16 ways to get cheap theatre tickets if you're under 26

We all know that theatre prices out everyone that doesn't own a mansion with acres of land – or a two-bed house in London – right? Well, wrong. In fact there are many ways to enjoy theatre without breaking the bank, especially if you're under 26. With this age group in mind, WhatsOnStage takes a look at some of the schemes out there – including our own Theatre Club – that help you maintain a theatre habit which, let's face it, you should all have.

1. National Theatre Entry Pass

The Entry Pass gets you £5 tickets to every single show at the National Theatre, plus access to exclusive workshops and discounts at their cafes and bookshops. You can even bring a friend who doesn't have one along for £7.50.

2. Young Barbican

Aged between 14 and 25? Sign up to Young Barbican and get discounted access to theatre, film, art and more. Tickets are priced between £5 and £15, with no booking fees. How kind!

3. RSC Key

A great scheme for those wanting to see the Bard for less. You can get £5 tickets for RSC shows in Stratford-upon-Avon and in London, plus if you see five you get a sixth one free.

4. Open Air Theatre BREEZE

The Open Air Theatre have dedicated events for their BREEZE members, with £10 tickets on offer for special evenings, as well as selling preview tickets for £10. They've also chucked in a discount at their bar and barbecue.

5. Young Vic

You can also get £10 tickets at the Young Vic if you're under 26. Plus they extend the offer to full time students too.

6. Donmar Warehouse's Young Free

The tiny Donmar Warehouse offers entirely FREE tickets to young people aged 25 and under. With no catch. All you need to do is sign up to the email alerts. Simple!

7. Hampstead Downstairs Club

Aged between 16 and 30? You qualify for Hampstead Theatre's Downstairs Club, which offers £5 ticket to shows on in the theatre downstairs. It's free to join too.

8. Chichester Festival Theatre

If you want to get out of London for a day trip, you could do a lot worse than heading to Chichester, where you can get tickets for £5.00 if you're aged between 16 and 25 by joining the free Prologue scheme. Members also get access to exclusive events.

9. Masterclass

A charity that provides masterclasses, apprenticeships and other opportunities for everyone ages 16 to 30, Masterclass also has a range of ticket offers for members to make use of.

10. Mousetrap Theatre Projects

Mousetrap is a theatre education charity whose aim is to bring theatre to disadvantaged young people. As part of this they run two schemes – C145 for 15-18 year olds, with £5 tickets for a variety of shows and WestEnd4£10, which is for 19 to 23 year olds, and does what it says on the tin!

11. Almeida Theatre

Another one for the under-25s- you can get £5 ticket to any production in the Almeida's new season, at a selection of performances throughout the run. You need to book online using the UNDER25 code.

12. ENO Access All Arias

Don't you just want to join because of the name? This one's open to you if you're aged 16-30, or if you're in full time education, and you can get £30 stalls seats, £20 dress circle or £10 upper circle seats. You can also bring a friend for the same price, regardless of age, and get half-price programmes.

13. Bush connect

Under-26's and students get £5 off standard tickets in the theatre and £2.50 off tickets in the studioYou also get 10% discount at the bar as well as food and drink promotions.

14. Tricycle Theatre

The Kilburn venue also offers £10 tickets to under-26's for a variety of their shows – simply set up a user account with your date of birth and enter the promotional code on booking.

15. Sheffield Theatres Live for Five

Another great scheme giving 16-26 year olds £5 tickets for selected performances of Sheffield Theatres productions.

16. Manchester Royal Exchange

The lovely Manchester Royal Exchange also offers fabulous prices to under 26s and students. Evert weekday and evening you can get a £7 theatre ticket, and they can be booked online or by calling the box office. Advance booking is definitely advised!

There are also plenty of theatres out there offering Pay What You Can nights, and most West End shows have day seats on offer with reduced prices if you're prepared to queue in the morning. So what are you waiting for? Get buying!

Have we missed any other great schemes for young people? Let us know in the comments below