Bucket list experience:
London, United Kingdom (UK)
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More than 40 large-scale, world-class theatres make up the ‘West End’, all crammed into a small, buzzy area of central London, around Leicester Square, Soho, Covent Garden and Shaftesbury Avenue. Theatres here have a heritage stretching back five centuries – several are home to shows that break world records for length of run and ticket sales, and many are elaborate listed buildings with beautifully-preserved Georgian or Victorian features.
While the West End is most famous for its blockbuster musicals, its theatres stage a wide variety of genres, including serious drama, comedy and avant-garde performance pieces.
Check Official London Theatre for dates and times of shows that are on when you’re in town.
Depending on the popularity and cast of the show, West End tickets can cost anything from £15 to £250, but the most common price range is £35-75 per ticket.
For discounted tickets, go to the half-price ticket booth in Leicester Square for late availability, or use the Today Tix app for great deals on last-minute tickets – you buy through the app, then collect your tickets from the TT rep outside the theatre shortly before the performance.
Matinee and evening performances take place most days, matinees most commonly on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There is rarely a day when all theatres are ‘dark’. Most performances start at 2.30pm, 7.30pm or 8pm, but do check your ticket as this can vary.
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