Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
percent fee. Ticket agencies (whether in the US or in London) are just scalpers with an ad-
dress. As a rule of thumb, if anyone other than the box office charges you more than
£
100
per ticket, you're almost certainly getting ripped off. If you're buying from an agency,
look at the ticket carefully (your price should be no more than 30 percent over the prin-
ted face value; the 20 percent VAT is already included in the face value) and understand
where you're sitting according to the floor plan (if your view is restricted, it will state this
on the ticket).
Agencies are worthwhile only if a show you've just got to see is sold out at the
box office. They scarf up hot tickets, planning to make a killing after the show is sold
out. US booking agencies get their tickets from another agency, adding to your expense
by involving yet another middleman. Many tickets sold on the street are forgeries. Al-
though some theaters use booking agencies to handle their advance sales, you'll likely
save money by avoiding the middleman.
Tickets for lesser-known shows tend to be cheaper (figure
£
15-30), in part because most
of the smaller theaters are subsidized. Remember that plays don't need a familiar title or
famous actor to be a worthwhile experience—read up on the latest offerings online; Time
Out's site is a great place to start.
