Going to see a famous London musical is an unforgettable experience and something you must definitely consider when planning a trip to London, so it´s definitely good to know how to get your hands on cheap theatre tickets in London.
Every night, thousands of people flock to London’s theatre district in the West End to be entertained by a London musical or performances from around the world, and it´s no surprise, as London hosts some of the best musicals in the world.
Where to buy cheap theatre tickets for London Musicals and Theatre
There are several ways to buy cheap theatre tickets for London Musicals and Theatre. However, if you have a specific performance that you want to see, it’s always best to book tickets in advance, especially if it’s one of the more famous musicals.
Long-running shows such as The Lion King and Les Misérables can have limited availability on popular dates. If one particular show, date or seating area matters to you, booking in advance gives you the widest choice.
Online ticket agents
We would always advice that the best way to get cheap musical tickets in London is through buying online in advance. There are several reliable websites where you can buy cheap tickets to musicals and other theatre performances throughout the capital.
When you buy London theatre tickets online you can easily compare prices and availability for several shows on your chosen date, plus you can pick your seats and pay by card which also means you don’t have to worry about bringing extra currency to buy cheap theatre tickets during your stay.
Buy tickets for London Musicals and Theatre
At the theatre box office
The host theatre’s own box office is a useful price check and sometimes sells production-specific day seats. Buying direct does not automatically guarantee the lowest price, though, because prices are dynamic and promotions vary. Compare the final total, not just the headline ticket price, and confirm whether a seat has a restricted or partial view before paying.
The Official London Theatre Ticket Booth
For same-day plans, use the Official London Theatre Ticket Booth, run by the not-for-profit Society of London Theatre. It is in the Clocktower building on the south side of Leicester Square and offers genuine tickets at official prices; some are discounted and some are full price.
The booth is currently open Monday to Saturday from 10.30 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. Its on-the-day inventory also appears online from 12.01 am, and availability and prices can change during the day. Other kiosks in the area are separate businesses, so check who is selling the ticket and the full price before paying.
Our recommendation on how to get cheap musical tickets in London
One of the things we love most about living in London is that we can easily have a night out at the theatre. We have been lucky enough to be able to see The Lion King, Memphis, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Commitments, Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, The Woman in Black, Billy Elliot, Kinky Boots and War Horse, so if you have any questions do get in touch!
Even though we live here, we still always buy our London theatre tickets online and well in advance, as this really is the best way to get yourself cheap theatre tickets to a London musical. As already mentioned, we have tried the ticket booths in Leicester Square on a couple of occasions, but with little success.
We use London Theatre Direct because its interactive seating plans make it easy to compare availability and choose seats. Prices can vary between sellers and performances, so we still recommend comparing the final checkout total with the production or theatre’s official website before booking.
Before you buy: a quick ticket checklist
- Compare a few dates and, if possible, midweek performances; theatre prices are dynamic.
- Check the exact seat on the seating plan and look for restricted-view, partial-view or standing-room notes.
- Compare the final total after booking fees, not only the advertised starting price.
- Confirm the performance date and time, age guidance and latecomer policy before payment.
- Check how tickets will be delivered. E-tickets are common, but the method depends on the show and seller.
- Read the exchange, refund and optional ticket-protection terms. Theatre tickets are normally non-refundable unless the performance is cancelled.
Going to the theatre in London without buying tickets in advance
If you decide on the day, start with the Official London Theatre same-day listings online or at its Leicester Square booth. You will have the best chance if you are flexible about the show, performance time and seat location; a famous production or specific seat is never guaranteed.
Also check the chosen production’s official website for day seats, rush tickets or a ticket lottery. Some shows release discounted same-day seats through an app on a first-come, first-served basis, while lotteries allocate the chance to buy at random. The participating shows, prices and release rules change, so check the current instructions for that production rather than relying on a fixed list.
Before accepting a last-minute offer, confirm the theatre, start time, final price and whether the seat has a restricted view. Most West End theatres are close together, but allow enough time for security checks and to find the correct entrance.
Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.