How to bag the best value theatre and panto tickets and beat the winter blues
- The Society of London Theatre has just launched a discount ticket sale
- But many of the best pantos and theatre shows are found outside of the capital
- Website Big Panto Guide has details of hundreds of shows across Britain
The pantomime season has arrived – and if you want to beat the winter blues this is the week to bag a theatre ticket bargain for the New Year.
The Society of London Theatre has just launched a discount ticket sale with prices starting from £10 in a Get Into London Theatre promotion.
You can pay half price with tickets costing between £10 and £40 at more than 50 venues. The seats have just become available and are for shows from January 1 to February 13. Visit officiallondontheatre.com/new-year-sale/ for details.
Jack And The Beanstalk is showing at the King’s Theatre, Glasgow
Many of the best pantos and theatre shows are found outside of the capital where you will often find cheaper tickets – and better value for money.
Website Big Panto Guide has details of hundreds of shows across Britain – not just major theatres but also regional and amateur dramatics.
Another option is an Ambassador Theatre Group TheatreCard for £35. This entitles holders to priority bookings and up to half price seats at 36 theatres across Britain, including The Alexandra in Birmingham and Bristol Hippodrome, as well as the King’s Theatre, Glasgow, showing Jack And The Beanstalk. Membership is for 12 months.
Those seeking a ticket for a West End hit can go in person to the official TKTS discount box office in London’s Leicester Square to buy half-price tickets – for shows that same day or up to two days after. The booth is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm – and Sunday from 11am to 4.30pm.
Those that do not mind taking a last-minute gamble can queue at the show they wish to see – from 90 minutes before the curtain is due to rise. This is when people turn up with tickets they can no longer use and try to sell them with help from the box office staff, or where the theatre has spares.
You have to pay by cash – cards are not accepted – but you can get one of the best seats in the house costing £100 for as little as £20.
Those struggling to come up with a gift idea for Christmas might also be tempted to treat family or friends to a night at the theatre.
Best of the bunch is perhaps Theatre Tokens – as these can be redeemed at 260 venues across Britain and have no expiry date. They can be bought in values that start from £5. Tickets can be purchased online as well as from shops such as WH Smith, Waterstones and Tesco.