Half-Price Theatre Tickets at tkts London

For those who are accustomed to using the half-price ticket booth in New York City or in other major cities, London does have one of their own. Also named tkts this location is unaffiliated with the same named booth on Broadway which is run by the Theatre Development Fund. The tkts London booth, located in Leicester Square, is run by the Society of London Theatre which uses profits for activities in the theatre industry.

On my way past Leicester Square again, I decided to check out the booth offerings. Since it was Sunday there were only a few shows on sale including 'Jersey Boys', 'The Lion King' and 'Stomp'. Most West End theatres do not offer Sunday matinees or evening performances so the choices are slim.

Unlike the tkts booth in NYC, the London booth does sale advance tickets (both discount and full-price) not only for next day matinees but for many other performances at a discount. These are not listed on the bulletin boards outside the booth and an inquiry will have to be made at one of the tkts windows. Because there are many discount ticket sellers in London, many visitors often bypass this booth. Also the lines that normally snake around the tkts in NYC are absent in London so there is no need to arrive an hour early to assure yourself a ticket. Like NYC, ticket availability can vary through the day.

But be warned if you avoid this booth for other ticket clearinghouses. Booking fees can be high and seat choices poor at other booths.

For more information visit tkts.co.uk. The Leicester Square tkts is open Mon-Sat 10am-7pm and Sun 11am-4pm. Cash and credit cards are accepted (except for American Express). A service charge of three pounds is applied to all tickets excluding tickets purchased at full price.