TKTS booth in London

I'm assuming you have been looking at the website? http://www.tkts.co.uk. If so you know that you can only buy tickets a few days in advance and the locations are hit and miss. If you have your heart set on that show and those seats you'd better buy in advance. If you do that go to the theaters website and buy direct. Otherwise you'll be paying an up charge to a consolidator. We returned recently and saw Beautiful-The Carol King Musical and The Book of Mormon. Bought stall seats front half. Expensive yes, but less than NY and we sat where we wanted, pre ordered champagne at intermission (when we booked the tickets) and enjoyed both evenings. No way were we going to chance a late purchase at TKTS as we had specific nights, specific shows, and specific-seat locations we wanted. If that's not the case you can score some decent discounted seats at TKTS.

I loved "Beautiful"!

You are right......buying Les Mis tickets in advance and will just wing it for the second theater show.

This may not help you, but what I do is start monitoring this site in advance of my trip. It gives me a sense of what's likely to be available. Having said that I end up taking my pick of what's available when I get there. If nothing looks good I look at other options like concerts at St Martins.

http://www.tkts.co.uk/whats-on-sale/

TKTS frankly isn't what it was twenty years ago, even ten maybe. Most of the time, particularly in the peak season it has very little at what used to be the expected half price discount, and in effect is just a regular ticket agent.

For those who want to get an on the day discount day seats for the shows that do them are a better bet, but only if prepared to get there appropriately early.

Another useful site is www.theatremonkey.com, especially because it provides advice on good/bad seats in the individual theatres.

I just bought tickets to Apologia with Stockard Channing in the lead role.

I did not buy from TKTS but chose the ATG website. I initially thought it was the theatre's own website but now that I look at it again, I realize that this was also a third party ticket vendor. I was able to buy a pair of 4th row center seats at £35 each. Maybe I could have found something cheaper at TKTS when we arrive in London in two months but we're pleased with our seats. We love Stockard Channing. She is phenomenal in anything she performs and we wanted to ensure we have great seats.

Continental - Which website did you use? Was it trafalgarlondon.net (which then directs to ATG tickets)? I'm interested in Apologia too. Loved the price you got, but the only 4th row seats I could see for £35 were restricted view....is that what you have?
Thank you for any further info.

I absolutely love theatermonkey for their opinion on seat selection! I actually went to the Queen's Theater to purchase our tickets to Les Mis but was directed to theatreticketsdirect.co.uk Tickets there were a tad bit cheaper than they were at third party vendors.

My brother and sister in law just returned from London where they attended a production at Shakespeare's Globe. They were also blessed to be able to see Audra McDonald in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill. I cannot wait to hear all about their adventures!

Continental - I had the same question Julie posted...Which website did you use? Was it trafalgarlondon.net (which then directs to ATG tickets)? I'm interested in Apologia too.
Thank you for any further info.

Marilyn--yes, you've got the right website (ATG)...Continental answered me by private message.

Oh, and I was counting the rows wrong...there are indeed £35 tickets that are NOT restricted view.

I'm new to theaters like this......coming from small town Canada.

What does it mean when it says Stalls?

I'm finding the terminology confusing.

Stalls are seats at ground floor level, in front of the stage.

First tier is usually the dress circle, next the upper circle and the third the balcony if there is one. These names can vary a bit though from theatre to theatre.

Boxes are usually off to the side, with moveable chairs but generally a restricted view.

"I'm new to theaters like this......coming from small town Canada."

I live in New York with lots of theaters, but that doesn't help - the seating location terminology used in England is different from that used in North America. Marco's post above mine has give you the correct UK lingo for theater seating.

One thing that is common to both London and New York - the "balcony" is not the first one above the ground floor seating, but is above at least one other balcony, confusingly called "mezzanine," "dress circle," or something else. If your sitting in something actually called the "balcony," expect to be high up - and the seats should be cheap to compensate! Dress circle/mezzanine, on the other hand, can be excellent seats - even better than stalls/orchestra, particularly for musicals or shows with elaborate movement.

thank you both so much for the info on the terminology. It will be of great help. We are hoping to see Wicked and Kinky Boots.