28 January 2025

How to plan a stress-free group theatre experience

Planning a group theatre experience is a great idea for getting people together - whether it’s a group of friends or a number of families - but it can quickly become stressful if the pre-trip planning is inadequate. Here, we outline how to plan a stress-free group theatre experience that everyone can enjoy.

Choosing a show

Whether you’re looking for West End show tickets or something a little more offbeat, there’s plenty to choose from in London. Perhaps you’re looking for a classic musical like Starlight Express, where you can simply sit back and watch the show. Alternatively, you can pick an immersive experience where action takes place across a number of sets that you can walk between. If you’re going with a group of families, something kid-friendly and familiar is best, such as Alice in Wonderland. Many productions aimed at children are shorter with no interval, making them perfect for limited attention spans.

Be sure to check if members of your group have particular access or sensory needs, as this will inform the type of production you choose and any seating arrangements. 

Arranging transport

If you’re travelling from outside London, booking transport in advance is always a good idea. This means your group can sit together and you will all arrive at the theatre on time. It also makes for a more stress-free experience on the day, as everyone can collect their tickets at the meeting point. Again, if members of your party have access needs, be sure to use stations with step-free access when taking the Tube. 

Leave plenty of time

Another benefit of booking transport in advance is that you can ensure your party has plenty of time to get to the theatre before the show starts. You don’t want to be rushing across London especially if the group is large or has lots of children, so ensure you can travel at a leisurely pace. Members of the group may also want to use the facilities or buy refreshments before the curtain rises, so make sure there is time for them to do that.

Food and drink

If your party is small, you could book a table at a nearby restaurant for a pre- or post-theatre meal. This can be a great way of relaxing together and bonding before heading to see West End plays, comedies or immersive dramas. However, if you are attending a performance with a group of children, consider bringing snacks and drinks along instead. Kids can get fidgety and hungry when sat for long periods of time, so it’s a good idea to provide things to nibble on when they need them. 

Theatre tickets from KX Tickets

Whether you’re heading on a group trip to see one of the many West End shows or you’re hoping to see a cutting-edge new drama in one of London’s smaller theatres, we at KX Tickets have a range of options for you to book. Browse our ‘What’s On’ page today to select your experience.