Sadler's Wells

“Order a cortado and claim the corner seating; you'll often see Barbican performers and students preparing for rehearsals or lessons.”

“The ROH releases unsold seats at 10 AM on the day of performance from £10. The Paul Hamlyn Hall (Floral Hall) is publicly accessible before performances and during the day — worth visiting even without a ticket. Stage door is on Floral Street.”

“The LSO offers heavily discounted tickets for those under 35 (LSO Discovery membership). The Barbican's free foyer programming — exhibitions, installations, the conservatory on level 3 — is excellent. Practice rooms at the adjacent Guildhall School of Music.”

“Day seats available from 9:30 AM in person, noon online (£15-25). The free foyer piano is available for public use throughout the day. The NT Live cinema broadcasts reach 2,500 venues worldwide — a credit here has global reach.”

“The Old Vic is 300 metres from the Young Vic — you can walk between the two companies' productions on the same street. The membership scheme gives priority booking and discounts. Check for Monday rush tickets.”

“The Young Vic café is open to the public and is the informal common room of the South Bank arts world. £10 tickets available for those aged 25 and under. The early evening programming (readings, talks) is free or very cheap.”

“The Donmar's Access programme includes priority booking at reduced prices. The building is unassuming — a glass door in a shopping arcade — but the productions inside are anything but. Check press night dates for seeing the most discussed theatre in London.”

“Sadler's Wells programming is announced seasonally — follow the season release for priority booking on Wayne McGregor, Matthew Bourne, and Crystal Pite productions, which sell out immediately. The Angel Tube station is 5 minutes' walk.”

“ENO has faced significant financial difficulty and programming changes in recent years. Check current season status before planning a visit. The building itself is worth seeing regardless of what is on — the Matcham interior is extraordinary.”

“Proms Arena tickets (standing in the central floor) are available on the day from the RAH box office from 10 AM (or earlier by queue). £6 for most concerts. The acoustic is imperfect but the atmosphere of the Last Night of the Proms or a major orchestral programme is unmatched in Europe.”

“Groundling (standing) tickets are £5 and available on the day. This is the most democratic theatre in London — the same production, the same view, for 1% of a West End price. No amplification in either space. If you are performing here, your voice training will be tested by every weather condition and audience configuration.”

“The outdoor terraces of the National Theatre (Understudy bar) and the Southbank Centre are free to access and are where the London arts community congregates in good weather. The South Bank Book Market under Waterloo Bridge operates daily.”

“The quality of busking in the central stage is genuinely high — the audition process is competitive. You may hear a full opera aria or a string quartet with professional conservatoire training. The London Transport Museum in the northeast corner has an excellent café and the most interesting gift shop in London.”

“The late-night set (doors 11:30 PM) is for the most adventurous programming and the most interesting crowd. Book online for the early set. Walk-in for late night (cover charge applies). The bar alone is worth visiting — the cocktails are excellent and the staff have been there for decades.”

“Services are open to the public and attended by the theatrical community. The church hosts theatrical memorial services and the annual Blessing of the Bikes (for cycling performers). The columned portico is where My Fair Lady opens — Eliza Doolittle selling violets on the steps.”

“Performers often use the park's benches for script work and meditation before evening shows; it's an excellent spot to observe West End culture in action.”

“You cannot join the Garrick quickly, but you should know it exists and understand what it represents. Members have included Henry Irving, John Gielgud, Ralph Richardson, Alec Guinness, and virtually every major figure in British theatrical history. Ask a member to take you in for lunch if the opportunity arises.”