Matinee Shows in London

The social side is as much a part of the experience as the show itself. For West End theatre events, we usually meet around 90 minutes before the show at a nearby bar or pub. Your host will be there to welcome you, and you’ll have time to get a drink and get to know the other people going. Tickets are handed out before you head into the theatre, so you can keep the conversation going.

After the show, everyone meets outside the theatre for a group photo before heading off.

You’ll receive full details – meet-up time, location, what to expect – by email in the week before your event.

If it’s your first time, you will need to create an account to be able to book onto an event.  Once this is complete, simply scroll through our events page and find what events appeal to you. Select the number of tickets, add to basket, and head to checkout. If you’re on a paid membership, any applicable discount will be applied automatically – you don’t need to enter a code.

You’ll receive a confirmation email once your booking is complete.  Further details will then be sent as a reminder the week before the event date

Tickets are non-refundable in most circumstances. If you can no longer attend, you have two options:

1. Gift your ticket to a friend or family member. You can transfer your place to someone else – just make sure they’re aware of what’s involved in a West End Outings event so the experience runs smoothly for everyone.
2. Let us know and we’ll try to seat-fill. If we can resell your seat, we’ll issue a credit to your account wallet, which you can put towards a future booking.

It’s important you contact us as soon as you know you can’t attend. Tickets are issued at the pre-show social, so knowing who’s coming matters.

It depends on your membership tier:

• Basic: No set limit (subject to availability). Tickets are at the standard WEO price, which is already below box office.
• Single: One ticket at the additional member discount rate per event.
• Joint: Up to two tickets at the additional member discount rate per event.
• Family: Up to five tickets at the additional member discount rate per event.

If you need more discounted tickets than your tier allows, additional tickets can be purchased at the standard WEO price.

The Matinee Club is our afternoon theatre events stream. If you prefer a matinee performance – whether that’s down to schedule, preference, or simply enjoying the theatre at a more relaxed pace – the Matinee Club runs events throughout the year across a range of West End shows.

Like all WEO events, Matinee Club outings include a pre-show social and a host. The format is the same, just earlier in the day.

The Matinee Club is particularly popular with members who find afternoon shows work better for them – whether that’s retirees, those who’d rather not travel home late, or anyone who simply prefers the atmosphere of a matinee. The events are friendly, relaxed, and welcoming to people attending on their own.

West End Outings runs a Matinee Club – a stream of afternoon West End theatre events designed for members who prefer earlier performances. The Matinee Club is particularly popular with retirees and over-50s, offering the same social format as all West End Outings events: a host, a pre-show social, and a welcoming group of fellow theatregoers. Matinee Club events are listed on the West End Outings website and are open to anyone with an active membership.

A matinee is an afternoon theatre performance, as opposed to an evening show. In London most matinees start between 2pm and 3pm. They’re popular with visitors, families and anyone who prefers an afternoon out to a late night.

Wednesday and Saturday are the main matinee days in the West End. Many shows also run Thursday, Friday or Sunday afternoon performances, and a few schedule early-week matinees. Days vary by production, so check the individual show’s listing.

Most London matinees begin between 2pm and 3pm, with 2.30pm the most common start time. Performances usually run two to three hours.

Matinee seats are often priced a little lower than the same seat at an evening performance, though it varies by show. West End Outings members pay below box-office prices on selected matinees too.

Absolutely. Plenty of our members come to matinees solo and leave having made friends. Each outing includes a relaxed meet-up before the show, so you’re never sitting down as a stranger.