London Theatre Week Explained: How to Get the Best Deals

London Theatre Week is the West End's biggest annual ticket sale, offering reduced prices on more than 60 shows across London. It runs twice a year and is the best opportunity to see top West End productions at well below their standard ticket prices. Here is how it works and how to make the most of it.

What Is London Theatre Week?

Despite the name, London Theatre Week actually runs for about three weeks. It is organised as an industry-wide event to celebrate London's theatre scene and make it more accessible. The winter edition typically runs from mid-February to early March, and a second summer edition takes place around August.

During the sale, participating shows release tickets in set price bands. These are typically grouped at fixed price points, with the exact seat location and availability varying by show and performance date. Over 60 West End and Off-West End productions usually take part, from long-running hits to newer openings.

Which Shows Are Included?

The lineup changes each year, but London Theatre Week consistently includes some of the West End's biggest productions. In recent years, participating shows have included The Lion King, Hamilton, Wicked, Matilda the Musical, The Book of Mormon, Mamma Mia, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Disney's Hercules, alongside plays, dance and opera.

Not every show in the West End takes part, and the specific seats available at reduced prices are limited. Popular shows tend to sell through their London Theatre Week allocation quickly.

How Do the Prices Work?

Tickets are sold at set price points rather than with percentage discounts. The most common bands are around the lower end of the price range, though some shows offer slightly higher price points depending on the production and seating section. Not every seat in the theatre is included in the sale. The deals depend on where you sit, the date you choose and availability.

You do not need a promo code. The reduced prices appear directly on the booking pages of participating sellers during the sale period.

Tips for Getting the Best London Theatre Week Deals

Book early in the sale period. The best seats at the lowest prices go first. When London Theatre Week launches, the most popular shows will see their reduced-price allocation disappear within days, sometimes hours.

Be flexible on dates. Midweek performances (Tuesday to Thursday) tend to have more availability at better prices than Friday and Saturday evenings. Matinees are also worth checking.

Check multiple sellers. London Theatre Week tickets are sold through several authorised platforms. Different sellers may have different allocations, so if a show appears sold out on one site, try another.

Consider less obvious shows. The big musicals get the most attention during the sale, but some of the best value can be found on newer shows, plays and Off-West End productions where reduced-price seats are more readily available.

Book performances well into the future. You are not limited to seeing shows during the sale dates. London Theatre Week lets you book tickets for performances weeks or months ahead, so you can lock in a deal now for a show later in the year.

When Is the Next London Theatre Week?

London Theatre Week runs twice a year. The winter edition typically falls in February and March. The summer edition usually arrives in August. Keep an eye on BritishTheatre.com for the latest announcements on dates and participating shows.

To browse current West End shows and check availability, visit BritishTheatre.com or book directly through tickadoo.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does London Theatre Week last? Despite the name, it usually runs for about three weeks. The winter edition typically runs from mid-February to early March.

Do I need a code for London Theatre Week? No. The reduced prices appear automatically on participating booking sites during the sale period.

Can I book for any date during London Theatre Week? Yes. You can book tickets for performances well beyond the sale dates. The sale period is when you buy; the performance can be weeks or months later.

Is every seat in the theatre included in the sale? No. Each show releases a limited allocation of seats at London Theatre Week prices. Once they are gone, remaining seats are at standard prices.

Which shows are in London Theatre Week? The lineup changes each time, but typically includes more than 60 shows across West End musicals, plays, Off-West End productions, opera and dance.