Tom Ritchings is a Student Services Coordinator in the ISA London Office. Tom works with students who are studying abroad in England and Scotland.
London has some of the best dramatic and musical productions in the world for a fraction of the price of its competitors. If you’re looking for a deal, there’s a booth called TKTS in the centre of Leicester Square that sells same-day discounted tickets to most of London’s top productions.
If you would like to purchase tickets in advance, it’s best to go to the theatre directly or check their website. Ticket stands or ticket websites vary in price and although you may occasionally find an affordable deal, they are generally considered to be more expensive; if in doubt shop around. If your production has a limited schedule, you better book it ASAP as tickets can run out months in advance (after all, this is London).
During the summer months, I highly recommend Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Built as a replica of the original, this outdoor seasonal theatre runs from April to October and is a must-do for the theatrically hungry. Featuring A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest and Macbeth as this year’s leading plays, tickets may be purchased at the theatre or on the Globe’s website beginning February 11th. Seating ranges ₤15-40 and must be booked well in advance however, the seats do tend to be quite uncomfortable and it can be difficult to hear.
Local tip- if you can stand for 3 hours, do! The much cheaper ₤5 “yard” tickets deliver a much more personal and Shakespearean experience. The standing tickets are also much easier to acquire.
To learn more about ISA’s programs in London, visit : http://studiesabroad.com/london
