What are the London theatre tips you need to know before you go?
I love going to the theatre in London and have been to many shows in the West End and at fringe theatres around the city.
I created this quick guide to share my best London theatre tips to help you make the most out of your theatre experience in London.
Table of contents
London theatre tips on choosing a show and buying tickets
Choose the right show
How do I decide which show to see?
I visit London every year and see a few shows on each visit.
Every West End production is high-quality, so broadly speaking, I know I’ll find something to enjoy in any of them.
The starting point is looking at what’s currently available.
Then you want to choose between seeing a musical and seeing a play.
Next, I narrow down the options based on my taste. I read the plot summary and a couple of reviews to get a general idea of what the show is about.
Most of the time, I go for light-hearted comedies or high-energy musicals. But there are many other options too.
If you have a particular interest in a famous English playwright (like Shakespeare or Agatha Christie), you can usually find at least one of their plays showing in London.
I’ve created guides to help you choose the right show for you, especially if it’s your first time:
Book ahead or last minute?
One of the best London theatre tips I can give you is to book tickets in advance before the best seats sell out, especially if there’s a show you definitely don’t want to miss,
I also like to book ahead because the anticipation for the show is part of the experience for me.
Booking in advance is especially important if you want to include a theatre show on a short trip to London. It’s a good idea to plan an itinerary for a weekend or short city break around a West End show.
If you don’t know what you want to see yet and are totally flexible, you can look for last minute deals.
These used to be more affordable in the past and I find that they’re harder to get these days. It may have to do with theatres struggling after funding cuts.
You can still try to get on-the-date discounted tickets via the theatre itself (online or offline), try to find rush tickets on the TodayTix app.
I personally haven’t had much luck with any of these methods in the past few years, so I prefer to book ahead.
Choose the right seats
I may be a bit extreme about this, but I’d rather miss a show than get a bad seat. For me personally, it’s just too much of a compromise.
In most theatres you can choose between seats at the stalls (ground floor) , the dress circle (first balcony), or the upper circle.
The names vary, and you’ll sometimes find the names royal circle and grand circle instead.
As a very general rule of thumb, the price of the seat indicates how good the view is.
It doesn’t indicate how comfortable the seat is or if it has enough legroom.
In the old West End theatres (many of them date back to the Victorian era…) seats may be cramped and legroom is sometimes tight. If you’re very tall, you’d better choose an aisle seat.
The best and most expensive seats are usually in the stalls and the front row of the dress circle.
The stalls are best if you want to be close to the stage. That’s always my first preference because it helps me feel more engaged. I love to be able to see the actors’ facial expressions.
Whenever I find good seats in the stalls at a reasonable price, I book them right away.
The back rows of the stalls aren’t always ideal though. They may be too far from the stage (depending on the size of the theatre).
There’s also the annoying issue of the overhang – the section of the balcony that hangs over the back rows and can block part of the view.
The dress circle (first balcony) offers excellent views from its front rows.
I usually avoid sitting at the very back of the dress circle. It’s too far from the action.
The upper circle is very high up in most venues. It’s more affordable, but you’ll be looking down the entire time.
I made the mistake of sitting up there when I was a less experienced theatre goer, but now I avoid it.
Some people don’t mind sitting high up. If price is your main consideration, these seats are usually the most affordable.
Beware of restricted view seats. Some seats are clearly marked “restricted view” and that usually means you’ll be sitting behind a column blocking some or most of your view, or at a sharp angle from which you can only see parts of the stage, or below the balcony overhang blocking the top part of the set.
These seats are discounted and some people don’t mind paying for them. I avoid them.
I find a lot of joy in going to the theatre and I’d rather miss a show entirely than spend my time being annoyed by an interrupted view.
Choose between a matinee and an evening show
Matinees in London usually start at 2:30 or 3 pm. They’re available for some shows once or twice a week.
A matinees is a good option if:
- You want your evening free for other activities
- You have to get up very early the next morning
- You have better concentration in the afternoon than in the evening
- You’re going with kids
You can find more affordable tickets for a matinee. It used to be so in the past, but I noticed in recent years that it’s not always the case. Still worth checking though.
Evening performances are available every day of the week, except Sunday or Monday for some shows. They normally start at 7:30 pm.
You can spend the day sightseeing, have dinner, and go to a show.
