Things to Do in London for Theatre Lovers
Discover London's West End beyond the show – free and affordable theatre experiences, hidden gems, insider tips and unique things to do for theatre lovers.
Whether you're visiting London for a day, a weekend or a longer theatre trip, we've brought together some of our favourite ways to experience the city's incredible theatre scene.
From backstage secrets and bargain West End tickets to theatre bookshops, historic venues and experiences you might otherwise walk straight past, this is our guide to making the most of London’s Theatreland.
And if you'd like to do more than watch from the audience, we'll also show you how you can experience the West End for yourself.
10 FREE & CHEAP THINGS TO DO IN LONDON FOR THEATRE LOVERS
View here to find out more and see our insider tips for making the most of your visit to London.
HOW TO SEE THE WEST END FOR LESS
Finding cheap West End theatre tickets in London can be easier than you might think. Rush tickets, lotteries, official ticket offers, young-person schemes and choosing your seat carefully can all make a theatre trip considerably more affordable.
Try TodayTix Rush Tickets
Download the TodayTix app and look for shows offering Rush tickets. For many participating productions, you can unlock the Rush programme in advance and then try for reduced-price tickets when they are released, often at 10am on the day of the performance. Tickets are limited and can go quickly, so be ready when they are released.
Visit the Leicester Square Ticket Booth
If you're already in London, the official theatre ticket booth in Leicester Square is still worth checking for same-day and discounted West End theatre tickets. Offers vary depending on the show and performance.
Don't dismiss restricted-view seats
“Restricted view” doesn't always mean a bad view. Sometimes the restriction is simply a safety rail, a side angle or an overhang affecting only a small part of the stage. For example, some restricted seats for shows such as Wicked, Hamilton, Les Misérables and The Lion King can still offer very good views of most of the action.
Before paying considerably more for another seat, look online for photographs taken from the actual seat or nearby. A small restriction can sometimes mean a much cheaper ticket without significantly affecting your experience. Check out SeatPlan for seat-view photos and audience reviews. It is worth checking out the theatre's own website before booking. Some London theatres offer special ticket schemes for under-21s, under-25s, under-30s or under-35s, which can make excellent seats considerably more affordable.
GO BEHIND THE SCENES
Want to discover what happens beyond the stage? London theatre tours and backstage experiences offer the chance to explore some of the capital's most famous performance venues and uncover the history, architecture and stories behind them.
Take a backstage tour at the National Theatre, step inside Shakespeare's Globe, explore the history of Theatre Royal Drury Lane, discover the Royal Opera House, or go behind the scenes at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. Tours and availability vary throughout the year, so it's worth checking what's available during your London visit.
Theatre tours don't necessarily run continuously throughout the day, and some only operate on selected dates and times. Book online in advance where possible, particularly if a tour is an important part of your London plans. Check the venue's current schedule before travelling, as tour times can also be affected by performances and events.
EXPERIENCE THE WEST END FOR YOURSELF
Why just watch the West End when you can experience it for yourself? Whether you're visiting London for a day or spending the summer here, West End On Demand offers West End workshops, private training and summer musical theatre courses in London, taught by professional West End performers and creatives. Whether you're visiting London for a day or spending the summer here, West End On Demand gives performers and theatre lovers the chance to work with professional West End performers and creatives