How To Buy London Theatre Tickets

Step 1: The Venue

Whether you're booking sports, concert or theatre tickets, firstly phone or go to the venue direct. You will be able to buy the ticket at 'face value', which is the price as printed on the ticket. Ask to see a seating plan and make sure you check whether the seats have a restricted view as these seats should be cheaper.

Theatre Box Offices also sell 'Returns' tickets on the day of the performance. These are tickets that have been sent back by agencies or people unable to use them. Even for sold out productions, tickets may be available direct from the theatre from about 10am. A popular show will see a "returns line" form from around 5am or even the night before. Agencies may return tickets to the theatre right up until 7pm on the day of the performance.

Step 2: Discount Ticket Booths

Central London has a bewildering array of stalls and booths offering discounted tickets. The only official discount theatre ticket retailers in London are the 'tkts' ticket booths situated in Leicester Square and Canary Wharf DLR Station. They are the best way to snap up last minute bargain theatre tickets for many of London's top shows. You must go to a booth in person, as there is no telephone booking system, and you cannot book ahead as tkts booths only sell discount theatre tickets for performances the same day. But most of the tickets are sold at exactly half price, plus a £2.50 service charge, so it's worth the wait.

Step 3: Buying online

Online agencies such as www.lastminute.com, www.visitlondon.com, and www.ticketmaster.co.uk. usually have some of the best tickets for shows or other events, although you will probably have to pay a booking fee. To check an agent follows the code of practice of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers, visit www.s-t-a-r.org.uk. You can register with some online agents to be sent email updates which will tell you when tickets for popular shows are going on sale. Then just get yourself to your computer at the release time, log on and buy the tickets.
If you want to go to a concert, it's worth checking the band's website and fan clubs for advance announcements of tour dates and even discounted tickets.

Step 4: Touts

Ticket touts sell tickets outside the venues of any popular theatre, music or sporting event. They also buy and sell on online auction websites such as Ebay. Touts rely on people being desperate to see a particular event and therefore willing to pay much higher prices. They are best avoided as apart from the fact you'll probably pay far more than the face value, there's no guarantee you'll get given a decent view or even that you'll get a genuine ticket. You have been warned.....