London Theatres and Hotel

ccluedo

I'm thinking about a possible solo trip to London specifically to take in a few shows.  Would be January 7th for minimum 3 nights, possibly 5.

In my age group, solo and not knowing my way around London, main criteria I think is accommodation close to theatreland (which I know will undoubtably be more expensive) but I really don't want to be walking around on my own or trying to get to grips with London underground etc by myself late night.

Looking for any helpful hints/ tips/local knowledge for planning accommodation and tickets or even both combined pls. 

I don't mind matinees or evenings and will possibly do both if my pennies allow. Is it cheaper to buy tickets on the day from kiosks in the street? Are they bona fide? 🤔 

Also, I'm sure there must be a website online somewhere listing ALL the shows and where but thus far I haven't come across it....

Thanks. 

josephine82

For tickets, try the app TodayTix. Best way I’ve found to get good tickets recently! 

elsien

it’s also depends on whether you’re happy to go and see whatever you can get tickets for or whether you have a particular show in mind. If I wanted to see something specific, I would buy the tickets in advance.

last time I went down to see a show, which was a few years ago now we stayed at the Travelodge at Covent Garden. I’m not normally a fan of a Travelodge, but that one was okay and it was also fairly straightforward to get around from. 

p00hsticks

for thickets, there is a special London theatre week twice a year, although it usually happens a bit later than when you are planning (February)
London Theatre Week | Book Official Theatre Tickets on TodayTix
Theatremonkey is very good for info on the individual theatres, what the view from particular seats is going to be like etc and where to geet some discounts
Theatremonkey – HACKING LONDON'S SHOW SEAT JUNGLE – SAVING YOU TIME, MONEY AND SEAT REGRETS!

swingaloo

elsien said:

it’s also depends on whether you’re happy to go and see whatever you can get tickets for or whether you have a particular show in mind. If I wanted to see something specific, I would buy the tickets in advance.

last time I went down to see a show, which was a few years ago now we stayed at the Travelodge at Covent Garden. I’m not normally a fan of a Travelodge, but that one was okay and it was also fairly straightforward to get around from. 

Im another to suggest the Travelodge at Covent Garden. We stayed there last year to see a show at the Pheonix theatre. The hotel was reasonable (cheaper than I had expected to pay), in an area I would have felt safe going to and from alone and was within walking distance of the theatres.

strawb_shortcake

We stayed at the premier inn hub at Soho or maybe Covent garden? Earlier this year, but it was probably the most reasonable. But there are a few in that area, I don't like Travelodge. The hub was small but sufficient for 1 night, I'm not sure I'd recommend it for 5 nights though. But they were all well located for a number of theatres.

Sometimes Hilton hotels can be competitively priced, but less likely in the west end. 

What shows are you thinking of seeing? We saw Oliver last and that was fabulous 

Murphybear

There is a ticket booth in Leicester Square where you can buy reduced tickets for performances that evening.  There is usually a good selection of shows but you are unlikely to get the current hits.

This is legitimate, it has been going for over 40 years, I saw lots of shows buying tickets from them when I lived in London

Their blurb:   “Discover what’s on in the West End right now and book safely through Official London Theatre. From last-minute seats to limited-time discounts, find official same-day tickets to London’s biggest shows — all at honest prices, with no hidden fees.” 

Their website is officiallondontheatre.com.  You can buy tickets online as well

ccluedo

Thanks everyone for all the very helpful info posted.
Travelodge looks ideal in terms of price and location (and expectations)!
The info /links re tickets is great as well.
I love live theatre so any shows would suit but yes, Oliver is on the list😍 I'll go with the flow in terms of what's available each day at a good price.

Thanks again, much appreciated! 

thegreenone

The Producers at The Garrick was brilliant.

dever33

Staying near Covent Garden or Leicester Square keeps everything walkable so you avoid late night transport. Both areas feel busy and safe, even in January. TKTS in Leicester Square is the official discount booth and it is legitimate. It often has good same day prices for matinees. Theatre Monkey is a handy site for checking what is on and where. It also shows seating tips. A small central hotel will cost more but it makes a solo theatre trip much easier.

adrich

January is actually a great time to do this — quieter and often cheaper. If you stay around Covent Garden, Soho, or Leicester Square, you’ll be right in theatreland and can easily walk back after shows without dealing with the Tube late at night.

For tickets, same-day kiosks like TKTS in Leicester Square are legit, but I’ve also had good luck checking TodayTix. I should say, exactly the TodayTix reviews helped me feel confident booking in advance or grabbing last-minute deals. As for listings, the official London theatre websites and TodayTix together usually cover everything that’s on.