How to get cheap London West End theatre tickets

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Almost every show has a limited run in its given theatre, and if you've got a particular show or genre in mind, your chances of getting cheap tickets will be impacted by how in-demand those tickets are and how much of the show's run remains. There are, of course, some shows which have extremely long runs — we're looking at you The Mousetrap...

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.

For more exciting things to do across the UK, take a look at best UK driving experiences, best kids theatre shows and best UK family days out, along with recommendations on the best things to do in London this weekend.

Plus, we've put together a series of theatre guides; be sure to check out the best musicals on tour UK and the longest-running West End shows, as well as the spookiest West End shows ('tis the season!).

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How to get cheap tickets for London's West End shows
Best cheap theatre tickets on sale today
Best cheap theatre tickets around the UK

How to get cheap tickets for London's West End shows

Wicked cast during their curtain call — Getty / Nicky J Sims / Stringer

The West End is London's iconic home of theatre and plays host to some of the most remarkable stage productions on show in the UK, from the likes of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to Hamilton, and we have some top tips and tricks for you when buying West End seats.

The price of a West End theatre show ticket varies depending on where you sit and what you see: limited-run shows, such as The Tempest starring Sigourney Weaver, will have a higher ticket price, as you can only experience it for eight weeks.

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 RadioTimes.com writers 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, as well as Today Tix, ATG Tickets, London Theatre Direct, 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.

Another great way to snag some cheap theatre tickets is by signing up to our Going Out newsletter. It's completely free to sign up and will be delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday, packed full of the latest deals on theatre and concert tickets, as well as recommendations of what to do at the weekend. You can sign up using the widget 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. Find out all about John Simm in A Christmas Carol.

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Best cheap theatre tickets on sale today

We've scoured the web for some of the very best deals available right now, and we've found some stunners. There's something for everyone, from Harry Potter fans to classic musical lovers, all for under £25.

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How to get cheap tickets for Les Misérables

how to get cheap theatre tickets les mis — Getty / NurPhoto

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 and The Ticket Factory, where you can get tickets for just £28.75.

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How to get cheap tickets for Matilda The Musical

Matilda the musical on stage — Getty / David M. Benett

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.

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How to get cheap tickets for Hamilton

hamilton display outside Victoria Palace — Hamilton. *Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images* Photo by Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

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 a snip at Ticketmaster.

Read our Witness for the Prosecution review here if you fancy seeing the Agatha Christie drama live on stage.

How to get cheap tickets for Wicked

best west end shows — GettyImages/Darren Bell

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 £25.

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 how to get cheap theatre tickets — Getty / George Rose

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 RadioTimes.com team! Currently, The Ticket Factory sells the cheapest seats at £43.70 each.

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How to get cheap tickets for Cabaret

cabaret bulbs moulin rouge the ned new years eve london — Getty / Douglas Sacha Getty / Douglas Sacha

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.

Did you know Cara Delevingne will be starring as the next Sally Bowles? Find out more information in our how to get Cabaret tickets article.

How to get cheap tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

London West End Palace Theatre showing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a play written by Jack Thorne, based on an original story written by J. K. Rowling. — John Wreford/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

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.

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How to get cheap tickets for Mean Girls The Musical

Get in loser, we're going to see Mean Girls The Musical on the West End! This hotly anticipated musical event is going to be just as popular as Regina George, especially after the release of the Mean Girls The Musical movie.

So grab your best pink outfit and head over to the Savoy Theatre. The cheapest tickets are £22, so it would be rude not to.

How to get cheap tickets for Guys and Dolls

Savoy theatre production of Guys and Dolls — Guys and Dolls. *Robbie Jack/ Getty* Getty Images

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 London Theatre Direct, and they're priced at £19.50.

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How to get cheap tickets to TINA - The Tina Turner Musical

Aisata Blackman performs as Tina Turner at the "TINA – Das Tina Turner Musical" Premiere at Stage Apollo Theater on March 16, 2023 in Stuttgart, Germany. — Getty Images

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 £12.50 ones from Love Theatre.

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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.