A top tip is to do your ticket shopping last minute. Sometimes if a show hasn’t sold enough and there are lots of seats remaining, prices will plummet for last-minute buyers. Even sold-out shows may have tickets returned on the day as people realise they can no longer make it, so it’s always worth checking with the box office or online.
Also, if you’re willing to take a gamble on lesser-known shows, you can pick up tickets for next to nothing by joining seat-filling ticket schemes. Organisations like Play by Play and Central Tickets charge membership fees or a small handling charge, but will occasionally offer cut-price entry to an eclectic selection of shows. Unfortunately, these only cover London and you don’t get to choose which shows are offered.
If you’re looking for London shows and can trot along in person, it’s worth checking out the TKTS booth in Leicester Square, which often offers discounted tickets.
Finally, it’s often cheaper to find theatre tickets outside of the capital. While some of the UK’s most renowned shows are put on in the West End and around London, the UK has a thriving theatre scene and there are fantastic shows to be found wherever you’re based. Now, let’s help you find them.
How to get cheap tickets for London’s West End shows
The price of a West End theatre show ticket varies depending on where you sit and what you see: limited-run shows, such as An Enemy of the People, will have a higher ticket price, as you can only experience it for a few months. Shows like The Lion King have been running for over 20 years (with no sign of slowing down), so those tickets will be cheaper.
With seating, you’ll pay more for a better, unobstructed view, and less for a seat where a pillar could potentially block part of the stage or if you’re a long way away. But there are some cases where a cheaper ticket will be one seat over from one with a so-called unobstructed view.
We can’t speak for all theatres, but one of our team went to see Wicked and bought cheap seats where the view was supposed to be partially obstructed. However, when they got there, the view was amazing, albeit far away.
So, if you’re not too bothered about where you sit, we’d recommend picking the cheapest seats to save money. Similarly, if you’d like to go to a West End show for the experience but you’re not concerned about which show you see, be sure to select a cheaper one.
To get your hands on cheap theatre tickets, Love Theatre is a fantastic destination. We also like ATG Tickets, London Theatre Direct, Today Tix, Ticketmaster, The Ticket Factory and Fever, all of which periodically offer chances to snap up cheap tickets.
The latter leans more towards experiences and immersive shows, rather than a traditional theatre, though. Take a look at their current deals using the links below.
For exciting things to do in the capital city, check out the top London experience gifts, best West End shows and best London walking tours guides.
Best cheap theatre tickets on sale today
How to get cheap tickets for Les Misérables
Les Misérables is one of the best-loved shows on the West End. The tragic drama based on the book of the same name by Victor Hugo, first ran in London in 1985 and has been performed continuously ever since. That makes it the second longest-running musical in the world and the longest in the West End.
At the time of writing, there’s quite a disparity in ticket pricing, as you can see from the listings below. Right now, the best deals are to be had via Ticketmaster, where you can get tickets for just £28.75.
For more activities to do in the Big Smoke, take a look at our what is Frameless? guide, which we’ve also included in the best London art exhibitions, plus the best UK candlelight concerts.
How to get cheap tickets for Matilda The Musical
Roald Dahl’s hit children’s novel Matilda is re-imagined as a musical in this thrilling stage production. It’s another West End favourite, and it’s even been made into Matilda the Musical movie starring Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull. Currently, the cheapest deal for Matilda The Musical is £20 tickets at LW Theatres.
Did you know you can buy Spirited Away tickets and My Neighbour Totoro tickets for the London performances?
How to get cheap tickets for Hamilton
Unfortunately, Hamilton’s longstanding icon status on the West End means tickets are in very high demand and, as such, sizeable discounts are hard to come by. However, finding cheap tickets is something of our forte, and we’ve found some tickets for £22 at Ticketmaster.
How to get cheap tickets for Wicked
Wicked is one of the longer running musicals in the West End, having been playing since 2006, but has had renewed popularity since the song Popular went viral on TikTok. It’s currently in the Apollo Victoria Theatre and is one of our favourites. And luckily for you, we’ve managed to find tickets available at Ticketmaster for just £27.50.
