You can get £10 theatre tickets in London in various ways, like the National Theatre’s Friday Rush, or the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) through their TikTok £10 Tickets for young people. These deals are genuine, popular, and often sell out fast.
Other affordable options include the Pay What You Can or Previews schemes, making the theatre even more accessible for budget-conscious audiences.
This guide covers 10 methods to get £10 theatre tickets in London, including booking procedures, availability, and eligibility requirements for each venue’s special pricing schemes.
10 Ways To Get £10 Theatre Tickets In London
London theatres offer various schemes to make performances accessible, like RCS’s TikTok tickets, Hamilton’s lottery system, and The Old Vic’s preview pricing.
These cheap tickets complement other ways to save money, such as London Theatre Week, which offers additional discounts throughout the year.
| Theatre / Scheme | Booking Method | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| RSC TikTok Tickets | Online via the RSC site | Limited; select performances |
| National Theatre – Friday Rush | Online only (Fri 1 PM) | Weekly release |
| Hamilton Lottery | Lottery Via app (daily draw) | Daily draw; limited winners |
| The Old Vic | Online / Box office | First 5 previews of each production |
| Young Vic – Previews & Lucky Dip | Online / Box office | Preview nights & day-of lucky dip |
| Shakespeare’s Globe | On-site / Box office | Daily, rush available if standing sells out |
| Arcola Theatre | In-person | Tuesdays only |
| Battersea Arts Centre | Online / Box office | Varies by event |
| King’s Head Theatre | Online | Membership programs |
| Theatre Royal Stratford East | Online / Box office | Ongoing; all performances |
Each venue operates different systems, from lottery draws to preview pricing. If you plan to visit any of the theatres, understand the timing, eligibility requirements, and booking procedures for each one so that you can enjoy your favorite show, especially at a low price.
1. National Theatre – Friday Rush
National Theatre releases £10 tickets every Friday at 1 pm for the following week’s performances. This online-only system covers productions at the South Bank complex and some West End transfers. Tickets are available across all three auditoria.
The Friday Rush requires quick action as tickets sell out rapidly. If you miss the Friday Rush, you should know where to find last-minute London theatre tickets for alternative options. You must be logged into the National Theatre website before 1 pm and ready to select shows immediately upon release.
2. RSC TikTok £10 Tickets
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), supported by TikTok, offers £10 theatre tickets for 16 to 25-year-olds and full-time students. This includes top London theatre shows like Matilda The Musical (16 tickets) and My Neighbour Totoro(12 tickets).
Booking links are typically sent via email after signing up for the scheme, and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Valid photo ID is required for entry. Tickets are strictly non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
3. The Old Vic – PwC Previews
The Old Vic offers £10 tickets for the first five preview performances of each new production. These tickets are available across all areas of the auditorium, providing excellent value for money on opening week shows.
Since 2015, The Old Vic and PwC have partnered to offer £10 tickets for the first five preview performances of every show. 2025 will be the last year for this special offer. You can join their mailing list to get notified when tickets go on sale.
4. Young Vic – Previews & Lucky Dip
Young Vic operates two £10 schemes which offer first preview tickets and lucky dip seats. The first preview of each production offers £10 tickets throughout the auditorium, while lucky dip tickets are available for £12 on selected performances.
Lucky dip tickets don’t reveal seat locations until arrival, adding an element of surprise. These can be anywhere in the theatre, from the front row to the balcony. Both schemes can be booked online or through the box office.
5. Shakespeare’s Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe offers the most affordable theatre experience in London, with £5 standing tickets available every Friday at 11 am. They release a limited number of tickets, which can be purchased online and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
When standing tickets sell out, the Globe activates a £5 rush scheme. Rush tickets, which may include seated options, are available from the box office on performance days. Both schemes operate throughout the summer season.
6. Arcola Theatre – Pay What You Can Tuesdays
Arcola Theatre offers ‘Pay What You Can‘ tickets every Tuesday evening, at £5, but you decide how much to pay. These tickets are only sold in person at the theatre from 6 PM on the day of the show.
They’re limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of two per person. It’s best to arrive early, especially during the first week of a show, before reviews are published. Some short-run or outdoor shows may not be eligible for this offer.
