The vibrant theatre scene in Melbourne offers an array of family-friendly shows that can delight both children and parents alike. However, theatre outings can often stretch the budget, especially for families. 

Thankfully, there are several ways to secure cheap theatre tickets in Melbourne, including last-minute tickets to fun shows you may not have thought of attending. Read our list so that your family can enjoy an enchanting experience without breaking the bank.

Find Cheap Or Last Minute Tickets Melbourne

1. Rush Tickets Melbourne

Some Melbourne theatre venues provide rush tickets, which are last-minute theatre tickets available at a discounted rate. 

Melbourne Theatre Company offers Weekend Rush tickets for only $35, available every Thursday for Friday and Saturday shows. Each booking is limited to four people (including kids), so act fast to secure your spot for an unforgettable night out—terms and conditions apply.

With last-minute tickets, you may be lucky to find tickets for a show you hadn’t considered, providing an unexpected opportunity for a fun family outing. 

Red Stitch, in St Kilda East, also offers $20 rush tickets for students and concession holders an hour before curtain time. This not only makes theatre more affordable but also adds an element of spontaneity to your plans. 

2. Explore Discount Sites

Find the best cheap theatre tickets Melbourne offers via various ticketing websites.

Search for what’s on this weekend via Ticketek. It’s not uncommon to find last-minute tickets at a fraction of the usual price, so checking in regularly could reward you with a delightful surprise.

Arts Centre Melbourne currently offers a Tix at 12 deal. From 12 pm every Tuesday, you can grab cheap tickets for various shows using promo code TIXAT12. Offers are available for a limited time, so act fast to reserve your spot at renowned venues like Playhouse Theatre.

It’s worth a look at Halftix Melbourne, Australia’s longest-running discount ticket service, which offers a unique retail outlet for discounted and cheap theatre tickets. 

Via Todaytix, you can set an alert for last-minute theatre tickets for Melbourne shows, or gain access to a digital Lottery and mobile Rush tickets.

LastTIX, is another platform for cheap tickets to concerts, theatre, and more. TIX connects users to authorised ticketing providers, ensuring a seamless purchasing experience without directly handling ticket orders.

3. Look for Subscription Deals

If your family enjoys visiting the theatre regularly, consider subscribing to a theatre’s season ticket plan. Subscription packages typically offer significant savings over single-ticket prices, and many also come with additional perks.

The Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) provides paid subscribers with priority access to the best seats, exclusive discounts on food and beverages, and flexible exchange options if your plans change. 

By spreading the cost of a subscription throughout the year, you can ensure that your family is treated to regular theatrical experiences without the pressure of high costs each time.

The Mariner Group and Arts Centre Melbourne also offer free subscribers access to tickets, preview performances, and often special deals.

4. Embrace Preview Performances

Preview performances are another fantastic way to snag cheap theatre tickets in Melbourne. 

These early showings often come at a reduced price, allowing families to experience a new production before it officially opens.

While the show may still be in its final stages of polish, the excitement of seeing a brand-new production can be a thrilling experience for children and adults alike. Just think about the stories you can share with your friends about having witnessed a show before anyone else. 

This opportunity can be both a budget-friendly choice and an adventure in itself.

5. Participate in Lottery Systems

6. Attend A Matinee

Matinee performances can also be a great option for families. Many theatres offer discounted tickets for daytime shows, making it more budget-friendly. This is particularly advantageous for families with younger children, who may prefer earlier showtimes.

Not only does this option save money, but it also allows families to enjoy a full day of activities—attending a matinee followed by a family lunch or exploring nearby attractions.

7. Keep an Eye on Social Media

In this digital age, many theatre companies are active on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where they often announce last minute ticket deals, giveaways, and exclusive offers. Following your favourite theatres and shows can be a smart move.

For example, you might stumble across a promotional code for discounted tickets or find out about a last-minute sale. 

8. Take Advantage of Group Bookings

One of the best ways to secure cheap theatre tickets in Melbourne is by taking advantage of group bookings. Many theatres offer discounts for groups, often starting from as few as eight tickets. This means that you can team up with friends or other families to make the most of these offers.

For instance, if you have a local play or musical in mind, gather a few other families or friends, and book together. This approach can save you anywhere from $5 to $20 per ticket, making it a wise choice for families planning an outing. 

Hot tip: when you book as a group, you’re likely to score better seats, enhancing the overall experience for the children.

9. Don’t Overlook Concession Rates

When hunting for last minute tickets in Melbourne, make sure to check for concession rates, which are often available for families with eligible cardholders. Many theatres offer discounted tickets for students, seniors card holders, and other eligible groups.

Finally, don’t forget to look for special youth tickets, which are often available at many theatres. These discounted tickets are designed to encourage younger audiences to experience the arts.

For instance, both the Australian Ballet and Opera Australia offer reduced prices for students and young people under certain age limits.

Related Posts

Ultimate Guide to the Best Musical Shows In Melbourne 2024

Top 7 tips for going to the theatre with kids

Best family-friendly dining in Melbourne CBD

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase using the links there is no extra cost to you and we earn a small commission that helps us to continue to provide valuable and useful information for you.

The post 9 Ways to Score Cheap Theatre Tickets in Melbourne appeared first on TOT: HOT OR NOT