Stars on Stage

Book early for the best seat prices, or go last-minute - many shows release discounted day seats and standby tickets on the door. TKTS in Leicester Square offers same-day discounts on selected shows, and most theatres have their own offer schemes. Midweek matinees are almost always cheaper than weekend evenings.

The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, and Back to the Future are firm family favourites. For younger children, look for shows with a recommended minimum age of 6 or below - we list age guidance on every show page. Most West End theatres welcome children but do not admit under-3s.

Yes. Many theatres release unsold seats as day seats from when the box office opens, usually at a reduced price. You can also try the TKTS booth in Leicester Square or check the show's own website for last-minute availability. Rush tickets are sometimes available online from the morning of the performance.

Most West End shows run between 2 and 3 hours including an interval. Plays tend to be shorter, around 90 minutes to 2 hours, sometimes without an interval. Running times are listed on each show page so you can plan your evening accordingly.

The West End is London's equivalent of Broadway - the heartland of commercial theatre in the UK, centred around the Theatreland district of the West End. Many productions transfer between the two, but each has its own distinct shows, stars, and character. Tickets in London are often better value than their New York counterparts.

Covent Garden, Soho, and the Strand put you within walking distance of most theatres. Leicester Square and Charing Cross are the most central tube stops for Theatreland. If you are travelling from outside London, St Pancras and Victoria both have fast rail links and are a short ride away.