7. Battersea Arts Centre
Battersea Arts Centre lets you choose how much to pay for most of its shows. Ticket prices start at £9.50, with suggested amounts to guide you, but you can pay more or less than this. You can simply select the date, number of tickets, and choose your price from the dropdown, which displays a recommended amount as a guide.
If you need to pay below the minimum, just contact the box office by email or phone. Paying more helps support others who can’t afford full prices and keeps the Pay What You Can scheme running.
8. King’s Head Theatre
King’s Head Theatre gives £10 preview tickets to Islington locals through the N1 Membership. Just sign up online and upload proof of address. Once registered, discounts are automatically applied when you book using your registered account email.
They also have an Under 35s Membership with more offers. Members can get £10 preview tickets, £15 off-peak seats, and £5 same-day rush tickets. You just need to upload proof of age to join and enjoy cheaper ticket options.
9. Theatre Royal Stratford East
Theatre Royal Stratford East offers “Pay What You Can” performances to make theatre more accessible, with tickets starting from just £6. These can be booked online and apply to any seat in the auditorium, supporting inclusive experiences for all.
If you’re able to pay the recommended price or more, your contribution helps fund future affordable shows. Those unable to meet the £6 minimum or wishing to pay above £40 can call the box office directly for assistance and flexible pricing support.
10. Hamilton Lottery
Hamilton runs a daily lottery offering front-row seats for £10 per ticket. Hamilton consistently ranks among the best musicals in London, making these lottery tickets particularly valuable. Winners are selected through a digital draw system, and the lottery opens and closes at specific times daily.
Participants must enter through the official Hamilton lottery website or app. Results are announced shortly after the draw closes. Winners receive email notifications with payment instructions and must complete the purchase within the specified timeframe.
Tips To Get £10 Theatre Tickets In London
Securing cheap theatre tickets for £10 and below requires planning, timing, and persistence. Multiple booking attempts often prove necessary for popular shows.
- Sign up for newsletters early.
- Set calendar reminders for releases.
- Follow social media accounts closely.
- Book multiple venue options simultaneously.
- Consider weekday performances for availability.
- Have payment details ready always.
Each venue’s booking system and timeline increases success rates. Regularly checking websites and social media accounts reveals additional opportunities and last-minute releases.
Are Theatre Tickets Legit In London?
All venues mentioned operate legitimate schemes with transparent pricing and booking procedures. These are official theatre programs, not third-party resellers or unofficial sources.
The Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, Old Vic, and other established venues run these schemes as part of their accessibility commitments. Tickets purchased through official channels guarantee authentic experiences.
Third-party sellers may offer tickets at inflated prices or with hidden fees. Always book directly through the theatre’s website or box office to ensure legitimacy and avoid additional charges.
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Conclusion: National Theatre Friday Rush Is The Best £10 Theatre Ticket Option Overall
National Theatre Friday Rush offering £10 for the shows is an amazing deal in my personal experience. RSC TikTok tickets work best for students, while the Old Vic’s preview pricing guarantees availability for new productions.
Affordable theatre remains accessible in London through various official schemes. Different venues offer £10 tickets through lotteries, preview pricing, and special programs for students and young people.
Multiple schemes make a £10 theatre ticket accessible across London’s theatre scene. For best results, stay flexible with dates and enter lotteries like Hamilton’s. Sign up for alerts, explore venue-specific offers, and remain open to new offers and venues.
FAQs
£10 theatre tickets are legitimate schemes run by official theatres. All venues mentioned in the article operate transparent booking systems with clear terms and conditions for their £10 ticket programs.
Eligibility varies by venue. Some schemes, like Hamilton’s lottery, are open to everyone, while RSC tickets require ages 16-25 or student status.
Seat selection depends on the specific scheme. Hamilton lottery provides front-row seats, while Old Vic previews offer choices across all areas. Lucky dip tickets and rush sales typically assign seats randomly.
Most schemes welcome international visitors, though some may require UK addresses for booking.
Official theatre schemes charge exactly £10 with no additional fees. However, some venues may add small booking fees for online purchases.
