Planning a Trip to the Theatre

Hi everyone,

In today's post I'm going to talk about planning a trip out to the theatre.

Budget for the Tickets & the Trip Itself

Research the amount needed for the trip as a whole, and this includes the theatre tickets, travel, refreshments, programmes, meals and accommodation. 

Research different places to stay, as the prices can really change from day to day. Give yourself options. When travelling via train I would recommend an advanced flexible return ticket, as if you miss your original scheduled train you can always hop onto the next one with no penalties. You can purchase these tickets on peak times and off peak times.

Check out the dining/ drink options at the theatre to give yourself a rough idea of prices. 

Try and mentality familiarise yourself with were you are going to and from months before you go, as it will you not to look like a tourist.

Research the Show

By researching the show before you go it will give you a rough idea on what to expect before you even get to the theatre. Also, you should be able to look into the show prior to booking tickets - not to spoil it for yourself, but to get yourself familiar with each act of the show, and to give yourself a general overview of what to expect. In some cases you will also be able to purchase a play text prior to going; this I would highly recommend you doing especially if there's anyone studying Drama and/ or English Literature within your group or even if you want to delve into the play a little bit more.

Unsure of Booking to see a Production

If you are unsure of booking to see a show wait until after Press Night to book, as this is when all of the reviews start to be released in both the National and Local Press. By reading the theatre reviews it should give you an idea if you still want to go and see the production that your interested in.

Dynamic Pricing Structure

This is one thing to be extremely careful of, as the further in a run of a production goes the pricing changes; and in most cases the prices will increase. This is mainly for any large theatres in the West End, and any theatres associated with ATG and Ticketmaster. My advice would be to book as early as you possibly can to get the best price you can at the time of booking.

Have Fun!

Once you have arrived at the theatre, and grabbed yourself a drink and programme just sit back, relax and have fun. Theatre is for everyone, so please be considerate of those who are sitting around you and everyone else in the auditorium. A trip out to the theatre is considered a little luxury in this day and age, as not everyone can afford to go.

Everyone from the cast, backstage crew, front of house staff, and anyone else who works in the theatre wants you to have a really enjoyable and memorable experience.