Unmissable Theatre Shows in London for Autumn 2023
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Most people think of the theatre when they think of London and if you are moving to the big smoke as a student you might want to check out theatre shows in London during your time here.
From big West End Shows to smaller theatre productions, from up-and-coming playwrights and talented actors and actresses, there is always something on for you to see.
To help you out, we’ve put together this guide on unmissable theatre shows in London for Autumn 2023, so check it out!
How To Watch Theatre Shows In London As A Student
There are a few ways you can watch theatre shows in London through cheap tickets, or even free in some cases.
This gives you a chance to sample some of the finest stages shows around without worrying about the hefty price tags that are attached to some shows.
What options are available to you as a student in London?
National Theatre Entry Pass
This entry pass is a scheme that offers those under 26 to join for free. Providing a limited number of tickets to most shows for just £5 per ticket, and the first ticket is completely free.
English National Opera –Access all Arias
A similar scheme that offers discounts to those aged between 16-25, with all performances taking place at the London Coliseum and are available for in-house productions only. Tickets are available from £10-£30.
The Royal Opera House – Student Standby Scheme
One of the most amazing venues in London, standard tickets can cost up to £200, but with this scheme, students can access tickets for just £10, as long as you are happy to wait for potential tickets 24 hours before a performance.
Free Barbican Tickets
The Barbican Centre has a scheme that offers free tickets to many different types of events, available to 16–25-year-olds.
The Royal Shakespeare Company – Key Card
This scheme offers £5 tickets to 16–25-year-olds for shows in Stratford and London.
Returns and Stand-by
Another way to get cheaper tickets to London theatre shows as a student is to be open to returns and stand-by ticket lists. As they are last minute, they are often much cheaper, as long as you know there are no guarantees.
Unmissable Theatre Shows In London
Now you know the best ways to go about free and cheaper tickets to London shows as a student, how about we take a look at some of the interesting shows coming up this Autumn and beyond?!
Without further-ado, here’s the top unmissable theatre shows in London for 2023…
1. Back To The Future: The Musical
Playing at the Adelphi Theatre, Strand, until February 2024, this musical version of the classic 1980s film is a lot of fun.
Marty McFly travels back in time to the 1950s in Doc Brown’s DeLorean and gets into a lot of scrapes, dodges his mum, and sings throughout.
It is full of wacky set designs, and big showstoppers and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.
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2. Disney’s The Lion King
Playing at the Lyceum Theatre until February 2024, this musical version of the classic Disney film is a must see.
The Lion King Musical tells the moving story of Simba into a theatrical experience full of colours, amazing effects and even better music.
If you’re a fan of the film or just want to experience a breathtaking show at one of London’s most iconic West End venues, then this is a must.
Grab your tickets to The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre today.
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3. Wicked
Playing at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, until June 2024, Wicked is one of London’s longest running shows.
The Wicked musical is a smash hit which tells the untold story of the witches Elphaba and Glinda from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
There’s a fantastic cast of the likes of Alexia Khadime, Lucy St. Louis, Ryan Reid and Sophie-Louise Dann taking to the stage, as well as featuring original music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz including “Popular” and “Defying Gravity”.
This magical showing is not one to be missed this autumn!
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4. Mamma Mia!
Playing at the Novello Theatre until March 2024, the hit songs of ABBA help tell the story of the newly engaged Sophie who is searching to find her father and invites all three of her possible Dad’s to her wedding, without telling her mum Donna.
This feel-good musical brings the journey on the Greek island of Kalokairi to the West End.
Join the party at Mamma Mia! and sing along to hits like ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Take A Chance On Me’ with your besties.
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5. Pretty Woman: The Musical
Playing at the Savoy Theatre from October 2023, this new musical brings the classic film to life.
Having done a Broadway run, the romantic story of businessman Edward and Vivian is coming to the West End for the third year.
The Pretty Woman film is the highest-grossing romantic comedy in the US and a great Hollywood love story for all to enjoy.
So, why not sing along to “Oh, Pretty Woman” with your pals? You can’t get much better than that!
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6. 2:22 A Ghost Story
Playing at the Criterion Theatre until September 2023, 2:22 A Ghost Story returns after a record-breaking fifth run.
This supernatural thriller is back for more this Autumn and will have you on the edge of your seat for sure.
2:22 is written by award-winning writer Danny Robins and see’s the amazing cast of Sophia Bush, Ricky Champ, Clifford Samuel and Jaime Winstone take to the stage.
This adrenaline-filled story follows Jenny and Sam, a couple who have just moved into their new home.
Jenny thinks their house is haunted, whilst Sam thinks otherwise.
So, they invite dinner guests over and and argue on whether there is ghosts.
They decide to stay up until 2:22, to find out the truth…
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7. Grease The Musical
At the Dominion Theatre until October 2023, Grease The Musical is an adaptation of the iconic film from 1978.
It follows the Burger Palace Boys and the Pink Ladies through their senior year at Rydell High.
See the love story of Sandy and Danny as they dance and sing it out to tracks like ‘You’re The One That I Want’ and ‘Summer Nights’.
Let’s be honest here, who doesn’t love Grease?! Go and get a plan sorted in the group-chat with your pals.
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8. Elf The Musical
Spread the good news, Elf The Musical is coming to the Dominion Theatre for 8 weeks only.
From the 15th November, Santa’s favourite musical is returning which is based on the much-loved film with Will Ferrell.
ELF tells the story of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole.
The play follow’s Buddy on his quest to discover his true identity, and is sure to be a barrel of laughs.
Get your tickets for this holiday classic pronto!
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As you can see, there are loads of great theatre shows in London, so you’re absolutely spoilt for choice!
If you’re looking to indulge your love for theatre, make sure to check out what’s on and get cheap tickets where you can.
You can watch serious plays, classic Shakespeare, and sing your heart out at the musicals.
We know a lot of them are extremely close to our luxury student accommodation in London…what’s not to love?
Getting rid of your old clothes on Vinted? Take a read of our guide for some top tips.
