How to... get hold of free theatre tickets

1. Befriend a critic

Critics are usually offered two comps, and with such a busy schedule of theatre going are on the lookout for companions. I ran into a critic in Birmingham last week, and promptly ended up accompanying them to a press night. A free night at the theatre for me, and hopefully I was good company for the critic.

2. Ingratiate with the box office mafia

People who work in the box office are some of the most powerful people you’ll meet. And they all talk to each other. If you want a comp to a show that’s not selling so well, or you want to get your hands on a ticket for that sold-out run, the box office  mafia often have more sway than the director of the show.

3. Papering companies

One of the West End’s greatest secrets. You can find these companies if you do a little detective work online. You’ll pay a small yearly membership and an admin fee to book tickets – so whilst not quite free, it’s pretty darn close.

4. Press night fillers

No one likes empty seats on press night so producers tend to make sure they have people around to jump into empty seats. There’s no official list for this – you mainly need to befriend general managers, and be prepared to be free at the last minute.

5. Know exactly when the interval comes

As they sing in Merrily we Roll Along “No more sneaking in at intermission to the plays we wish we could afford”. Yes – It’s a time-honoured tradition that students and unemployed actors nip in at the interval. A mate of mine in New York has this worked out so well he brings a playbill along in order to blend in. I of course don’t condone such behaviour but can confirm it happens… sometimes.