Affordable Theatre

It’s theatre season and time to book your tickets! I know it's hard but you must book early to avoid missing out. It just involves a little planning. 

I love the theatre but refuse to spend over £25 a ticket – I believe theatre should be accessible. Especially when there is so much theatre out there for a reasonable price:

1. TRAVELEX £12 tickets at The National Theatre, Waterloo. I have seen some of the best theatre here over the years on these tickets: ‘Theatre of Blood’ with Jim Broadbent, ‘Henry IV’ with Michael Gambon. I love all things Greek, so 'Antigone' is right up my street, and starts 24th May.

2. We've booked to see Peter Brook's new production of 'The Suit' at The Young Vic, preview tickets are available for just £10.

THE GLOBE, London Bridge

This is, without doubt, my favourite theatre in London. Mark Rylance is back at the Globe this season, after his rave reviews in London and New York in ‘Jerusalem’. He is playing the lead in ‘Richard III’ and reprising his role as Olivia in ‘Twelfth Night’. I saw this 10 years ago the first time round and it is UNMISSABLE. Standing tickets are only £5 each: the best value in town.

The Royal Court – this is where all the top shows start: ’Jerusalem’ and ‘Hitchcock Blonde’ both went onto the West End after starting here. And it attracts big name stars too, such as Tamsin Greig and Gillian Anderson. Tickets are rarely over £25, and they are offering £10 Monday tickets for a new show, 'In Basildon' which looks great.


The Lyric, Hammersmith

I discovered this theatre when I used to work in Hammersmith and have seen some of the best comedy theatre here. This 'Oedipussy' is a comedy based on the Greek myth (I know, Greek again) which I'm sure will be hilarious. Tickets from £12.50. Just make sure you eat before you go, as there are slim pickings in Hammersmith!








The Best Fringe Theatres in and around London:


Theatre is definitely not all about central London, and I find that a lot of local pubs and venues provide a great canvas for original theatre and comedy (plus you're less likely to need to book in advance). Here's the top picks from Chris O'Donnell, my boyfriend who has directed more than a few plays in these venues...

The Brockley Jack - small venue but a great atmosphere and their 'Scratch Nights on Sundays with lots of short, quick-fired acts, often involve comedy and make a change to a full-on 2 hour play. Scratch nights £7 a ticket.











The Blue Elephant Theatre, Camberwell


This one isn't for everyone, but for a small venue, they really think outside the box and is great for movement theatre.


The Yard, Hackney


This is the new, 'trendy' Fringe theatre....so it will be really interesting to see what kind of shows they produce. They ran a short season in 2011 and will be back from April 6th 2012. Definitely one to watch.....Tickets are £4, £5 or £6.