And speaking of cheap theatre tickets, one of the lesser-known ways to save on new shows is by opting for preview tickets.
We've put together the ultimate guide to theatre previews, weighing the pros and cons to give you our honest verdict. We've also spoke to theatre influencer Perry O'Bree of Perry Presents, who provided us with some more great insider knowledge.
For more theatre insights, here are all our five-star West End shows, plus how to get Jesus Christ Superstar tickets, starring Sam Ryder.
What are theatre previews?How much do theatre previews cost?What’s the difference between a preview and opening night?Are theatre previews worth it?Which West End shows can I get currently preview tickets to?
What are theatre previews?
Theatre previews are performances of a show that take place before the show's official opening night, which is also known as press night.
Perry says that previews are there "to test the waters before they officially 'open' to see how the audience react, think, or feel and to see if there are any changes needed. It helps directors, creatives and actors get a feel for how the audience feel or react to the text, song or whatever it is being staged".
For example, at the time of writing, previews for the West End transfer of Arcadia start at £12, while tickets post-opening night start at £16.50 or £18, depending on the performance.
What’s the difference between a preview and opening night?
Opening night/press night is the official first night of the production, when critics, journalists, influencers and celebrities are invited to watch and/or review the production.
Members of the public are also able to buy tickets to press night — a great shout if you love celeb spotting!
Are theatre previews worth it?
Let's start with the positives. If you're a theatre goer on a budget, previews are a great way to save money, especially when it comes to larger-scale West End shows. Plus, who doesn't want the bragging rights of saying you got to see the hottest new show before everyone else?
This was the case with Stranger Things: The First Shadow for Perry, who said: "I attended the first preview of Stranger Things and then went back after press night and they cut a lot. So it felt special to see; almost like it’s first draft in front of an audience.
However, preview tickets also come with some risks. Recent West End productions, including Dracula starring Cynthia Erivo and Romeo and Juliet starring Sadie Sink, had several of the initial previews cancelled, leaving theatre fans disappointed.
There is also the risk that productions won't be entirely ready during their preview season, as there may be some final touches still to be made on things like costumes or set design.
This means that you'll better avoid the risk of cancellation, plus any initial hiccups should be smoothed out. However, if you're travelling to a city specifically for a show and need to book travel or accommodation, it's a safer bet to go for a regular performance.
Which West End shows can I currently get preview tickets to?
Arcardia, from £11 (opening night 1 July)Beetlejuice, from £24 (opening night 20 May)High Society, from £42 (opening night 27 May)Hay Fever, from £28 (opening night 1 October)Trainspotting the Musical, from £15 (opening night 22 July)Paranormal Activity, from £28 (opening night 8 August)Glengarry Glen Ross, from £28.20 (opening night 17 June)Cyrano de Bergerac, from £19 (opening night 25 June)For more on the latest West End news, here's how to get tickets to see Christine Baranski and Richard E. Grant on the West End, as well as how to see Michael Sheen and Callum Scott Howells on the West End.
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