As ticket prices climb and the cost of living crisis continues, many Brits are finding it harder to justify spending on a big night out. Recent data shows that music, sport and theatre tickets have risen more than 250% in the last decade, making people think twice before committing. Yet there are still top-tier entertainment options available for under £100, with last-minute tickets on sale via Viagogo.
Theatre and Family Shows
Big stage productions often come with a hefty price tag, especially without booking months in advance. However, several major shows still have last-minute tickets available at reasonable prices.
At London's Prince Edward Theatre, Beetlejuice The Musical offers a darkly comic take on Tim Burton's gothic film. The story follows teenager Lydia Deetz, who is grieving after the loss of her mother and encounters the mischievous spirit Beetlejuice in her new home. With familiar characters, hilarious one-liners and otherworldly mayhem, it suits a family day out. Tickets start from £45.40, with matinee performances on Friday and Saturday.
For nostalgia, Avatar: The Last Airbender in concert is at The Oval Hall at Sheffield City Hall. To mark its 20th anniversary, the animated series is touring with a live orchestral performance of Emmy-winner Jeremy Zuckerman's soundtrack, played in sync with key scenes projected on a full-size cinema screen. Tickets start at around £74.
Gladiators Live returns to UK arenas for a second year, with Gladiators going head-to-head with returning Contenders from all three seasons. The two-hour show features iconic challenges in the arena. The first event is in Aberdeen this weekend, October 10 and 11, with tickets at £67.
Concerts and Gigs
There are plenty of gigs across the UK, though some can feel like they require a bank loan, but great-value shows remain. American rapper and singer Jack Harlow performs at KOKO in London on Tuesday, October 13. The GRAMMY-nominated artist's one-off UK stop on the Monica Tour takes place at the 1,500-capacity venue, with a setlist over 30 songs long. Tickets are priced at £59.
The Pussycat Dolls are on their PCD Forever Tour across the UK and Europe, with their next stop at Utilita Arena Newcastle on Friday, October 9. Nicole Scherzinger, Kimberly Wyatt and Ashley Roberts have reunited for a hit-packed setlist. Tickets are on sale for around £50. Superstar Nicole recently revealed on Instagram that she badly burned her leg just an hour before going on stage but still performed.
In Belfast, Violet Grohl headlines at Limelight 2. With rock legend Dave Grohl as her father, she has performed on stage since childhood, joining her dad for guest spots, and is now carving out her own sound. The venue is capped at around 600 people, with tickets at £28, offering a rare chance to see the upcoming star up close.
Comedy
Ricky Gervais brings his Legend tour to Manchester's O2 Apollo on October 12. “This is my most personal show so far and because both cancel culture, and most people I knew growing up, are dead, I can really say what the f*** I want now,” Gervais said. The show is set to become his fifth Netflix special, with tickets priced at £80.
