If you’re looking for cheap theatre tickets in London or want to see a West End show without spending a fortune, this guide is for you…
I’ve always had a soft spot for the theatre. From a young age, I was treated to a big West End show or fancy ballet with my Nana on our regular day trips to London. Back then the theatres felt like the size of the O2 arena, where I’d sit on a cushion peering down (through binoculars if I was lucky). The Secret Garden, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (a 3-time favourite) were just some of the shows I still have a programme for from the 90s.
Now I live in London, I’ve kept up my attendance, adding occasional trips to the opera and ballet in between musical numbers. You might be thinking, how on earth is she affording this so often?! Well, I’ll tell you — I rarely pay more than £40 for a ticket.
There are dozens of websites screaming that they sell cheap theatre tickets, but I’ve wormed out the ones that actually deliver.
Here’s how I regularly get cheap London theatre tickets — sometimes for less than the price of dinner.
Here’s the quick answer…
How can I get cheap theatre tickets in London?
To get cheap theatre tickets in London, try using apps like TodayTix for rush and lottery tickets, or visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for same-day deals. You can also sign up for reward schemes, look for student discounts or take advantage of promotions like London Theatre Week.
The best ways to get cheap theatre tickets in London in 2025
1. TodayTix
This app is gold dust. If you take one tip from this post, let TodayTix be it.
They offer three brilliant ways to get cheap West End tickets:
Rush tickets: Released daily at 10am, rush tickets start from just £20. These go fast so set an alert and be ready to press that button at 10 on the dot.
Lotteries: Some shows offer lottery tickets from £10. You’ll enter for the chance to score front-row or top-tier seats for less than a Pret lunch.
Special offers & rewards: TodayTix also has rotating deals on selected shows, plus a rewards programme where you earn credits when booking or referring friends.
I’ve used TodayTix to grab cheap seats for Tina Turner, Unbelievable, Sister Act and The Lion King.
Discover TodayTix and start theatre-going!
2. Seatplan
Before booking a ticket, I always check SeatPlan — it’s the best way to see what you’re really getting for your money. More than that, it pays you to help others do the same.
Every time you upload a photo of your view and review your seat, you earn 50p to £1 in credit. Once you hit £20, you can cash that in for a theatre voucher. If two of you see a show and both upload photos? You’re halfway there already.
They also run regular competitions for free West End tickets. A win-win if you love the theatre and a cheeky freebie.
3. Central Tickets
If you’re open-minded and flexible, Central Tickets is a brilliant way to see off-West End shows for a fraction of the cost — or even for free.
It’s a seat-filling service that offers last-minute tickets to comedies, plays, drama school showcases and even West End previews. You’ll pay a small admin fee, but it’s still an absolute bargain.
They also have West End shows on occasion. I saw Motown the Musical from the dress circle for £35 through them.
You’ll need to apply for membership, but it’s free and worth it.
4. Compare Theatre Tickets
If you’re booking ahead in time and can’t go for a last-minute deal, check out CompareTheatreTickets.com.
It’s a comparison site that does the boring work for you — scouring dozens of retailers and showing you where to get the best deal on the date you want.
It includes booking fees too, so you don’t get stung at checkout.
5. Time Out Theatre
If you don’t mind what you see but fancy a night out, the ‘any show’ search on Time Out is a gem. Pop in a date and see what’s going cheap.
You’ll often find flash deals and last-minute cheap theatre tickets for London shows. Their email newsletters are also worth signing up to for exclusive Time Out Offers.
6. Theatre Tokens
Remember when we’d get high street vouchers for Christmas and be like aw, gee, thanks… well these are vouchers I actually love to receive.
Theatre Tokens are accepted at almost every major venue in London and across the UK — including the National Theatre and West End.
They don’t expire either, so they’re the perfect excuse to treat yourself (or drop a hint to a loved one around Christmas…).
7. ATG Theatre Card
If you’re a frequent theatre-goer, the ATG TheatreCard membership pays for itself.
For £35 a year, you’ll get:
No booking fees on most shows
Priority access to popular performances
Discounts on selected tickets
Free ticket exchange
10% off drinks and snacks at ATG venues
Perfect for avoiding those extra costs that creep in when booking through traditional sites.
8. TKTS booth in Leicester Square
This little booth in the middle of Leicester Square has been a go-to for decades — and for good reason. TKTS offers official, same-day discounted tickets without the hidden mark-ups. It’s perfect if you’re up for a spontaneous theatre night and don’t mind seeing what’s available.
You can browse listings online now too, but heading down in person still gets you that ‘what shall we see tonight?’ magic.
9. Queue for day seats
Many shows still offer day seats for a handful of lucky early birds. It’s old-school — and yes, it often means standing in line before the box office opens — but if you’ve got the time, the rewards can be huge.
You could land front row or stalls seats for £20 or less. Always check the individual show’s website or fan forums to confirm the latest policy, as they do change regularly.
10. Student and under-30 schemes
If you’re a student or under 30, you’re in luck — there are loads of brilliant schemes designed to get you into the theatre for less.
Young Barbican gives 14–30 year olds £5–15 tickets to theatre, dance and music events at the Barbican Centre.
National Theatre Entry Pass offers £10 tickets for anyone aged 16–25.
And if you’re into opera, the English National Opera has a great scheme with heavily discounted tickets for students and under 35s.
You might never go back to full price again.
12. London Theatre Week
London Theatre Week isn’t really a week… it usually runs for a couple of weeks twice a year, and it’s one of the best times to grab bargain tickets to big-name shows. Prices typically start at £15, £25, £35 or £45 — and yes, that includes top West End musicals.
It’s a brilliant excuse to book that show you’ve been eyeing up. Sign up to sites like TodayTix or Official London Theatre to get notified when it launches.
12. Kids Week (in August)
If you’re heading to the West End with little ones, Kids Week is your golden ticket. Every August, children aged 17 and under can see a West End show for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult.
Some of the most popular family-friendly musicals take part, from Matilda to The Lion King, and you can often add up to two extra kids at half price. It’s hugely popular, so set a reminder for when tickets go on sale (usually June).
13. West End Live
Ok, so this one isn’t a ticket hack, but it is a free way to enjoy the West End. West End Live takes over Trafalgar Square for a weekend each summer, with stars from the biggest shows performing live — no tickets, no entry fee, just turn up and enjoy the best of London theatre from a picnic rug.
It’s the perfect taster if you want to see what’s worth booking — and a brilliant day out even if you don’t.
Final tip? Be flexible.
If you’re open to weekday performances, matinees or solo seats, you’ll find the best deals. The West End might be one of the world’s most expensive theatre scenes — but with a little planning, it doesn’t have to be.
Get more tips and guides to exploring London including how to see London like a local and the city’s best unique date nights.
2 Responses
Great tips! I knew you could get cheaper tickets, I just didn’t know how! 😀 Now I do!
Yay! Hope you get to use the tips soon