If live music is your preferred show of choice, take a look at our guides on how to get cheap concert tickets and how to beat the Ticketmaster queue.
How to get cheap tickets for The Lion King
The Lion King is one of the most beloved shows on the West End. The 1994 Disney film has been reimagined as a spectacular theatre production, which boasts glorious special effects, enchanting music, and brilliant animal costumes and figures.
While The Lion King tickets are still cheaper than those of a limited-time-only show’s, the musical’s popularity means that finding tickets for under 45 quid is no mean feat. Well, no mean feat for anyone other than the team! Currently, The Ticket Factory sells the cheapest seats at £43.70 each.
Watch Disney films like The Lion King for less with our Disney Plus offers guide.
How to get cheap My Neighbour Totoro tickets
This Digital Writer has tickets to see My Neighbour Totoro this year, and they can’t wait! Whether you grew up with Studio Ghibli films or you just know a great theatre show when you see one, the magical show of My Neighbour Totoro is sure to be one you’ll remember for a long time.
Tickets for this show are extremely popular — its first run at the Barbican sold out and it’s back for round two — and, as such, tickets are very expensive. Ticket prices for the theatre show have been fluctuating over the past couple of weeks; a few weeks ago, tickets were under £50, and now they’re over £80. So, while we’ve included the lowest prices right now, we’ll keep an eye out for even cheaper prices, too.
How to get cheap tickets for Cabaret
Set in Berlin during the Jazz Age, Cabaret invites you to step inside, loosen up, and be yourself! Cabaret follows the story of struggling American writer Clifford Bradshaw as he wanders into the seedy yet exciting Kit Kat Klub and meets Sally Bowles, a talented cabaret performer. The musical has won seven Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Revival, and promises to be an electrifying night out.
Currently, the cheapest tickets for Cabaret are at ATG Tickets for £30.
How to get cheap tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
If you just can’t get enough of the Harry Potter franchise, then it’s time to tick Harry Potter and the Cursed Child off your list if you haven’t already.
The play is set 19 years after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and follows the story of Albus Severus Potter (son of Harry) as he enters Hogwarts.
The play has won countless awards and has been staged at theatres all over the world. Now, thanks to an amazing deal at Ticketmaster, you can snap up tickets for just £15.
How to get cheap tickets for Guys and Dolls
Guys and Dolls is a favourite among those who love older musicals. Featuring smash hits like Luck Be a Lady, Adelaide’s Lament and If I Were a Bell, this musical is classic old-school foot-tapping fun. Guys and Dolls is set in 1950s New York and follows two couples as they navigate gambling, love and missionary work.
At the time of writing, the cheapest Guys and Dolls tickets are from Today Tix, and they’re priced at £19.50.
How to get cheap tickets to TINA – The Tina Turner Musical
We’ve all heard of Tina Turner, but how much do you really know about her? This musical, featuring the original works of Turner as well as other artists like Marvin Gaye and Ann Peebles, will answer any questions you have about the rock legend’s life and upbringing, and will have you crying as well as tapping your feet while it does. Trust us – it’s Simply the Best.
So far, the cheapest tickets you can buy for TINA – The Tina Turner Musical are £20 ones from London Theatre Direct.
Visiting the capital city for a few days? Or perhaps you’re a local and want to try something unique? Take a look at the best London rooftop gardens and the best London bus tours.
Best cheap theatre tickets around the UK
If you’re not based in London and don’t want to travel to the capital, don’t worry. With many shows touring around up and down the country, there are some great deals to be had on theatre all around the UK.
If you’re based up north we’ve got a guide to the best theatre shows in Manchester. Plus, we know how you can get your hands on Wicked UK tour tickets, Hamilton UK tour tickets, and more.
For more savings on theatre tickets across the UK, take a look at our recommendations for cities near you:
To make even more savings this January, be sure to check out our how to get cheap Disneyland Paris tickets, how to get cheap LEGOLAND tickets, and how to get cheap Thorpe Park tickets.
