So now you know that deals are out there and when those deals are likely to be available. So if it is important to you, you can avoid the prime complaint of London theatregoers.
To be honest if you avoid theatre ice creams, drinks and sweets I think you have gone along way to achieving a cheap night out – I’ve been nipping out to a nearby pub for years instead of paying the theatre bar prices and my auntie brings her G&T in to the theatre in a water bottle – slice included!
So apart from cost, the other complaints, in no particular order, are:
So how can we make sure that other people’s complaints are not your complaints?
Before you buy your ticket ask the theatre where to sit with the easiest access.
Do ask – don’t just assume it is on the aisle at the back of the stalls. Quite often the answer is surprising… for example, many theatres are partially underground, so “upstairs” in the dress circle or balcony may be on street level whilst the stalls is in the cellar – so the best access could be found at the front of the dress circle – nice seats!
So how does this help?
Well obviously there are no stairs to negotiate, so quick in an quick out, so you can be first to the toilets – which is especially important for the ladies (it is always nicer to be the smug one coming out rather than the desperate one going in!).
If you can get out quickly you can choose between whether you go to the theatre bar or the pub next door. The pub will be cheaper and if you drink wine or beer then it is almost certainly going to be nicer. Obviously the bar at the theatre is very handy but in 10 seconds it is just about to get very crowded!
Whichever one you choose, having got out of the auditorium quickly, you will now have enough time to finish your drink and therefore not have to resort to necking it or decanting it into a plastic cup.
Just remember that in the bar next door, you don’t get a call for the second half, so don’t get carried away and forget to go back! A good tip is to sit by the window and keep an eye on the smokers at the front of the theatre!
Also easy access seats are usually on an aisle and an aisle seat equals great leg room.
If you are sitting on the aisle then your best bet is to stand until the rest of the audience settle in. Use the time well and befirend the programme seller: in a lull, just ask if they would let you have a quick look! Or you could ask another audience member if you could borrow theirs (or just loiter in the interval and help yourself). Of course you could go halves with someone… but my favourite, and even my gin swigging auntie hasn’t thought of this one yet: just visit the show website before you go and print off a couple of pages!
Regarding the behaviour of other members of the audience, you might ask your new ally the usher, but as you are on the aisle you’ve halved the chances of sitting next to someone who is eating, chatting or singing along and as most people go to the theatre with another person, then you probably brought the seat next to you!
Last Note: Do remember you are asking which seat has the best access, not which seat has the best view, but as long as the seat you are buying is “top price” then you should consider it has an acceptable view!