Theatre seat prices

The RSC Tempest is all booked up- story of my life...!

We no longer go to London for the theatre. With train fares, the necessary overnight stay in a “cheap” room and the cost of the theatre ticket we’re looking at around £1000 each. Local theatre is expensive but more manageable. It’s a rare treat.

A good way to see show cheaply is to support your local amateurs. Of course you don't get wonderful scenery and star performers but you get to see the show.

Regularly went to London for theatre 20 years ago, lived near Oxford and had the 24 hour bus services. Moved a short distance away and though we have a train service it makes for a stressful schlep to Paddington for the last train. Prices have now become extortionate so we go to local theatres within a 30 minute drive.

The west end is very expensive because the theatres tend to be old and small, the production costs are astronomical and running costs huge.

Even after the initial investmet a major West End musical can have fixed weekly running costs of £450,000.
​Salaries for a large cast of actors, dancers, and singers, ( and probably a full orchestra/band), stage managers, technical crew, and front-of-house staff for (usually) eight performances a week.
Renting the theatre itself.
Ongoing upkeep of the elaborate sets, costumes (dry cleaning, repair, and replacement), and technical equipment (lighting, sound).
​Royalties to the writers, composers, and rights holders of the show.
​and then utilities, insurance, and other operational expenses.

This is after the £8m - 10m set up costs.

And don't forget the rental costs also have to include the "upkeep" costs of historic buildings.