SHOW TIME
One of the world’s best shows is coming to the UK for the first time in 8 years – but they tell you NOT to read reviews
Travel reporter Ryan Gray reveals how to have a cheap and cheerful weekend in London
AN award-winning theatre show is set to return to the UK - and its the first time in nearly a decade.
Created by Morgan Lloyd and Kate Bond, You Me Bum Bum Train first took to the stage in 2004.
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You Me Bum Bum Train is an interactive show that focuses on one audience member at a time.
The 'passenger' goes through a series of different rooms, acting as a lead character in each scenario.
Because the scenes are a closely guarded secret, audience members are actively encouraged not to research the ins and outs of the show.
Following its debut, the hit show was nominated for an Olivier award, with subsequent runs selling out within minutes.
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While You Me Bum Bum Train was set to return to the UK back in 2020, plans for its revival were scuppered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
But after nearly nine years off stage, creators Morgan Lloyd and Kate Bond are staging a comeback.
In an interview with , Lloyd said: "There were two main drivers for bringing the show back.
"One, a few pieces of creative that have been haunting us. There was one idea that wouldn’t leave us alone (because it was special) and it felt like it was our responsibility to make it happen.
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"And two, really valuing and mourning the loss of the unique community who come together to manifest the show."
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You Me Bum Bum Train is brought to life thanks to an army of volunteers, with Lloyd adding: "It isn’t just our show, it belongs to the entire community that comes together to make it happen."
The hotly-anticipated show is set to return in November, with specific details such as dates and a location set to be announced.
A public ballot for tickets will open at 10am on September 3 and will run until September 17.
Winners will then have the option to buy a ticket - although previous sales have been more popular than Glastonbury.
The UK is packed with great theatre from the likes of the Lion King to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Wicked, there's something for everyone.
If you want to get some autumn theatre booked into your calendar, then use our tips to bag tickets at more affordable prices.
How to find cheap theatre tickets?
Finding cheap theatre tickets isn't impossible, with several booking sites regularly offering discounts to some of London's top shows.
Start your search by heading to sites such as:
- Ticketmaster
Often booking sites, theatre companies and venues, such as the National Theatre in London, will offer student and OAP discounts too.
So if you fall into either of these groups, make the most of the additional savings you can get on tickets.
Ticket lotteries are another great option for those Brits who want to nab cheap tickets.
Many big West End productions will offer lotteries to new or popular shows.
For example, the hit musical Hamilton runs a regular weekly draw for £10 tickets.
If you're flexible with dates and timings, then last minute offers are also a great way to nab big savings.
How much are London theatre tickets?
Theatre ticket prices can vary, depending on the type of show, theatre and of course the seat.
West End theatre tickets cost around £30-£40; however, you can pick some up from as little as £10.
At the top end of the scale, for shows such as Hamilton, tickets can sell for as much as £150-£200, so it's worth knowing how to nab cheap tickets.
Regular theatregoers can save money on tickets by purchasing an annual membership with a theatre company.
The RSC, Royal Court Theatre and the Globe Theatre all offer members priority booking and discounts throughout the year.
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How to Save Money in London
TRAVEL reporter Ryan Gray recently spent a weekend in London with his partner, spending less than £125 each, including food, drinks, entertainment, transport and accommodation - here's how he did it.
Hotel
Two nights at the easyHotel in Kensington was booked for £83.70 for two people for two nights. It was the biggest outlay of the trip, but still pretty affordable for a weekend in the city.
Entertainment
We made the most of the free museums in the city, including the British Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum.
However, we also took in a night of stand-up the Museum of Comedy for £26.50 for two and a cheap evening of Shakespeare at The Globe for £5pp.
We also visited the Holborn public roof garden, a free viewing deck from where some of the city's most famous sites can be seen and some of the free market stalls along the Southbank.
Sadly our visit to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards for free was rained off, but on clearer days, this is free as well.
Food and drink
London is full of cheap places to eat, without having to go hungry.
We visited the following places during our affordable weekend:
Icco Pizza, Jerusalem Bar and Kitchen, La Brioche cafe, Lanzhou Lamian, Chinatown Bakery, Fischcotheque, Quatre Seasons cafe, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese and The India Club.
Transport
We opted to use the buses rather than the tubes, with a daily price cap of £5.25 preventing the costs from racking up.
Meanwhile, this is a list of London's best free kids' attractions.
And this exotic indoor garden is another great free place to visit.
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