West End 101

[reginula]

I'm embarking on my first trip across the pond to see Hadestown at the NT and Company at the Gielgud. 

Thanks to this board I've learned some things about the West End, from having to pay for a program to the fact that stagedoors are not as populated (and the activity itself is not as common).

Still, I wish to learn more about it before going there.

Do ushers expect a tip there? Is etiquette more rigid/different than Broadway? Are lotteries easier to win? Am I missing something else?
EDIT: Especially if you've been to these two shows!

Sorry if this post sounds too neurotic. Anyway, I'd love to hear all your recommendations (especially for other shows under my radar!).

Thanks in advance!

[ArtMan]

Ushers may expect a tip, but I have never seen anyone give one.  I remember seeing Patti in Sunset Blvd and was surprised that people were eating icecream inside.  Of course this was way back when you never saw anybody eating inside a Broadway theater.  Not sure about lotteries, but their day seats (their version of rush) did not draw any type of crowd whatsoever.  I stood out in the cold for nothing, since most people came after box office opening.  The last time I was there, when Sister Act was on, I was the only one to stage door.

[ArtMan]

double

[BWAY Baby2]

Been to London West End many times- love it- cheaper than Broadway- and the tickets are much easier to come by. Etiquette the same, basically, as in NY- many of the theaters are very ornate and gorgeous inside. Most shows start at 7:30. You will love it. See as many shows as you can. 

[JBC3]

I saw both Hadestown and Company on my visit in November. Ushers at most London theatres are really ticket takers. You rarely will have someone walk you to your seat as is done on Broadway.

Hadestown being at the National will feel a bit like Lincoln Center with several adjoining theatres and activity in one concentrated space. The bars and restaurants at the National are pretty good, but there also are quite a few food stands and other restaurants outside along the Thames.

Company is playing at the Gielguid which is a nice theatre with good sightlines and fairly decent legroom in the orchestra. Dress Circle is a bit tighter but sightlines are good. Avoid Grand Circle if you can. I saw Company from orchestra row E and then row R. Both were fine, but this production benefits from being as close as you can.

theatremonkey.com has good info on discount tickets and seating plans for most London shows.

theatreboard.co.uk is the equivalent of BroadwayWorld except with nicer and generally more helpful commenters.

As noted Day Seats are a bit easier in London. I know Today's Tix also is very popular.

London TKTS also shows three days worth of sales at a time: https://officiallondontheatre.com/tkts/

[seeseveryshow2]

Don't know where you are embarking from, but please be aware that HADESTOWN is opening on Broadway in a few months and COMPANY is likely to open next season (with Patti LuPone), also on Broadway. I understand so many US musicals are now on the boards in the West End, but it may possible to find some shows (musicals and plays) that originated in London and may not be transferring to the US. Having said that, I would avoid the long-playing WOMAN IN BLACK.

Be sure to allow time to explore the venues from top to bottom, and make sure you take a stroll through all of London's Theaterland. 

Backstage tour of Royal Opera House at Covent Garden is highly recommended, as is tour of the Drury Lane Theater. 

[JBroadway]

Whenever these threads come up, I like to emphasize 2 major points:

 

1. Explore other ticket options besides rush. Unlike NYC, Day Seats/Rush/Lotteries are NOT ALWAYS the best deal, especially if you don't want to risk availability. A lot of shows offer tickets further back in the house, or slightly obstructed, that actually cost less than a rush ticket, and you can book ahead of time instead of waking up early. And there are tons of other deals you can take advantage of if you're a student, if you're a young person, if you snag certain promotions that different theatres offer, etc. All of which are often cheaper than rush seats. 

 

2. Don't stick to commercial theatre/West End. Moreso than NYC, non-profit theatre companies are the lifeblood of London theatre. If you stick to Broadway on an NYC trip, you might miss out on some great Off-Broadway shows, but you'll be seeing things that are the "talk of the town." But if you only see commercial West End shows in London, you could seriously be missing out on the core of London theatre - the things people are really buzzing about. The things that really make London the thriving theatre city it is. And you can often find shows with celebrities, shows with major directors, premiers of works by major playwrights, etc. 

 

Check out some of the following theatres, and see if anything playing catches your eye. And even if nothing does scream out to you, take a chance and go see one of them anyway. It may not always be great theatre, but it is almost guaranteed to be fascinating in its own way: 

--National Theatre (other shows besides Hadestown)

--Barbican 

--Young Vic

--Old Vic

--Soho Theatre

--Donmar Warehouse

--Royal Court

--Menier Chocolate Factory

--Almeida

--Globe

--Hampstead Theatre

 

[Wick3]

Enjoy the West End! Tickets there are definitely cheaper than Broadway but the quality is still the same level as Broadway. 

