Overview
- The publicly funded venue now adjusts some ticket prices to demand, and it says the lowest-priced seats stay unchanged and prices do not exceed advertised caps.
- The model is designed to keep about 25% of seats at £30 or under with a two-ticket limit, and the theatre adds a £4 online booking fee that exempts some groups such as students.
- Customers report sharp swings for the same productions, including a family quoted £440 for a Saturday War Horse outing versus £160 for similar Monday seats.
- Discounted standby tickets priced around £20 to £30 are released 60 minutes before curtain for students, unemployed people and theatre union members.
- The theatre’s £16 million public subsidy and charity status have prompted fairness questions, as critics object and peers like the Royal Ballet and Royal Opera use similar pricing.