Colourful stage lights, exciting storylines, pretty costumes, dance routines, gorgeous songs and magical performances on stage for everyone to enjoy. However the memories of musicals come at a cost and often families and others are unable to see these shows and experience the magic of live theatre because of how expensive the tickets are nowadays.

I remember seeing shows as a little girl obsessed with musical theatre and loving certain characters, wanting to be just like them. Singing, dancing, acting was the definition of magic for me. Not to mention all the stimulating colours, costumes and the live bands which were mesmerizing. Memories I will never forget.

However sadly, many kids are not as fortunate as I was when I was young to experience these moments. Musicals that children may want to see in the West End currently may be Disney’s iconic movie musicals such as ‘Frozen’ with the cheapest tickets being £36, and ‘The Lion King’ which are currently £46 per ticket and up. ‘Wicked’ which is from £28-£218. To pay to see these musicals for a family of four, for example, would cost well over £100 and for some people this seems unreachable. In addition the travel costs to London and food prices would be added to this, all adding up to an expensive day out!

One that sticks out for me is a favourite of mine ‘Matilda the musical’. I saw this musical when I was little and was obsessed, listening to the soundtrack on a CD in the car, and dreaming that one day I could maybe become one of those lucky kids. I checked the prices of tickets, and they are from £25-£182 per ticket. Families that are desperate to see these shows may struggle to afford tickets, especially in the cost-of-living crisis. Will we have a generation of young people not experiencing the magic of seeing a London show?

Theatre shows are expensive for a reason. The costumes, lights, sound, and rehearsals all come at a cost. Creating this magical experience and paying the performers is expensive for theatre companies.

A great alternative for tickets prices would be trying to see school productions, local theatre groups, and pantomimes to show and help young people experience the magic of live theatre and maybe spark a passion. There is a week called ‘Kids week’ every summer holiday where London theatres offer one free child ticket with a paying adult. This is a great offer but how many people know about this?  Is it going far enough to open up the theatre to the average families and is it reaching enough people?

In conclusion, theatre tickets prices for families seem unreasonable. There should be more done to make the big shows more financially accessible to everyone, however there are so many local alternatives to help young people enjoy theatre, which I think everyone should have the opportunity to be involved in or experience.

https://www.londontheatredirect.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxJP__4uChAMVyZlQBh0iGgmOEAAYASAAEgLft_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds