How To Get Cheap Theatre Tickets 2024

Are you a theatre enthusiast but find yourself flinching at steep ticket prices? You'll be pleased to hear that watching your favourite plays and musicals doesn't have to come at a huge cost; there are a number of savvy ways to get cheap theatre tickets!

From West End spectacles to local productions, here are some tried-and-tested tips to pull back the curtain on the world of cheap theatre tickets in the UK.

Get discounted theatre tickets

There are many ways of getting reduced theatre tickets, and one of the simplest is to check out discounts from the likes of TOTUM, TodayTix and TKTS (known as the Leicester Square Ticket Booth).

With your TOTUM membership, you'll get access to a range of theatre, musical and comedy show discounts, including:

• Tickets to some of the very best live shows around at the amazing Student Rate of just £25* with ATG Tickets and TOTUM, giving you the chance to enjoy some of the top musicals, plays and comedies around at great discounted rates

• 10% off all London theatre tickets with LOVEtheatre

You can also get a free Wizarding World pin when you book tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on West End with TOTUM!

Can you get cheap theatre tickets on the day?

TodayTix and TKTS often provide last-minute deals, flash sales and discounted or even half price theatre tickets in London, helping you to save a fortune. The Ticket Booth in London, which is situated on the south side of Leicester Square, offers both discounted and full price on-the-day tickets, and you can also get these online at OfficialLondonTheatre.com/TKTS.

On-the-day tickets go live at 12.01am each day, so be sure to check these out before they sell out!

Subscribe to newsletters and alerts

Many theatres and ticket vendors offer exclusive deals and discounts to subscribers. Sign up for newsletters and alerts from your favourite theatres or ticketing platforms to stay informed about special offers, last-minute deals and promotional codes.

This way, you'll be among the first to know about discounted tickets for upcoming shows.

Attend off-peak performances

Weekday and matinee performances typically have lower demand compared to weekend and evening shows, resulting in cheaper ticket prices. Plan your theatre outings during off-peak times to take advantage of reduced rates. Not only will you save money, but you'll also enjoy a less crowded theatre experience!

Consider restricted view seats

If you're willing to compromise on your view slightly, consider purchasing restricted view seats. These tickets are often cheaper than standard seats and can offer substantial savings. While your view may be partially obstructed, you'll still be able to enjoy the majority of the performance at a fraction of the cost.

Explore theatre membership and dedicated schemes

Many theatres offer membership programmes that provide members with exclusive benefits, including discounted tickets, priority booking and complimentary upgrades. While there may be an initial membership fee, the long-term savings and perks can make it a worthwhile investment for avid theatre-goers.

You'll also find there are dedicated schemes for certain age groups, such as Under-26s or Under-30s and children. Keep your eyes peeled for cheap theatre tickets for those under the age of 26 (or 30 depending on the theatre). The National Theatre in London, the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester and the Royal Shakespeare Company are just three that offer reduced tickets for those under 26 or 30.

If you're going as a family, make sure to check out schemes which allow kids to go free!

Book in advance (or last minute)

We'd always recommend either booking your tickets well in advance or at the last minute to make significant savings! Many theatres offer early bird discounts for those who plan ahead, as well as cheap theatre tickets on the day or closer to the performance date to fill remaining seats. Keep an eye on ticket availability and prices to capitalise on the best deals, whether you prefer to book ahead or wait until the last minute.

Attend preview performances

Preview performances, which take place before a show's official opening night, often offer discounted tickets as part of the promotional period. While the production may still be fine-tuning elements, attending a preview performance can provide a unique opportunity to see a show at a reduced price before it gains widespread attention.

Explore regional and fringe festivals

We all love West End productions and getting cheap West End tickets, but the UK boasts a number of incredible regional theatres and fringe festivals showcasing diverse and innovative performances. Ticket prices for these productions tend to be more affordable than their West End counterparts, offering budget-conscious theatre-goers the chance to experience high-quality performances at a lower cost.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival for example takes place each August and has thousands of shows for you to attend, some costing from as little as just £5! Even better, if you pay a visit to the Half Price Hut (which opens on the first Wednesday of the festival following the 2 for 1 days, and is located at the Fringe Box Office) you'll find hundreds of half-price tickets available every day.

Check your eligibility for a concession or group rate

Another great way to get cheap theatre tickets is to see whether you're eligible for a concession or group rate. It's worth checking, as you might qualify for a concession if one of the following applies to you:

• You're a student or senior citizen

• You're registered disabled or a carer

• You work for the NHS (many theatres offer Blue Light discount for the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces)

• You live near the theatre (locals can often get limited, cheaper theatre tickets)

• You're unemployed or from a low-income household

• You belong to an underrepresented demographic

Similarly, if you're making a large group booking, you may be able to get a discounted rate! You can find out more on the theatre's official website.

How to get 2 for 1 theatre tickets in London

Some companies and theatres are able to offer 2 for 1 theatre tickets on selected shows, however these will typically be exclusive deals found in newspapers, magazines, on social media or company websites.

Keep an eye out for these throughout the year, but particularly during the summer months during the summer holidays!

As you can see, getting cheap theatre tickets in the UK isn't impossible - there are plenty of ways to save money! By taking advantage of discounts and promotions, you can enjoy the magic of live theatre without breaking the bank.

Looking for more ways to save on the things you love? Check out our other guides on TOTUM Talks or jump straight to the following...

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