Preview Tickets Offers
Preview is the period of time that a show runs before its official opening or press night. All theatres in London’s West End open the show to the public for up to a month before any critic or reviewer is allowed near it. This gives them time to get audience feedback and tweak the production in its new home with a live audience. Sometimes whole sections are cut or brand new ones written it. Any alteration can be made to make it work, but generally it tends to just be minor tweaks. Most won’t be able to tell the difference between preview and post-opening.
Due to the show having not ‘officially’ opened and reviews not posted, tickets tend to be much, much cheaper compared to what they will be when it has opened. Producers also want to fill the auditorium and get audience feedback on every preview performance, thus as an incentive, the tickets are cheaper.
Nowadays, people have started to book in advance for previews, as they want to be the first to see a new musical or play, so producers have cottoned on to this and are starting to put the prices up as the demand for tickets increases. However, all is not lost, as many producers see the benefit of cheap tickets to help increase the positive word of mouth about the show. Keep your eyes peeled for preview offers direct from the theatre and always ask the box office when booking. Here are a few clubs and organisations that can help you secure you those cheap or even free preview tickets...