How to have a Theatre trip on a budget

Is a day out at the theatre looking to be quite expensive? Ticket prices are soaring through the roof and the cost of a ticket isn’t always for everyone. Have no fear, when I used to see a show in London quite often, I never spent more than £25 on most shows I watched. A day out in London was something I loved when I knew it wasn’t going to be too expensive. There are many ways to do this and here’s how.

Theatre is special and a wonderful part of our society. It is a way to be engrossed in a story that can inspire you or something you can relate to. but most importantly enjoy and come out of the theatre feeling good about the show. It shouldn’t be something that people can’t experience in life.

Buying tickets:

Grab your phone and just like magic you’re watching a show. Using apps such as TodayTix is a great way to get tickets to a show. This app gives the avid theatre goer or even a newbie, a chance to get tickets a slightly cheaper way. This can include being under the form of ‘rush tickets’ or ‘ticket lottery’. These options have the perfect opportunity find the cheap ticket you desire.

Rush Seats:

Most shows that give you the option to do rush seats opens at 10am on the app. You will have to be quick grab your ticket/s. They go very quickly. The price can range from £20 to £30 and most of the time these give you some of the best seats in the house. Just find your preferred show and see what they have to offer on the app. Just one click could do all.

Ticket Lottery:

Hamilton for example is a great way to try your luck at getting front row seats for just only £10 each. You enter on the TodayTix app any time before Thursday when the draw closes. It opens again on the Friday. You can enter for date for1 or 2 tickets, which is for the week ahead. I enter every week trying my luck, I have won twice and neither time have I been able to make the show for different reasons. But keep trying, it will be worth it.

As well as that head down to the theatre on the day and if they have any tickets on discount before the show that have not been sold yet. This is always a great way to see what is on offer as a last-minute trip.

Sometimes even the so called ‘restricted’ seats or ones higher up for the cheaper price are actually pretty good. Have a look on the website SeatPlan when booking your tickets. This website is a place where people review and upload photos of the view from the seat and how it was. This gives those who want to book an idea of its worth for the price and show. Do a little research and find out what show suits you and the availability for your needs.

Food and Drink

To add to the day food is always what you’re after. Down Shaftsbury Ave where a lot of ‘TheatreLand’ is, a good recommendation for food is Wasabi. Cheap, delicious and you never know you may spot a cast member grabbing their lunch before the show. Sit and eat a Katsu curry or a bite of Sushi. If you are a student, there is sometimes a great offer to get your hands on and take advantage of the student discount you are entitled to, just check the terms and conditions.

If that doesn’t take your fancy, a cheap and easy Wetherspoons could do the trick when you want to grab something before a show. Their small dishes offer, or their burgers could be something for a budget friendly day out.

Drinks and snacks at a theatre bar may be too pricy, always bring your own water bottle in case you are in need of a drink. Each theatre sells the interval ice cream and at different prices, but they are something great to snack on. Grab a salted caramel or a classic vanilla and enjoy act two.