Is there a difference between West End theatres and Fringe theatres?
Please go to the section Overview Of London Theatre, where we give a detailed explanation about the differences between Fringe and West End theatres.
What are Previews and Can we attend them?
Previews are basically 'dress rehearsals', or performances that let the production team make a few tweaks here and there and for the cast to become settled in their roles live on stage in front of an audience before the show is seen and rated by theatre critics. Most plays will have only a handful of previews and do not normally change much, if anything at all! Musicals however are generally larger productions and therefore can sometime have weeks of previews with numerous changes sometimes taking place before critics review it on opening night (sometimes called 'press night'). The public can buy tickets and attend previews, and in some cases the ticket price is slightly reduced as the show is not yet considered to be the 'finished article'.
How do I buy tickets for London shows?
Please visit our Tickets page
How far in advance should I purchase tickets?
We would always advise you to book as early as you can, especially if you want to see a specific show as the further in advance you book the better the availability will be giving you a wider choice of seating throughout the venue. Generally speaking though, a couple of weeks prior to the performance should be sufficient for most shows for midweek performances or a month or two for Saturday evenings for the most popular shows such as "Les Miserables" or "The Lion King". If you are flexible about what you go to see however, many shows still have tickets available on the day, particularly for midweek performances and matinees.
If the production I want to see is unavailable online, what can I do?
Contact us directly either online or by phoning our 'Booking Hotline' on 0207 492 1580. We have access to the largest amount of theatre ticket stock available in the West End, and can often get hold off tickets for 'sold out' performances.
We will be coming to the London in a few months and would like to see a West End Show.
How often do the productions change? That is, do we have to decide what we want to see and book tickets now, or should we expect there to be new shows available when we arrive and so wait and see?
If there is a show currently playing that you really want to see then we would advise you to book in advance as to ensure availability. There can be however, quite a few changes in the West End over a period of a couple of months so if you are flexible about what you go to or haven't quite made your mind up it may be prudent to wait for a little bit and check our website regularly for new shows going on sale.
Which are the best shows playing in the West End right now?
Opinions on this subject tend to vary so we would suggest you look at current reviews of shows that you could be interested in or maybe read what the critics in the press are saying!
Are London theatres open every day including Bank Holidays?
Although there are several London theatres which open on Sundays, all of them do have at least one day off per week. Most open Monday - Saturdays and generally they remain open as usual during the Christmas period (except Christmas Day), New Year and UK bank holidays. Most theatres will have an earlier start time on Christmas Eve and many can have extra matinee performances during the festive period.
In my country we tip theatre ushers. Is this normal practice in London, and if so how much?
No, it is not customary to tip theatre ushers in London, they would probably be embarrassed if you tried to!
Is there a dress code in London when I go to the theatre?
No. There is no dress code to visit West End theatres. You will not look out of place wearing either a Suit and Tie, or Jeans and a T-shirt!