First off, I'm curious why you asked whether ushers expect a tip in London. I've never tipped an usher but didn't know it was a custom anywhere in the world (or is it?)

I was in London earlier this month and for some reason HAdestown was not playing that entire week (bummer for me.) We bought most of our tickets in person at the box office or via the todaytix app using dayseats. 

Even though programmes are around 4-5 pounds, I actually thought they used better quality paper and had fewer advertisements. 

Enjoy your trip and have a great time!!! Let us know if you have any tips after your trip!

[JBroadway]

Wick3 said: "Even though programmes are around 4-5 pounds, I actually thought they used better quality paper and had fewer advertisements."

 

That's entirely true, at least about the quality of the paper (don't remember about ads)! They also tend to have more show-specific articles, interviews, and other educational content. As opposed to Playbill, which has the same articles for all shows. Also, with the tickets being so much cheaper, you still come out ahead even with the added price of the program. 
 

 

[qolbinau]

West End 101

1. Despite cultural stereotypes British musicals tend to be far less sophisticated than American musicals. The best shows in the West End (in terms of musicals) are British productions of American shows.

2. Bad for musicals, good for plays

3. They dont seem to have the same caliber of star performers and history of star performers that are in New York

4. If they do manage to get a star, be careful of the producer scams that wont refund you when they dont deliver the goods they advertise, such as when Glenn Close was out of Sunset. Note thankfully these attitudes do appear to be changing. For example, if a lead is out in Company they will let you reschedule the Ticket but not refund

5. As discussed, there is a thriving non commercial scene that can help overcome some of the issues above when so much money isnt at stake.

Overall, there is some great theatre (especially British revivals of American shows - and the occasional new work) but in terms of musicals it is not even controversial (except perhaps if you are a British person) - Broadway theatre absolutely blows away the West End in almost every aspect. My take on why this happens is because 1. A different culture of producing where people are less frequently willing to mount risky productions that may lose money, which is common place in NYC producing; and 2. There is something about the musical being a truly American art form. The history, immovation and pedigree largely originated from the USA.

[GVS2]

Going to the theatre in London is an experience. I was there last month to see Hadestown. A few notes:

1) Ice cream during the interval is always enjoyable!

2) TodayTix has some good options should you find an opening in one of your days or evenings.

3) The Backstage Tour at the National Theatre was an amazing experience. If you are intrigued by all things related to the theatre, then I highly recommend the tour.

4) If you are on a budget, there are often tickets for around 10-15 pounds for many shows. These are often found in partially obstructed view regions, but can be an experience in itself. In the summer of 2017, I bought a 12 pound ticket to see Girl from the North Country at the Old Vic, and absolutely enjoyed that I got to see the show in its relatively early stages.

5) Ask around. As with NY, many of the theatergoers are regulars and can guide you towards a unique or lesser known show that may or may not include going to a historic or a newer theatre.

6) The programmes are works of art. The photography and written pieces are worth the cost.

7) Did I mention the ice cream?!

[Mark_E]

Tips for ushers? Does that even happen in NYC? Tipping in general in the UK, is not needed, and whilst the habit has crept in during recent years, there is no requirement to tip in restaurants/taxis etc. If you do tip, none of the ridiculousness thats expected in the US with 18%+, a 10% tip will be accepted very graciously for good service.

A difference from New York - Shows typically start bang on the scheduled start time. Not 6-7 minutes late like they do on Broadway.

[uncageg]

Mark_E, tipping does happen in New York. Not often I am sure and usually by people from out of the country.

[Theatrefanboy1]

I will say that although Ive tended to prefer the mainstream musicals of broadway. I love the acting and plays of the west end. West end actors have a such a skill. You will find less star driven shows. And tickets are way cheaper than on Broadway. I have always tended to go with the plays or the new interesting musicals. Ie hadestown. Though there may be general rush tickets be sure to check. Some regular tickets may be available in a better area for only a few pounds more. I do find though because of the age of some of the theatres the washrooms and seating areas are quite small. Stagedoor is honestly non exhistant. Ive only gone three times to the stagedoor. and I was one of five people. For patti lupone. I love how less commercial it seems. Though you get a few movie adaptations that transfer or begin in the west end. Not as saturated as in New York.

[BWAY Baby2]

One more suggestion- try to book a FREE Strawberry walking tour of Soho- or any of the tours- in London- so interesting- completely free- and a wonderful way to see London and the theater district.

[JBC3]

I agree that musicals in the UK tend to pale a bit compared to Broadway, but there are always very strong exceptions. This winter/spring that would include Caroline or Change, Follies, Fiddler, and Company.

[BeNice]

qolbinau said: "West End 101

1. Despite cultural stereotypes British musicals tend to be far less sophisticated than American musicals. The best shows in the West End (in terms of musicals) are British productions of American shows.

