I've never seen a show in Stratford before, any advice for someone new? Also for someone on a budget on getting cheaper tickets? All the posts and articles make me want to go see Something Rotten more, I missed my chance to see a local production last year and have wanted to see it since. EDIT: Thank you all so much for the replies and advice!!!!
They have a “pay what you wish” night on June 4 at 2pm if that works for you.
https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/WaystoSave/Deals/Pay-What-You-Wish
If not, keep an eye on their instagram. They do run occasional ticket promos. We saw this show from 3rd row balcony for $60/ticket on a seat sale. There are basically no bad seats in the theatre.
Along the theme of no bad seats, even the Bravo Zone seats, which is the lowest priced everyday seating zone, give a decent view. They are on the extreme sides of the theatre, but the design of the theatre means you are still close to the stage and get a good view. Stratford shows are carefully designed so that the action is played to all sides of the theatre, so no one misses out. Sometimes sitting on one side you get a view of something you wouldn’t from another angle. I’ve sat in the Bravo seating several times and it is still a great experience. That said, there are lots of other deals to be had throughout the season. Just be aware that different offers and deals will only be for certain dates, not necessarily every performance.
https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/WaysToSave
For a Stratford show, if you enjoy small towns, I recommend you get there early and explore the town. Maybe grab lunch or dinner - make a day of it. You can park by the water near the Festival Theatre for free and walk along the river. Just need to get there early enough before the show to grab a spot (usually 1hr early works but might want to give yourself some margin). They have art shows around there on Saturdays in the summer too. The town is big but not so big to not consider it walkable to the major attractions.
As others have said, no bad seats. The website is easy to navigate, and there is a drop-down filter showing the different types of discounts available, so it is easy to find the pay what you can or 2 for 1 dates. There is also a bus from downtown Toronto and back if you don't have access to a vehicle.
The quality of the shows is really top-notch. I have seen some hit and miss things in Toronto, but I have been consistently impressed by the shows in Stratford.
There are lots of ways to get cheap or cheaper tickets. First is to go their website. They actually have a section on the site that tells you how to get the best deals. (Being young and/or a student is the best bet. Many of the main shows have now opened, but they often have huge discounts for previews. (The previews are every bit as good as the shows after they open.) In any event, it’s going to be half the price of Broadway or less.
Stratford is sure getting a lot of superlative accolades around here lately! But I am not surprised either, I sincerely think Stratford is some of the best theatre in the world. We are very fortunate to have them in Ontario.
I saw this last night. It had two standing ovations during the show! I have never experienced anything like that! Did anyone else experience a standing ovation during the show?
I've seen it twice! It had a standing ovation mid show both times (once in act one and once in act two, but not both for either show!)
It's brilliant but don't skip Hedda with Sara Topham!
I've never seen a show in Stratford before, any advice for someone new? Also for someone on a budget on getting cheaper tickets? All the posts and articles make me want to go see Something Rotten more, I missed my chance to see a local production last year and have wanted to see it since. EDIT: Thank you all so much for the replies and advice!!!!
They have a “pay what you wish” night on June 4 at 2pm if that works for you. https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/WaystoSave/Deals/Pay-What-You-Wish If not, keep an eye on their instagram. They do run occasional ticket promos. We saw this show from 3rd row balcony for $60/ticket on a seat sale. There are basically no bad seats in the theatre.
Along the theme of no bad seats, even the Bravo Zone seats, which is the lowest priced everyday seating zone, give a decent view. They are on the extreme sides of the theatre, but the design of the theatre means you are still close to the stage and get a good view. Stratford shows are carefully designed so that the action is played to all sides of the theatre, so no one misses out. Sometimes sitting on one side you get a view of something you wouldn’t from another angle. I’ve sat in the Bravo seating several times and it is still a great experience. That said, there are lots of other deals to be had throughout the season. Just be aware that different offers and deals will only be for certain dates, not necessarily every performance.
Are you 29 or under? Sign up for a Play On account and you can get tickets to any performance for $30-$50 (depending on how close a seat you want)
https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/WaysToSave For a Stratford show, if you enjoy small towns, I recommend you get there early and explore the town. Maybe grab lunch or dinner - make a day of it. You can park by the water near the Festival Theatre for free and walk along the river. Just need to get there early enough before the show to grab a spot (usually 1hr early works but might want to give yourself some margin). They have art shows around there on Saturdays in the summer too. The town is big but not so big to not consider it walkable to the major attractions.
As others have said, no bad seats. The website is easy to navigate, and there is a drop-down filter showing the different types of discounts available, so it is easy to find the pay what you can or 2 for 1 dates. There is also a bus from downtown Toronto and back if you don't have access to a vehicle. The quality of the shows is really top-notch. I have seen some hit and miss things in Toronto, but I have been consistently impressed by the shows in Stratford.
There are lots of ways to get cheap or cheaper tickets. First is to go their website. They actually have a section on the site that tells you how to get the best deals. (Being young and/or a student is the best bet. Many of the main shows have now opened, but they often have huge discounts for previews. (The previews are every bit as good as the shows after they open.) In any event, it’s going to be half the price of Broadway or less.
I haven't been to Stratford since the Des McAnuff years. Excited to go back this year! La Cage aux Folles and Something Rotten look awesome!
We saw La Cage on the opening night of previews. It was the best show I have seen in Stratford or Toronto. So, so good. Go if you have the chance.
Stratford is sure getting a lot of superlative accolades around here lately! But I am not surprised either, I sincerely think Stratford is some of the best theatre in the world. We are very fortunate to have them in Ontario.
I saw this last night. It had two standing ovations during the show! I have never experienced anything like that! Did anyone else experience a standing ovation during the show?
I've seen it twice! It had a standing ovation mid show both times (once in act one and once in act two, but not both for either show!) It's brilliant but don't skip Hedda with Sara Topham!