If you’re visiting London—whether as an international tourist, a UK visitor, or even a local—one of the must-do experiences is seeing a musical or West End show. London’s theatre scene is one of the best in the world, offering an unmatched range of productions, venues, and price points.
What Musical Should You Watch?
Musicals aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who are curious, the West End offers varying levels of intensity and accessibility.
For less seasoned theatre-goers, the West End is an excellent entry point into theatre. Big productions tend to have strong storytelling, high production values, and familiar music or themes. Long-running, well-known shows are usually a safe bet, while newer or more experimental productions may appeal more to experienced audiences.
If you’re unsure, look for shows that:
- • Have been running for several years
- • Are based on familiar films, books, or music
- • Are recommended as “crowd-pleasers” rather than critically challenging
What Seats Should You Choose?
One of the great things about the West End is its affordability and wide range of ticket prices, making it far more accessible than Broadway—arguably its only true global competitor.
Ticket prices can range from as little as £15 to several hundred pounds. The key question is how much you want to spend, rather than whether you’ll have a good experience.
Restricted view seats
Many theatres offer restricted-view seats at a lower price. In most cases, these still provide a great night out and the obstruction is minimal. Seat size is usually consistent throughout the theatre and is more dependent on the age of the building than the price you pay.
If restricted view isn’t for you, it’s still very possible to find reasonably priced unrestricted seats.
Top tier seats
The best experience but most expensive seats are often found:
- In the stalls
- Or at the front of the first tier (often called the dress circle, though this varies by theatre)
These seats bring you closer to the action and make the performance feel more immersive. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or seeing a show you’re particularly excited about, they can be worth the extra cost, but for for a large section they won’t be .
Matinee vs Evening Shows
Matinee performances (typically afternoon shows) can be:
- Slightly cheaper
- Quieter and more relaxed
- Ideal if you want to combine theatre with dinner or other evening plans
Evening performances tend to feel more traditional and “event-like,” but there’s no difference in quality.
If your are visiting with children matinees work better -although if you want to avoid children the opposite is also true especially for family friendly shows and musicals
West End vs Off-West End
London has many excellent non-West End theatres, including:
- Kiln Theatre
- Southwark Playhouse
- Theatre Royal Stratford East
- Lyric Hammersmith
These venues often stage less mainstream or more experimental productions. For theatre enthusiasts, they can offer exceptional and interesting work, sometimes at lower prices. Some productions begin here before transferring to the West End if they’re successful, making them a great opportunity to see something early.
There are also strong provincial theatres close to central London, such as:
- Richmond Theatre
- New Wimbledon Theatre
- Bromley Churchill Theatre
For international visitors, these still offer a fantastic taste of British theatre, though they often host touring productions that only run for a week or two and are not as easy to get to. Availability also depends heavily on timing.
For UK visitors, touring productions may be easier to catch closer to home, which can make the West End more appealing for shows that don’t tour nationally.
Unique theatre experiences
London also offers a number of memorable theatre experiences beyond traditional auditoriums.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre combines theatre with a beautiful outdoor setting. Because the weather can be unpredictable, it’s worth bringing a raincoat—umbrellas aren’t allowed.
Shakespeare’s Globe offers a historically inspired experience, with some of the best-value tickets being standing places in the yard. These can often cost under £10 and provide a uniquely immersive way to see Shakespeare, even though the venue isn’t strictly West End.
The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden offers world-class opera and ballet, while the Royal Albert Hall hosts a wide range of performances, most notably the Proms.
How to Get the Best Deal
If a show has a limited run or a big-name star, booking early is usually the only way to secure reasonably priced seats, as cheaper options sell out first.
It’s also worth comparing ticket platforms. Apps like TodayTix are convenient and easy to use, but booking fees can sometimes be higher than buying directly from the theatre.
If you’re flexible, last-minute tickets can offer excellent value and sometimes better seats at lower prices. If you’re set on a specific show, however, this approach carries some risk.
Seat-filling services and corporate bulk-booking sites can also offer very cheap tickets, particularly for newer or less well-known shows. Availability varies, but they can be excellent value if you’re open-minded.
Practical Tips for the Day
Aim to arrive around 15-30 minutes before the show starts. Doors usually open 30–45 minutes before curtain up, and latecomers may not be seated immediately.
Most shows have one interval of around 15–20 minutes. Bars and toilets can get busy, especially in older theatres, and some venues allow you to pre-order drinks for the interval.
There’s no formal dress code for London theatre. Jeans and trainers are completely normal, and while some people like to dress up, comfort matters far more than formality.
Holiday Nerd 