London theatre breaks guide - getting West End tickets

Stroll around London's West End and it's tempting to think that you've found the inspiration for Shakespeare's adage the 'all the world's a stage'. London has more than 160 theatres, showing the best selection of plays and musicals this side of Broadway, making it Europe's prime destination for a theatre break.

Book at theatrical break to London and the chances are that you'll be heading for one of the 40 or so theatres set between Covent Garden to Piccadilly Circus in an area appropriately dubbed theatre-land. The West End represents the commercial hub of London's theatrical scene, and it's here that you'll find all the big budget musical productions, such as Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera, as well as the long-running plays (and runs don't get much longer than The Mousetrap, which has been playing at St. Martin's Theatre since 1974).

Theatre in London doesn't stop at the West End, and some of the most prestigious board treading goes on south of the river (at the Royal National Theatre, The Old Vic and Shakespeare's Globe - all on the South Bank), and in the City at the Barbican (home to the Royal Shakespeare Company). Public funding allows these theatres to put on new plays, some of which later migrate to the West End.

London's fringe scene is going from strength to strength and the chance to see the stars of tomorrow performing their socks off in a studio or pub theatre (for the price of a couple of pints) makes for a great night out.

Getting a good deal on tickets can be something of a lottery; buying tickets in advance not only guarantees you a seat but often at a good price. It's worth spending some time comparing prices with different agent's and you should also consider contacting the theatre direct. If you're determined to get a bargain (and aren't all that fussy about which show you see or where you are seated) then you can join the early morning queues for the Half Price Ticket booth in Leicester Square. The best way to find out what's on where is to buy a copy of London's weekly listings magazine Time Out.

More on London City Breaks:
London Weekend and City Break Information > London Tourist Information > Free Things to to do in London > Museums in London > London Short Breaks > London Entertainment> Tower of London > London Dungeon > London Palladium > London Zoo > London West End London Theatres > London Tickets > London Travel Guide > Central London Hotel Guide

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - London Theatre Breaks

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