How to book last minute cheap theatre and musical tickets in London

Experience the vibrant energy of London's West End by immersing yourself in exceptional award-winning shows. With iconic productions like Disney's The Lion King and the riotous Mrs Doubtfire captivating Londoners and travellers alike, along with timeless classics such as the atmospheric Phantom of the Opera and the gripping mystery of The Mousetrap, the choices for seeing theatre in the city are endless.

Below, we unveil our top tips for securing tickets at unbeatable prices. Discover how to navigate the bustling theatreland of London and uncover where to find discounted fares for an unforgettable night out.

3. Try for standby tickets and returns

4. Be a groundling at Shakespeare’s Globe

This summer, delve into some of Shakespeare's finest works up close in the Globe's Yard by purchasing standing tickets – a truly distinctive way to savour the essence of London's Globe Theatre. Shakespeare's Globe sells 700 standing tickets to each performance for just £5. These offer the best view of the stage, and let you experience the show as a groundling – people who used to pay just a penny to watch a play at the famous theatre in Shakespeare’s day.

While standing tickets may be offered at other theatres, they often relegate you to standing at the back. At The Globe, however, you find yourself front and centre, enjoying a classic theatre experience – a must when visiting London.

5. Go with a group

Take advantage of the discounts offered by many theatres for groups of 10 or more, an ideal opportunity to gather family and friends for an unforgettable night out in the bustling heart of London's West End. To ensure you and your group secure seats together, it's highly recommended to book your tickets in advance. By doing so, you can choose from the best available seats and avoid any last-minute disappointments. 

6. Try fringe theatre

Everyone knows about the bustling streets of London's West End, with its many award-winning shows. But did you know that the capital offers a lot more for theatre enthusiasts to explore off West End? Explore some of the capital's smaller venues and more intimate theatre scene for a fraction of the price. Fringe theatres (smaller theatres, pub theatres or those that aren’t in central London) often host local celebrities before they start their UK tours or perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, as well as showcasing new writing. 

The Park Theatre in Finsbury Park stands as a beacon of artistic excellence, spotlighting both established and emerging playwrights. Immerse yourself in world-class new plays and revivals, championing the voices of tomorrow's theatre. Early endorsements from icons like Ian McKellen and Alan Rickman attest to its promising trajectory as a pillar of theatre production in London. Book your tickets now and see some outstanding plays.

The Pleasance Theatre in Islington is great for stand-up, and lots of big names in comedy have graced the stage including Dara Ó Briain, Micky Flanagan and Michael McIntyre.

7. Win the ticket lottery

Theatre lotteries offer a chance to purchase tickets to popular shows at a discounted price. The lottery system is designed to make a limited number of tickets available at a reduced rate, making theatre arts accessible to those who may not be able to afford regular-priced tickets. Not all shows participate in the lottery, but many popular productions do. These include well-known West End productions, musicals, plays and other performances.

Immerse yourself in the world of Matilda The Musical by taking part in the daily lottery, which offers a limited number of cheap tickets (enter your details and choose your preferred date on their website, along with a few questions to increase your chances to grab your tickets)

See Moulin Rouge, the stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann's award-winning movie and an all-time favourite. Every Friday discounted tickets are released at midday for performances happening the next week. Tickets are available on a first come first served basis, you can expect those to sell out quickly.

Each participating theatre or production will have its own rules and procedures for the lottery. This information is usually available on the official website of the theatre or the specific show. Winning the lottery is not guaranteed, so it's a good idea to have alternative plans in case you're not selected. See a selection of London's bestselling musicals and plan your excursion into London's Theatreland today.

8. Book a cheaper performance 

Matinees and weeknight performances offer a fantastic opportunity for theatregoers to enjoy top-quality productions at a more affordable price. Matinees performances are held during daytime, usually in the afternoon. These shows are ideal if you have flexible schedule, a great opportunity enjoy top entertainment during off-peak hours. Theatres often offer discounted tickets for these shows to attract audiences during times when seats might otherwise go unfilled.

Take your pick from some of the most popular shows currently performing on the London West End: 

• The Lion King – Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 2.30pm
• Mamma Mia! – Thursdays and Saturdays, 3pm and Sundays, 2.30pm
• Les Misérables – Thursdays and Saturdays, 2.30pm
• Phantom of the Opera – Wednesdays and Saturdays, 2.30pm
• Back to the Future – Thursdays, 2.30pm and Sundays, 3pm

Preview performances are also available for some of London's top theatre shows. These previews typically unfold before the grand opening night, offering far more than just a glimpse into a dress rehearsal. They provide a captivating opportunity for audiences to immerse themselves in the world of theatre and witness firsthand the cast and crew honing their skills to perfection before the official premiere.

9. Buy from a reputable source

Visit London collaborates with official sellers to provide tickets for some of the best theatre shows currently on the West End. For each show, a seating plan is available to peruse through, making it easy to select the best seat available within each price band.

Many reputable agents have websites offering online booking and this can be a good way to buy theatre tickets, but be careful as touts also operate over the internet. Make sure you buy your tickets from legitimate agents, such as STAR members (The Society of Ticket Agents & Retailers).

Always ask to see the "face value" of the ticket – in other words, the price printed on the ticket – as ticket agents always charge a booking fee which should be no more than 25% of the face value.

If you have any queries about your tickets, please contact the supplier shown on your confirmation.

10. Check seating plans for the best available seat

When looking to buy tickets for a theatre show, whether online or at the box office, don't forget to check the London theatre seating guide for the best spots. If you're booking online, take a close look to avoid getting a restricted view seat – as those seats are usually cheaper. If you are buying from the box office, ask to see the seating plan and details on the view from each seat.

This information should be made available to you before you buy, as these are your legal consumer rights. Just take a minute to check out those seats before you commit, and be sure to score the perfect spot to enjoy a night out at the theatre.

11. Visit the London TKTS booth

If you're looking to book last-minute London theatre tickets, visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square. It offers half-price and discounted theatre tickets on the day of the show, and up to a week in advance.

If you're looking to discover more of London's spectacular theatre shows, check out the latest productions or be dazzled by one of the best musicals in London.