3. They dont seem to have the same caliber of star performers and history of star performers

 Broadway theatre absolutely blows away the West End in almost every aspect. My take on why this happens is because 1. A different culture of producing where people are less frequently willing to mount risky productions that may lose money, which is common place in NYC producing; and 2. There is something about the musical being a truly American art form. The history, immovation and pedigree largely originated from the USA."

qolibinau

I agree with you and will add in addition to it being a very American art form, the talent pool isn’t as big in the UK esp for musicals. Additionally, West End musical performers get paid far less than Bway performers so there is less incentive.

On the upside, this means big shows are cheaper to produce (the recent UK revival of 42nd Street had some 40+ performers and a full orchestra—something we are seeing less of on bway) but the quality still isnt up to NY standards. 

[Impossible2]

Hadestown is now sold out for the rest of its run so you only have the Friday rush (for tickets the following week) which you have to get by entering a lottery line on Friday mornings (UK time). Or you could keep checking daily to see if there are any returns. They do happen as I got some for War Horse this week and it was sold out for months.

You'll need to check the NT website for better details.

https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/hadestown/dates-listing?queueittoken=e_fridayrush28dec18~q_00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000~ts_1546204171~ce_true~rt_afterevent~h_a3022e6f85bfa41f6ea51f19f3ff1d0c510382e1fbd72ff312bdc65a6e58f9a6

Personally I don't think it's a great production and you'd be better off seeing it on Broadway once they have done the many changes they have planned.


Company is currently in the NY sale here https://officiallondontheatre.com/new-year-sale/

Tickets are only 40 quid.

Not sure about how easy day tickets are to get, but I believe they both do them.

I HIGHLY recommend Meniers Fiddler on the Roof if you can get a ticket, it is phenomenal and the best show I have seen all year. Once again returns only, but singles do come up quite often.

https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=8CAB9CAB-DD5E-412A-80AA-7DD31D88686F&sessionlanguage=&SessionSecurity::linkName=

[Impossible2]

qolbinau said: "West End 101


2. Bad for musicals, good for plays

3. They dont seem to have the same caliber of star performers and history of star performers that are in New York

"

Don't really agree with this. They may not be 'stars' but for example the UK Mormon cast are every bit as good as the US cast and the Hamilton cast blows the US casts off the stage.

[bradwalt]

Talk to your seat neighbors at intermission (if they want to).   Of course, they'll know immediately you're an American, but it's a fun way to compare notes.  I saw a show at the NT and had no idea the leads were famous Brit TV stars. 

 

[JBroadway]

I think the Brits are perfectly capable of producing, directing, and performing musicals very well. The problem is WRITING musicals. I can count on one hand the number of British-written musicals I think are genuinely good. And oh man have I seen some BAD ones. Some of the worst original musicals Ive ever seen were in London.

The other issue is that, because they do so many American musicals, they are frequently required to do American accents. And well...the results are usually pretty subpar. I find in general British actors are pretty bad at American accents.

[Impossible2]

JBroadway said: "I find in general British actors are pretty bad at American accents."

[JBroadway]

Oh I'm not saying Americans are exactly masters of the British dialect either, lol! But I don't think we do British shows as often as they do American shows, especially when it comes to musicals, which is what we're discussing at the moment. 
 

But yes, touché. I've seen some pretty awful British accents from Americans too. I won't deny that for a second. Though probably none as bad as Dick Van Dyke's!  

[ggersten]

Adding to those who said to try the box office.  West End Box Office people, in general, are very nice and will try to do you a favor - if you ask nice and don't demand anything.  Ask if any day tickets are left - if you are not there when the box office opens.  (Check theatremonkey's site for day seat information) Sometimes, they still have them.  We got two once an hour or so before curtain when the two people in front of us paid full price for lesser seats.  Another time, there were only two day seats, but there were three of us, and the box office person gave us 3 seats with better view than day seats for the price of 2 day and 1 full.  I believe that was at the Gielgud.  When I went to see Romeo & Juliet at the Garrick, the nice person informed me about cameras in the stalls that evening and guided me to a much better seat.  Once, I asked about day seats for Mamma Mia (several years ago) on a Friday afternoon for that evening, and while there normally weren't day seats, the box office sold us tickets for half price.  If they can't do a deal, they will tell you.  

[Hairspray0901]

Not sure how I missed this thread, but thank you JBC3 and GGersten for referring me!

I'm going to London for the first time Jan 16-20 for a short trip and am looking to see a show on the West End (Would prefer a musical, but also considering plays). Looking to go Wednesday 1/16 or Friday 1/18 (or, maybe both!). I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions? I am leaning toward "Company", mostly because it's Patti LuPone and I'm not really sure what else is out there creating any buzz aside from the NY shows which, I'm leaning against since I've seen them here (ie: phantom, wicked, BoM, curious incident, etc). Thoughts?