Hi guys,
We'd like to see at least one theater production while we're in London. Are the theater/dinner packages a good value? They seem so. Should I book prior to our visit (June 1-5) and take the chance that we won't be tired, miss it because of something else, etc.? If I wait to book until we're in London, can we get the same kind of deal? Any suggestions how?

Same questions for the night walks.

You've all helped me so much with earlier questions. Thanks so much for that, and anything you can do with this.

Before booking the combined package, take a look at the the specials being offered for just the show and see how much (if) they are cheaper.

When I have looked at the combined packages, they didn't appear to be any cheaper and they take away flexability. That doesn't, necessarily mean that better deals don't exist.


Keith

I don't know about the combo offers. Typically the restaurants included in these offers are not great but not necessarily a bad deal. Booking before hand realy depends on what you want to see. If you're flexible, there will always be some availability at the Leicester Square ticket booth. If you have your heart set on seeing something in particular that's popular, book ahead of time & make sure to arrange that day so you're not exhausted.

Many people like the Complete Unabridged Shakespeare (or something like that) & tickets to that are very reasonable. (I think someone reported paying only 10GBP/ticket)

I'm not sure if they dinner/show packages are a good value or not. Many restaurants in the West End offer pre-theatre and post-theatre price fixe menus for very reasonable prices (about 15 pounds seemed common for 3 courses w/out beverages or wine).

Thanks a lot for the help. I think we'll wait until we get there and play it by ear. You're right - I wasn't too crazy about the restaurants that were included with the packages. Sounded like they offered what we Americans may think of as a "traditional British" meal - very heavy on the beef, or just plain heavy. We're not that kind of eaters. So not booking now gives us the flexibility to choose the play, the date and the restaurant.

Lastminute.com has some great 1/2 price (or less) special on their website. I got 7th row center for Blood Brothers for about 20gbp a head (1/2 price) and also through the Regent's Park Open Air Theater web site for Camalot. I think we're going to forgo day trips out side of london and do more theater. They have the dinner/ticket packages available on that site as well (Lion King was 35gbp with dinner with several restaurant choices)as well as some 10gbp specials that aren't all in the "nosebleed" sections. Check the Porter's Restaurant Website and check out their theater links there as well. There is a lot on line. Also go to the search box in the upper left and type in London Theater or Theatre - there is a ton of good information already here that will help you have a great time!

Julie