London Theatre

Sunday, June 14, 2009

THE BOX OFFICE
Most box offices are open from about 10 a.m. until about 30 min after the show has begun. There is usually no booking fee if you purchase tickets in person. If you telephone the box office directly to order tickets, you may encounter a fee.


TKTS
The Leicester Square tkts ticket booth in the clocktower building on the south side of Leicester Square is the best way to buy discount tickets on the day of performance.

Not all shows sell tickets at the tkts booths, but there is always a great deal of choice. Also, you usually won’t be able to pick and choose where you sit - tkts sells the best seats it has available working from the front of the auditorium towards the back. Beware of imitations - tkts are the only official booths in London and are operated by the Society of London Theatre.


OTHER PRACTICAL ADVICE
Ask what the face value of the ticket is. If you’re buying in person, ask to see it.

Ask where you will be seated. If you’re buying in person, ask to see a seating plan.

Ask if the seat has a restricted view - these seats should be cheaper.

If buying tickets from a ticket agency, check that they are members of STAR (see below).

If you are purchasing tickets over the phone or online a few days before the performance, it may be advisable to ask if you can pick your tickets up at the box office before the performance (indeed, this might be the only option near the performance date).

Some popular shows may require advanced ticket purchases. Plan ahead and find out if the shows you want to see require purchasing tickets before you arrive in London.

Don’t buy tickets from touts (scalpers). They can operate from booths, online or on the street. If you’re in any doubt - don’t buy!

By: Scott Ross