POTO and London tickets in general

[brettystar]

Posted: 1/11/18 at 4:46am

I am visiting London for the first time in May and am optimistic that someone here might be so kind as to answer a few questions for me.

Firstly, does anyone know if Phantom of The Opera is in good shape or if it is a little tired?  I have seen it on Broadway and in Australia a few times over the years and understand that long running shows can sometimes get a bit stale. My travel partner has never seen it and is keen.  Also, the ticket prices for this are more pricy than I expected - is it still considered a hot ticket?  When I saw it on Broadway I could get a ticket for around $45 US slightly off centre a quarter of the way back from the stage in the stalls (mid 2007) but similar tickets in London are $125 GBP (regardless if they are for three days time or in three months).  I find this quite interesting.

Are there any trends re gaining cheaper tickets (for example would you think it is better to hold out on a decent ticket to WICKED until closer to the time)? I am familiar with half price booths on the day of shows but wondered if there is a website that offers cheaper tickets such as broadwaybox.com in the US?

Last but not least is back row of Hamilton (if it is the only ticket available) THAT restricted with view - aside from being far away?

If anyone could help me it would be greatly appreciated.  

Thanks in advance.

 

 

[Lot666]

Posted: 1/11/18 at 9:55am

IMHO, "the Brilliant Original" is in fine shape and well worth seeing. The current leads are quite good; in fact, when I saw Ben Lewis' performance in the Australian production of Love Never Dies, I immediately thought that I'd like to see/hear him in the original.

Updated On: 1/12/18 at 09:55 AM

[brettystar]

Posted: 1/11/18 at 2:03pm

Thank you very much for your advice and information Lot666. Wow - I had no idea - I loved seeing Ben Lewis in LND (even though I didn’t love the show). Do you know how long he is expected to remain in the cast for? I’m glad to hear it’s in good shape. I really appreciate your response

[Lot666]

Posted: 1/12/18 at 10:40am

Mr. Lewis took over the role on 4 September 2017. The shortest contract he could've signed would likely be six months, which would have him leaving sometime in early March 2018. However, I doubt that's the case; the London Phantoms seem to stay for longer, usually a year, if I recall correctly. I can't guarantee anything, but I suspect he will still be there in May - check out this recent tweet from the Ben Lewis Fan account:

https://twitter.com/BenLewisFans/status/949968482719944704

You might also be interested in this bootleg, in which I think he and Kelly Mathieson sound fantastic. I particularly love Mr. Lewis' lower register when he sings "I am your angel of music, come to me angel of music":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=200&v=sKiI_J_dYXg

Updated On: 1/12/18 at 10:40 AM

[ggersten]

Posted: 1/13/18 at 1:51am

For seating questions:  theatremonkey.com (which also has discounted ticket information and booking optinos)  Here is the report on Hamilton  Seating Diagram Opinions and written opinions:  Written Seating Opinions

TImeoutLondon and LondonTheatreBookings have some discounted tickets which you can buy in advance.  

And you might want to pick up and read West End Producer's "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Going to the Theatre* But Were Too Sloshed to Ask Dear"

[brettystar]

Posted: 1/14/18 at 2:15am

Thanks again Lot666

[brettystar]

Posted: 1/14/18 at 2:16am

Wow - thanks so much ggersten - this info is fabulous

[mozgrrl]

Posted: 1/19/18 at 9:57am

Lot666 said: "Mr. Lewis took over the role on 4 September 2017. The shortest contract he could've signed wouldlikely be six months, which would have him leaving sometime in early March 2018. However, I doubt that's the case; the London Phantoms seem to stay for longer, usually a year, if I recall correctly. I can't guarantee anything, but I suspect he will still be there in May - check out this recent tweet from the Ben Lewis Fan account:

https://twitter.com/BenLewisFans/status/949968482719944704

You might also be interested in this bootleg, in which I think he andKelly Mathieson sound fantastic. I particularly love Mr. Lewis' lower register when he sings "I am your angel of music, come to me angel of music":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=200&v=sKiI_J_dYXg"

 

I was just thinking of taking a trip over to London to see Ben, he is just amazing and Kelly and Jeremy are incredible too...that youtube recording of his first performance alone sold me on it...

[TheatreRocks]

Posted: 1/19/18 at 3:03pm

I just checked for a saturday night and the most expensive seats are 145 pounds. Here on broadway they are $300+. I guess it really was 2007.

[brettystar]

Posted: 2/16/18 at 7:35am

Definitely over paying if you pay anything close that on Broadway. Average ticket this week was $83. Broadway box discount starts at tickets from $45.

[Justin D]

Posted: 2/16/18 at 8:52am

Im going in March and I usually wait and book the phantom tickets when i get there, they are usually very available in those ticket boots all around Leicester Square (the only drawback is you usually cant pick your seat and have to take what they give you)

[mkmswain]

Posted: 2/19/18 at 6:32am

There are also regular ticket deals here, so worth having a look for your visit dates: https://broadwayworld.entstix.com/tickets/the-phantom-of-the-opera

And we had a chat with the lovely Ben (who's fantastic!) quite recently: https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/BWW-Interview-Ben-Lewis-Talks-THE-PHANTOM-OF-THE-OPERA-20170911

[Just_John]

Posted: 2/21/18 at 2:52am

Most shows in London have day seats or a lottery. http://theatremonkey.com/dayseatfinder.htm

 

It says Phantom has Day Seats for 25 pounds.  Just get there a little before the box office opens on the day you want to see the show.  You may not even have to get there before.  It's much easier to get day seats in London than Rush tickets in NYC.

[Justin D]

Posted: 6/1/18 at 4:04pm

My usual plan backfired on me totally, Everything was sold out and almost didn't get to see the show (I guess it was busy time of year) barely managed to get a ticket way up in the back of the top balcony, lol