some West End shows offer discount tickets 'Standbys' for students and sixth formers, when tickets are purchased directly at the box office on the day of the performance. See Official London Theatre Guide - Student Standbys for more information.

Chance it

If you don't mind where you sit (or stand in some cases), why not try your luck with an 'on the day' ticket? Some theatres save a certain number of tickets to be sold at the box office on the day of performance, and these are usually quite cheap - usually around £10. But don't expect the best seat in the house with these tickets - many of them are restricted view seats - and you'll have to be early because many of these tickets go on sale at around 10:00 (contact the box office directly for details). And if you're after a real bargain, head for the Royal Court Theatre in London, where 8 tickets are available every evening at the box office an hour before the show for - get this - 10p!

Top tip: Don't miss the Society of London Theatre's guide on How to Buy Theatre Tickets.

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If you are planning a trip to London travel as the locals travel using an Oyster Card. It really is the essential "buy before you leave" product. You can use Oyster on ALL London underground, buses, Docklands Light Railway and trams, and on many regular train services within London.

For full details and to order click here.