Written by Izzy Ind, BA History
Even if you've never seen a musical in your life, there's something for everyone in London's West End.
If you play your cards right, it’s possible to catch a few shows without sacrificing your entire student loan, and you might not even have to sit at the back!
- For the West End, the Todaytix app is a lifesaver. In addition to regular discounts, 24 hour offers, and deals for events such as Black Friday, £25 rush tickets are released at 10:00 every day for popular new musicals including Six and Come From Away, as well as old favourites such as Les Mis or Mamma Mia (I’ve managed to snag front row seats sometimes for a fraction of the price). If you’re feeling lucky, you can enter the Hamilton lottery here too (it’s been three years and counting, but I will win it someday).
- Some other shows offer their own version of these online rush tickets. You can find discounted front row seats to Wicked through the show’s Instagram profile, with tickets available for the following week every Wednesday from 10:00.
- Disney also offer their own version called Magical Mondays - every Monday at noon, a number of tickets for that week’s performances will be available to purchase for just £25.
- If your budget is tighter, you’re not out of options either. The Royal Shakespeare Company offer £10 tickets to all their shows for 14–25-year-olds (including Matilda), while those aged 16-20 can access English National Opera tickets completely free.
- While you’re out, you can stop by the Theatre Cafe on St Martin’s Lane - recently renovated with theatre-themed decor and menu items, and show tunes playing constantly, it’s a must-see for any theatre fans. Every so often performers will come along for an event, or to sing a few songs for the cafe’s patrons for free, so follow the Theatre Cafe on twitter to keep up to date.
- It’s also worth checking out UCL’s Drama and Musical Theatre societies, who put on a wide variety of performances each year at the Bloomsbury Theatre as well as smaller venues. They also run theatre trips throughout the year, so keep an eye out for those if you’d like to see a great show and meet other like-minded theatre fans while you’re there.
- As summer comes back around, make sure to check out West End Live - a free two-day event in Trafalgar Square featuring performances from the casts of West End musicals. The Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park is another great option nearby, and even the most beautiful West End theatres will struggle to beat being surrounded by trees and fairy lights while the sun sets through the show.