Theatre, we’re often told, is for everyone. Unless, of course, you happen to want a decent view of Hamilton on Broadway, then theatre is for everyone with $400 to spare and a suspiciously high tolerance for buyer’s remorse.
Yes, it’s time we address the slightly awkward truth that Broadway ticket prices have soared so high they now require supplemental oxygen. Meanwhile, the West End, though not immune to inflation’s icy grip, still offers prices that allow audiences to enjoy a glass of prosecco and the show, without having to remortgage their flat.
Let’s start with some numbers. The average Broadway ticket now hovers around $130 (£105), but for major shows like Merrily We Roll Along or The Lion King, premium seats easily sail north of $300 (£240); and that’s before Ticketmaster sneaks in "convenience fees" that feel anything but convenient. Want orchestra seats for Sweeney Todd? That’ll be $500, please. And no, the murder of a few pies is not included.
Across the Atlantic, the West End is, comparatively, a socialist utopia. Average ticket prices sit closer to £55–65 ($68–80), and even the biggest blockbusters (hello, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club) rarely top £150 ($187) for a prime spot. Many theatres still offer £25–30 rush tickets and last-minute lotteries where, incredibly, the “cheap seats” do not require binoculars or a Sherpa guide.
Of course, London has its quirks: there are "restricted view" seats so precarious you half expect to be issued a hard hat, and no one in history has ever correctly predicted which West End box office website will crash during a ticket release. But by and large, it’s possible to see world-class productions without selling your worldly possessions to the highest bidder.
So, why the chasm? The answer, like most things in life, is money (and ego). Broadway musicals cost astronomical sums to produce: upwards of $15–20 million, often more. New York’s unionized crews, higher insurance, celebrity-driven casts, and real estate madness mean producers jack up prices because they have to. (Also, because they can. And because they know Barbara from New Jersey will pay $1,200 to see Hugh Jackman tap dance.)
The West End, in contrast, benefits from lower production costs, shorter rehearsal periods, and a government that - gasp! - occasionally subsidises the arts. It's a system that recognises theatre as culture, not just commerce. London’s intimate, sometimes rickety theatres may lack the razzle-dazzle of a glittering Broadway house, but they make up for it with history, heart, and a stubborn commitment to accessibility.
That said, the West End isn’t immune to creeping “Broadway-itis.” Premium ticketing is becoming more common; “dynamic pricing” (translation: if you want to see it, pay more) is quietly sneaking in. If we're not careful, we'll all soon need a small inheritance just to catch the latest jukebox musical.
Until then, dear reader, my advice is simple: if you’re seeking great theatre without financial ruin, staycation in London; grab a day seat, and spend the money you saved on a G&T at the interval. Your wallet, and your soul, will thank you.
