London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [168]
The London theater scene remains vibrant throughout the summer months. Open-air productions of Shakespeare are particularly well served, whether in the faithful reconstruction of the Elizabethan Globe Theatre or under the stars in Regent’s Park’s Open Air Theatre. Theater festivals such as LIFT (www.liftfest.org.uk), the London International Festival of Theatre, and B.I.T.E. (Barbican International Theater Events | www.barbican.org.uk) provide the chance to see international and cutting-edge companies throughout the year.
Theatergoing isn’t cheap. Tickets less than £10 are a rarity, although designated productions at the National Theatre have seats at this price. At the commercial theaters you should expect to pay from £15 for a seat in the upper balcony to at least £25 for a good one in the stalls (orchestra) or dress circle (mezzanine). However, last-minute returns available on the night may provide some good deals. Tickets may be booked through ticket agents, at individual theater box offices, or over the phone by credit card. Be sure to inquire about any extra fees—prices can vary enormously, but agents are legally obliged to reveal the face value of the ticket if you ask. All the larger hotels offer theater bookings, but they tack on a hefty service charge. TIP Be very wary of ticket touts (scalpers) and unscrupulous ticket agents outside theaters and working the line at “tkts” (a half-price ticket booth, www.tkts.co.uk).
Ticketmaster (0844/277–4321 | www.ticketmaster.co.uk) sells tickets to a number of different theaters, although they charge a booking fee. For discount tickets, Society of London Theatre (020/7557–6700 | www.tkts.co.uk) operates “tkts,” a half-price ticket booth on the southwest corner of Leicester Square, and sells the best available seats to performances at about 25 theaters. It’s open Monday–Saturday 10–7, Sunday noon–3; there’s a £3 service charge (included in the price). Major credit cards are accepted.
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT PLANNER
TOP FIVE FOR THE ARTS
Stand with the “plebs” in Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. There are seats, but to really experience theater Shakespearean-style you should stand in the yard, with the stage at eye level (plus it’s a bargain at £5).
Visit the latest grand art installation in the Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern. The enormity of the Tate’s central space either intimidates or inspires artists challenged to fill it.
Catch a world-class performance at the Proms. There’s a surprisingly down-to-earth atmosphere among the elated company at these great concerts.
Enjoy a night at the National Film Theatre. Mingle with the real aficionados at screenings of foreign, classic, or experimental films.
Watch a Hollywood star in a West End production. Film stars often come to London to boost their artistic credibility in small-scale theaters.
TOP THEATER TIPS
Behind the pillars. Many theaters and concert halls sell discounted seats with restricted views.
Matinees. Afternoon performances are almost always a better value than evening ones.
Previews. Tickets to shows are usually less expensive in the first few weeks of their run, before the critics have had their say.
Monday. Most cinemas, and some theaters, including the Royal Court, have a reduced-price ticketing policy on Monday.
Standing. The Globe Theatre and the Proms are the two most prominent occasions where remaining upright saves you money.
FIND OUT WHAT’S PLAYING WHERE
To find out what’s showing now, the weekly magazine Time Out (£2.99, issued every Tuesday) is invaluable.
The newly free Evening Standard carries listings,