A student’s guide to enjoying the theatre in London

Hi! I’m Christie, a Student Content Creator studying an MA in Cultural and Creative Industries. Having been a bit of a theatre nerd my whole life, one of the most exciting things about studying at King’s is that we’re right next to the West End theatre district.

I know for many students, theatre can feel intimidating. Maybe it seems expensive, or maybe you’re not sure where to start. But the truth is, seeing a show in the West End can actually be much more accessible than you might think. So here are a few of my favourite tips from finding affordable tickets to choosing seats and enjoying the theatre experience.

There are three main ways to buy tickets.

1. Buy directly from the official website of the show you want to see.

2. Use the Official London Theatre website or visit their offline booth in Leicester Square for discounted same-day tickets.

3. Use the TodayTix app or website.

I usually use TodayTix because it’s very easy to use and offers many great deals. Two options I recommend looking out for are:

1. Rush tickets: discounted same-day tickets released every day at 10 am on a first-come, first-served basis
2. Lottery tickets: discounted tickets that you can enter to win randomly

Another great opportunity is London Theatre Week, which usually takes place in February/March and August. Many shows offer significant discounts during this period.

Most West End theatres have two main levels: Stalls (the same level as the stage) and Circle (the level above). Larger theatres may also have an Upper Circle.

Choosing seats is actually part of the fun! Since prices vary by view, it’s helpful to consider what matters most to you. Personally, if a show has impressive staging or a large-scale show spectacle, I like sitting in the Circle to enjoy the full picture. But for shows that focus on acting and drama, sitting in the Stalls can provide a more immersive experience.

PRO TIP! Before booking, try searching ‘[theatre name] + [seat number] + seating view' on Google. You can find photos taken by previous audience members that show exactly what the view looks like.

Another small personal tip is that I try to avoid seats tucked directly under balconies because the sound sometimes feels less balanced there.

The theatre experience starts as soon as you get to the venue, so I recommend arriving about 30 minutes early. This gives you time to explore the theatre, find your seat, and check out the merchandise. Some shows also have pre-shows before the main performance, so make sure to do some research before you miss it.

You can also buy drinks or snacks to enjoy during the show. Just try to avoid noisy snacks, so you don’t disturb the people around you! Speaking of which, here are a few etiquette tips to help everyone enjoy the performance:

1. Keep your phone on silent or turned off

    

2. Avoid talking or singing along during the show

3. Sit back in your seat rather than leaning forward, so you don’t disrupt the view of the people behind you

One of the reasons I love theatre is that every performance is different. The audience and performers communicate through each other’s energy, creating a unique experience each night. And as King’s students, we’re lucky to study in the heart of London, a city with such a rich history in performing arts.

For those based at Strand campus, the West End is literally on your doorstep, and even if you’re studying at other campuses, it’s only a short journey away.

While theatre may once have felt like a ‘classy’ or high end form of entertainment, it’s much more accessible than you may think. With user-friendly platforms like TodayTix and various discounts, seeing a show can be affordable and spontaneous.

For me, going to the theatre means breaking out of reality and going on a 3-hour trip to an imaginative, magical world. Witnessing the seamless collaboration between the performers and crew, bringing a story to life right in front of you is what makes me feel most alive.

So the next time you need a study break or want to try something new, why not take advantage of it and go catch a show?