Navigating London’s 'Theatreland'

[TheatreBreaks]

Even though many people who come to London take in a show, many more forget "Theatreland" is there. Don't believe me?

Those on a business trip to London don’t consider it, yet a night at the theatre is a great way to spend a spare evening on your own or entertaining a business customer that you may not know too well.

Newlyweds don't think about it, but what can be more romantic than seeing a top West End show with your beautiful new wife or handsome husband?

And budget travellers don't but surprisingly you can see a West End show for very little money.

But even so, over 22 million theatregoers coming to London’s theatres each year to enjoying one of its world-famous shows.

So let’s put things straight.

One of the most popular activities for visitors to London is to see a show in Theatreland.

• There is a lot of choice, with over 40 musicals, plays, comedies, operas and dance shows.
• There is a lot of opportunity as there are performances every day of the week.
• There is a wide range of prices (with the average cheapest ticket costing just £20.36 and the average most expensive ticket £81.68) so a theatre trip can be a last minute fun night out or a special night celebrating an important life event, occasion or anniversary.

For the businessman, being dumped in a strange town can be a daunting (and boring) experience. So take the opportunity to pick up a cheap last minute ticket and head to the theatre. It might also be the perfect opportunity to strike up a relationship with a colleague or client: especially a boring one – it’s better than spending all evening talking to them! Tickets for most shows are available on the day from the theatre but if you really haven’t got time your hotel concierge will organise it for you – for a fee!

Kissing in the back seat of the movies may well be fine for the Drifters but the romance of best seats for a West End musical cannot be beaten. Whether you are on your honeymoon or celebrating an important Wedding anniversary, you will never forget your night in London’s West End. Make it extra special by booking champagne in the interval, or pre-theatre dinner at a posh restaurant nearby... and don’t forget togo back for dessert and a night-cap.

And for the budget traveller? OK at this point I have to say that more information can be found in a free downloadable book called London Theatre and Theatre Breaks. Apart from giving you information on how to get around Theatreland, what tickets to book, what mistakes to avoid and even how to take the kids without losing your mind, it also gives you tonnes of ideas about how to save money!

But for me, the take away points are these:

• If you don’t mind too much what you see, go to the Half Price Ticket Booth called TKTS in Leicester Square on the day.

• Don’t go on a Saturday night – everyone wants to: there are no discounts and availability is poor and if you are a businessman then you should be at home with your family!

• You can save money by booking cheaper seats in the balcony or upper circle etc but always ask about the view. Properly registered agents must tell you if the view is restricted.

• Don’t buy drinks in the interval (£6 for the cheapest glass of white wine at some theatres? Scandalous!)

• Don’t buy programmes – download the website on your smart phone (but remember to switch your phone off when the show starts)

• If you plan ahead you need never go round town by taxi – get an Oystercard for travel by bus and tube or walk!

So no matter who you are or what has bought you to London, make sure you see a show: it would be a pity to miss out!

Author Simon Harding, has been working in London’s Theatreland for over 30 years. He owns St Albans Travel Service, a company specialising in organising theatre and hotel packages in London for individuals and groups. Their website www.theatrebreaks.co.uk was the original theatre break sites and has been online since the last century. As well as London they also offer short breaks to Stratford-Upon-Avon, Paris, Edinburgh and New York.

[Jennifer Birch]

Theatre and London = perfect pair!