stokebailey

I'm looking at tickets for a West End play in the early new year, and it only runs from November until January 5. The 48 GBP a seat at one website is steep since I'd want to take my daughters, too. Lacking a crystal ball on how hot these tickets will be, can anyone give tips on buying theater tickets in advance?

Also, failing that, what's a reliable online source for West End and beyond reviews? The Telegraph loved the play above earlier this year.

NeoPatrick

What show? What theatre? Some theatres and chains (Nederlander, for example -- or The National Theatre) have special discounts. It's hard to be specific with you general question.

I'm also curious what you mean by reviews if the play hasn't opened yet -- or is this a production transferring from somewhere?

jamikins

I usually buy my tickets directly from the official website (usually goes through ticketmaster). There is a chance you may find tickets through the Official Ticket Booth TKTS www.tkts.co.uk but if the show is popular they may never be offered there.

May I ask what the show is?

janisj

What play, what theatre, who star(s)? If it is one of the short run/high profile productions like at the Donmar or starring someone like Helen Mirren or a hollywood "name" - you'll have to pay the going rate - and probably quickly.

janisj

we were all posting at the same time . . .

sofarsogood

Time Out will be your best one stop guide to all West End theatre - reviews and tickets

http://tinyurl.com/cpjx3jc

though as for ticket prices, it depends on popularity of the performance

stokebailey

Thank you, Janis and Jamikins. I see I expressed it badly. I definitely don't want to pay to see a Hollywood face, though if someone took me to see Helen Mirren I'd be obliged.

It's "Constellations" at the Duke of York's, and I see that I can go directly to the Royal Court website and find a few still left at 25 GBP. It was put on January this year, and thus the review.

I've looked at National Theatre website, and am a little perplexed by the Member thing. It appears they get first dibs on advance tickets, justifiably, but I wouldn't be able to buy three memberships to get that many tickets.

stokebailey

Thank you, sofarsogood!

RM67

Lastminute.com often have theatre tickets at reduced prices.

Time Out is the place to research what you actually want to see.

tuscanlifeedit

We were able to get very inexpensive tickets from The National Theatre website. Do check.

janisj

When I went to the Duke of York's website and checked for Jan. tix, they only list Stalls and Dress Circle seats - thus the £48. I couldn't find a way to choose Upper Circle seats -- that is where the £25-ish seats would be. If you can book through the Royal Court, I'd do that.

stokebailey

Thank you, RM67. Last minute will work for us, too. It's difficult to hit the sweet spot between too soon and too late. "Constellations", for instance, will surely sell out soon. I'd love to see "One Man 2 Guvs", but every performance during our ten days seemed to be entirely booked.

tuscanlifeedit, do you happen to remember whether the Natl Theatre tickets you bought were for an ongoing show?

Thanks, Janis!

What about seeing a panto. How to find one? Are they advertised as pantomimes? Do they vary much in quality?

stokebailey

Thanks for your comment above, NeoP. I'll check for special discounts at Nat'l Theatre and see if I qualify.

sofarsogood

Pantomime's in London can be found here

http://www.timeout.com/london/featur...imes-in-london

oh no they can't....

oh yes they can....

stokebailey

Loveit sofar! Thanks.

stokebailey

So, Theatre Royal Stratford East for "Jack & the Beanstalk", or Hackney Empire for "Dick Whittington & his Cat"?

Tempted to go to Catford, since late great C_W had recommended a chain pub there, but I suspect he was being ironic.

Avalon2

I got tickets for 1 Man 2 Guv on the morning of performance at the bex office.There are usually some returns for even sold out performances

PatrickLondon

>>So, Theatre Royal Stratford East for "Jack & the Beanstalk", or Hackney Empire for "Dick Whittington & his Cat"?

pporter

My 2 cents, but theatre is blissfully among the very few things left on the planet where "quality" bears no relations whatsoever to price.

stokebailey

Ah, yes, Avalon2. Somehow I forget these possibilities. Thank you. Did you like it?

Good tips, Patrick. I appreciate it.

pporter, you are so right.

We did pay to see Hollywood/Natl Theatre celeb Kevin Spacey in Richard III earlier this year, and opted for cheap seats in the balcony. That was one situation where I wish I'd pried my wallet open more to sit up close.