5 Tips for Going to the Theatre in London

Haley Fusia is a student at Georgia College and State University and an ISA Photo Blogger. She is currently studying abroad with ISA in London, England.

For me, deciding to study abroad in London was an easy choice. As a theatre major, I wanted a place that would offer a vibrant theatre scene, and London provides just that. I’m only halfway through my time here, and I’ve already seen seven shows! This is partially thanks to ISA, who introduced me to my theatre-going friend, who you’ll see featured in some of these photos!

I’m certainly not an expert, but I’ve learned a few things about making the most of a night out to the theatre! Here are my 5 tips on seeing plays in London:

  1. Dress Up

Take the opportunity to dress nicely when you go out. Not only will you fit in with the locals, but it also makes the night that much more fun!

You don’t always have to wear ALL black in London!
You don’t always have to wear ALL black in London!
My lovely theatre-going friend who always looks her best!
My lovely theatre-going friend who always looks her best!
  1. Explore the Area around the Theatre

This is probably the most important thing we’ve learned. Whether you’re attending a West End theatre production or seeing a show at the National Theatre, there are always things to see and do in the area. For this particular show, we were in Greenwich! We went to the Royal Observatory, saw the prime meridian, and walked through the National Maritime Museum. (Fun fact: most of the museums in London have free entry!)

The view from the Royal Observatory!
The view from the Royal Observatory!
The longitudinal coordinates of major cities around the world lie along the prime meridian.
The longitudinal coordinates of major cities around the world lie along the prime meridian.
The longitudinal coordinates of major cities around the world lie along the prime meridian.
The Royal Observatory had a section devoted to the history of time, something I’d never really considered before!

Buy a Program

At some of the smaller theatres, programs are free! However, for other shows I’ve been to, I paid between £2-£4. It’s completely worth it! The program gives a background on the show, bios for cast members, and shows rehearsal pictures.

 The free program from the show we saw at the Greenwich Theatre.
The free program from the show we saw at the Greenwich Theatre.
Some of the programs I’ve bought from past shows.
Some of the programs I’ve bought from past shows.
  1. Eat Ice Cream at Intermission

This is a tradition of London theatres! Plus, a great excuse to indulge in some ice cream.

The Greenwich Theatre served gelato.
The Greenwich Theatre served gelato.
Yum!
Yum!
  1. Enjoy the Show!

Going to a show in London is an essential part of experiencing the culture! Whatever you see, whether it’s a comedy, a new-age musical, or even a play you’ve seen a few times before, enjoy the show!

We had great seats for this show!
We had great seats for this show!
The free program from the show we saw at the Greenwich Theatre.
We truly enjoyed the show we saw at The Greenwich Theatre!

 

The world awaits…discover it.

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