Are theatre programmes worth buying? What do they usually include?

Question

Thinking about getting a programme as a souvenir. What kind of information is usually inside besides the cast list? Are they typically expensive?

candiceflynn · Answer

Theatre programmes are definitely worth buying if you enjoy a deeper dive into the production and a lovely keepsake! Beyond just the cast list, they typically include fascinating articles about the show's history, the creative process, interviews with the cast and crew, and beautiful production photos. They often provide insights you wouldn't get anywhere else, enriching your understanding and appreciation of the performance. While they can be a bit pricey (usually £6-£10), they're a wonderful souvenir, especially for a show you particularly loved or a significant theatrical event. Think of them as a mini-magazine that captures the magic of your theatre experience!

Answer

West End programmes don’t usually get reprinted every time the cast changes. That would be incredibly expensive for the theatre. Instead, if a principal role has been recast or there’s a notable switch, you’ll usually find a printed slip tucked inside the programme with the updated cast list.

rohit · Answer

Do West End theatres ever update the programme during a show’s run if the cast changes, or do you have to buy a new one each time?

hjj · Answer

Yes, exactly! They’re much more substantial than the free Playbills you’d get on Broadway. Many programmes double as part souvenir, part mini coffee-table book. Some productions (especially the big long-runners like Wicked or Les Misérables) even sell “souvenir brochures” alongside the standard programme. Those tend to be larger, more photo-heavy, and can cost a bit more, usually £8–12.

If you’re a theatre lover or it’s a milestone show for you, they’re worth picking up. Otherwise, if you just want the cast list and basics, you’ll sometimes find a free cast sheet tucked inside or available separately at the kiosks. It really comes down to whether you’d like a proper keepsake or just the essentials.

user · Answer

They’re usually more like glossy magazines than just a cast list. You’ll get bios of the actors, notes from the director, behind-the-scenes articles, and sometimes photos or historical context about the show. Price-wise, most West End programmes run £6–10, so not cheap, but nice as a keepsake if it’s a special show.