If you are in London and want to see a West End show, the best place to go for tickets is TKTS London in Leicester Square. It is operated by the Society of London Theatre, the industry body that represents London theatres, and is the only official theatre ticket booth, so avoid the copycats nearby.
TKTS is a member of STAR – Society of Ticket Agencies and Retailers, allowing you to purchase your tickets at TKTS with confidence. The Society of London Theatre recommends purchasing tickets only from members of STAR.
Half-Price Ticket Booth
TKTS opened in 1980 as ‘The Half-Price Ticket Booth’. Initially a small wooden hut painted in green and yellow stripes, it was located on the west side of Leicester Square. It moved to the Clocktower Building on the south side of Leicester Square in 1992 and was renamed ‘TKTS’ in 2001, adopting the name of its Broadway counterpart in New York.
Today, ticket discounts can vary, with some tickets available at full price and others offered at half price or deeper discounts. Moreover, they frequently have deals for interval drinks and souvenir programs, making it worthwhile to ask about all options for the shows you are interested in.
How to Buy From TKTS London
Fortunately, TKTS is a reliable place to purchase tickets, offering a wide variety of London shows to choose from, both for same-day performances and up to a week in advance. It is advisable to check the shows available on the TKTS website or at the booth itself, where new posters are displayed every morning along with electronic displays.
Online orders or phone bookings are not available; hence, you will need to visit TKTS in person to buy tickets. Customers often start queuing around 9:30 AM (before it opens at 10 AM) to secure the best seats for the day. Take note, the queue is not undercover, so wet weather means getting wet.
If you are uncertain about which show to see, staff members are available to provide guidance. In addition to the ticket booths that accept payment, there are staff who assist customers in the queue, offering information on availability, show timings, recommendations, and details about each show.
Payment Options
Payments are accepted in person at the booth only. They accept various forms of payment, including Visa, Mastercard, Sterling cash, and Theatre Tokens. However, Amex, bank and traveler’s cheques, Switch/Maestro, and Solo are not accepted.
Helpful Tips
- Be flexible and maintain multiple show options in case your first choice is sold out. If you reach the front of the queue and your desired shows are unavailable, request recommendations on what is still available; you may discover something unexpected and delightful.
- Some popular shows are rarely offered at discounted prices via TKTS, so make sure to check the updated list displayed at the booth.
- TKTS operates as a not-for-profit organization. By purchasing tickets here, you are supporting the West End theatre industry. Any profits generated are reinvested into promoting theatre and engaging new audiences.
- TKTS does charge per-ticket booking fees, which are included in the advertised price. Thus, the price you see listed is the price you will pay. Feel free to ask for the face-value price for clarity on the discount received.
- Discounts can vary daily and may be influenced by demand. For instance, just because a friend scored half-price tickets for a specific show in January does not guarantee the same for a Saturday matinee in July.
- With over 30 years of experience, you can confidently purchase tickets from friendly and knowledgeable staff at TKTS.
- Part of the joy in this experience is selecting a show; there is no obligation to buy if you are simply seeking advice.
- TKTS is positioned on the south side of Leicester Square, directly opposite the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hampshire hotel.
The nearest tube station is Leicester Square. Use Journey Planner or the Citymapper app for directions via public transport to TKTS.
