People shouldn’t have to wait until Black Friday to enjoy theatre

Many people, especially youngsters with little cash, have to wait for the sales to nab West End tickets – and that’s wrong

Big shows such as ‘Hamilton’ should offer more affordable options (Matthew Murphy)

High ticket prices are an obstacle in getting young people to the theatre who find it far more economical to go to the cinema. But it’s Black Friday deal time. How about some tickets for West End shows?

The trouble is that it shouldn’t be like this in the first place. West End tickets usually come with such a hefty price tag that it excludes people from experiencing these shows. I’ve wanted to see The Book of Mormon for ages, but if I try and book for next Monday, the cheapest ticket I get is £98 in the stalls. I’m let off a £1.50 transaction fee because it’s Black Friday, but let’s face it, why is there one in the first place?

Perhaps the solution is that these theatre deals should happen not just once a year, but more often, so that more people can get to the theatre. Otherwise it ends up as an activity largely for the wealthy elite.

Until that happens, rather than spend all day online checking out Black Friday offers on electrical devices, get yourself as many West End tickets as you can.

Yours,

Charlotte Cripps

Deputy culture editor