Musical Theatre FAQ

19 February 2009 No Comment

Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions about musical theatre – I hope they will be useful.

How can I find out what is currently showing?
There are a variety of ways of finding what is currently showing. If you are after information about West End musicals officiallondontheatre.com has comprehensive listings and can take online bookings. You can also check out national newspapers and magazines which normally have listings – a good magazine to try out would be Time Out.

Alternatively you could check out ticket agent websites like Ticketmaster, Discount Theatre and Theatre Tickets Direct.

For listings about whats currently being performed in your local theatres your best bet would be to check out local newspaper listings and local listings websites.

How do I book tickets in advance?
You can buy your tickets in advance online from reputable ticket agents like Ticketmaster, Discount Theatre and Theatre Tickets Direct, from the theatre’s box office in person or over the phone.

How do I book tickets 0n the day?
This can be one of the cheapest ways to buy musical theatre tickets, simply go along to the theatre and book (Tip: ask about returned tickets – you might get them cheaper). If your after London shows check out TKTS booths located in Leicester Square and Brent Cross where you could get up to 50% off ticket prices.

How can I be sure i’m not going to pay over the odds for the ticket?
Always buy from a STAR (Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers) registered ticket agent is the best method as they have a code of practise to adhere to and a complete complaints procedure. Of course paying the cheapest price is down to you do your research – so always check the prices from all avenues to ensure you get the best price for the ticket you want.

How can I get discounted musical theatre tickets?
If your a student ask at the theatre about student discounts. No need to worry if you aren’t there are still a few other options open to you – you could visit a TKTS booth on the day of the performance you want to see and you could get up to 50% off your ticket. You could visit a subsidised or off west end theatre.

A final option would be to watch a show when it’s still in the preview period.

You can keep up to date with the latest theatre promotions by joining the Official London Theatre mailing list.

How do I get to the theatre?
If you are going to be watching a London show the best way to get to the theatre is probally going to be public transport – if you do take the car don’t forget to budget for the congestion charge as most London theatres are in congestion charging areas!

For more information check out our handy guide to public transport on getting round London’s theatreland and the Transport for London website.

How early should I arrive?
Different theatres open up at different lengths before the perfomance but as an example The Apollo Victoria Theatre for the performance of Wicked opens 1 hour before each performance. Personally I would aim for about half an hour before the performance begins especially if you have booked tickets already and are collecting them as you may have to queue at the box office to pick them up.

On a final note it’s important to bare in mind that if you are late you will almost certainly not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance and this may not be until the interval – you have been warned!

Is there a dress code?
No, anything goes – there is no dress code in London theatres.

Can I bring my mobile, camera into the auditorium?
There are two parts to this answer – yes you will be allowed to bring camera and mobile into the auditorium. HOWEVER you will have to have them both turned off during the performance. In some theatres if a member of the theatre staff catches you with a mobile or camera turned on it may be taken from you and any pictures you may have taken during the performance removed before handing it back, i’ve seen it happen – don’t try it!

Can I smoke during the performance?
No, as you’re inside a public building accordingto current UK law you will not be allowed to smoke in the theatre.

How long will the performance last?
This will depend on the musical you have gone to see but you can expect them to typically last anywhere between 2 hours and 3 hours including an interval of about 20 minutes.

Can I buy merchandise from the theatre?
Almost certainly – before, during the interval and after you should see many theatre staff where you can buy all kinds of merchandise like a programme, soundtrack CD, t-shirts and more. If you want to leave it till you get back you can buy most musical merchandise online – details to be posted shortly.

What if I don’t like the show – when can I leave?
I certainly hope you never end up in this position but if you really want to leave it’s common courtesy – wait for the interval. Leaving during the performance could distract the actors on stage and you will probally get in the way of other patrons.

Can I get a refund?
Musical theatre tickets are normally issued non-refundable. This basically means that unless the show is cancelled or suffers a technical problem you won’t be able to get your money back if you miss a performance. However if a performance has sold out you may be able to get your money back if the theatre can resell your tickets as returns.