It makes sense in many ways given the typical opening hours in London. Most museums and other attractions close around 6 pm. There are a lot of places to eat in the West End area so you can have your dinner before the show. Many of them are also open late, if you prefer to eat after the show.
Consider the language barrier
If you don’t speak fluent English, the best West End shows are those that rely on strong visuals, music, and choreography rather than dense dialogue.
I’d pick the Lion King or Mamma Mia.
They’re quite easy to follow and you can watch the film shortly before you go. If you don’t have time to watch the film, find a plot summary online.
Should you take your children to the theatre?
Many theatres won’t admit babies and toddlers.
As the shows are a couple of hours long, young children may lose interest and become annoyed or just bored.
If you want to take your children to the theatre in London, check the age guidance for the show.
Pick a family-friendly show, preferably a musical with catchy tunes and a familiar story (such as a Disney musical).
For teenagers the selection is wider and they can often enjoy the same shows as adults. Use this guide to find West End shows for teenagers.
What to do before a West End show
Know the plot
I like to come prepared to any show. One of my top London theatre tips is to read a plot summary before you go. You can also find a study guide on YouTube if it’s a classic play. Sometimes I read the entire play if I have the time.
It’s also a good idea to watch the film. In my experience it improves things dramatically.
Before I go to a musical I like to listen to the songs a few times. For some shows it’s a good idea to read the lyrics in advance.
I read the lyrics before going to see Six: The Musical. They’re witty and clever and have all sorts of cultural and historical references. I was glad I was able to get the jokes in real time by coming prepared.
Have dinner before the show
You can book your pre-theatre dinner (or post-theatre for matinees) at restaurants that are very close to the venue. Choose from these show + meal packages for the most popular West End shows.
Don’t bring any big bags
Don’t bring big bags with you or anything too bulky. There’s not much room in the old theatres for anything bigger than a small backpack. If you must carry larger bags, there’s usually a cloakroom for them.
There’s a bag check right before you enter the theatre. Normally it’s very quick.
Bring a bottle of water
You’re allowed to take one inside the venue. It’s handy if you need it during the show. It will also save you some money on overpriced water from the bar.
Be prepared for heat waves
If you’re going in summer, bear in mind that many London theatres are not air conditioned.
If there’s a heat wave (London’s had many of them in recent years), it’s a good idea to bring a fan.
Wear comfortable clothes
There’s no dress code for West End musicals. Smart-casual, jeans, evening wear, you can really wear whatever you like. Just make sure it’s comfortable as you’ll be in your seat for a long time.
London theatre tips on etiquette
Turn off your phone
You’ll be reminded to do that just before the show.
Arrive at the theatre early
I recommend at least 30 minutes before the show. It may seem like a long time, but in my experience it passes quite quickly.
Sometimes there’s no queue at all when you arrive early, and if there is one, you won’t have to wait very long.
Get your phone ticket scanned and go through a quick bag check.
Arriving early gives you time to:
- Find your seat without rushing
- Order an interval drink
- Take pictures of the theatre interior (those old venues are gorgeous)
- Buy a programme
Latecomers may miss the show completely if not admitted. Sometimes latecomers are admitted if they’re only a couple of minutes late, but then they’re given a seat at the back. And on few occasions I’ve seen latecomers being led to their seats and annoying everyone else in the audience…
Don’t take any photos or videos during the show
The ushers are watching. Sometimes you’ll get a chance to take pictures and videos during the curtain call when it’s allowed. Some shows encourage it because they know you’ll post about them on your socials.
Avoid singing and dancing
I’ve seen signs in many theatres asking the audience to avoid dancing and singing during the show.
If you know the songs in a musical, avoid singing along to the music. You’ll get annoyed stares and frowns from the audience. If the cast can hear you that would be off putting for them as well.
Please don’t get up and dance during a musical even if you really want to.
At some shows, like Mamma Mia, you’ll get to do it during the curtain call.
Don’t go to the theatre if you’re sick
Coughing, sniffing, and sneezing ruins the show for everyone around you.
Browse more London theatre guides
- The best musicals to see in London’s West End
- London plays for first timers
- West End musicals for first timers
- Agatha Christie plays in London
- See a London show on a short trip
- Teen-friendly plays and musicals in London
Got more London theatre tips? Share them in the comments.
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