Sometimes the best theatre experiences aren’t the big West End productions everyone is talking about. They’re the smaller shows you stumble across, often in intimate venues where every seat feels close to the stage.
That’s exactly how I felt after watching A Mirrored Monet at Charing Cross Theatre.
Although the musical only ran from 14 March to 9 May, it reminded me why I love exploring London’s smaller theatres. Between the affordable ticket, the cosy venue and the emotional storytelling, it turned out to be one of those evenings that completely exceeded my expectations.
A Hidden Theatre Gem
One of the first things I loved was the venue itself.Charing Cross Theatre is much smaller than many West End theatres, creating an intimate atmosphere where you feel part of the performance rather than simply watching it from a distance.
I managed to find an incredible ticket for less than £15, sitting in the second row in the centre of the stalls. Being that close meant I could see every facial expression and subtle emotion from the cast, something that made this production even more immersive.
It’s experiences like this that remind me you don’t always need expensive tickets for a memorable theatre night in London.
A Story I Didn’t Expect to Enjoy So Much
Before booking, I knew very little about Claude Monet.
Of course I’d seen his famous paintings before, but I didn’t know much about the artist behind them. Surprisingly, I think that made the musical even more enjoyable.
Set in Paris in 1916, the story follows an ageing Monet as he struggles to complete his famous Water Lilies series while reflecting on his life, his artistic friendships and the people who shaped his career.
Rather than feeling like a history lesson, it felt like watching someone’s memories unfold. The scenes with his wife Camille and fellow artists added warmth and emotion, making it easy to connect with the story even if, like me, you’re not an art expert.
The Performances
The intimate setting allowed the cast to shine.
Jeff Shankley portrayed the older Monet with quiet emotion, while Dean John-Wilson captured the energy and ambition of the younger artist. Together they created a believable contrast between past and present.
The supporting cast helped bring Belle Époque Paris to life, adding humour, friendship and emotion throughout the performance.
Why Smaller Theatres Are Worth Exploring
One of the biggest things this show reminded me of is that some of London’s most memorable theatre experiences happen outside the large West End productions.
Smaller venues often offer:
- Affordable ticket prices.
- Intimate auditoriums where every seat feels close to the stage.
- Original stories you may never have considered watching.
- A more personal theatre experience.
Since then, I’ve made a point of keeping an eye on productions in London’s independent theatres. You never quite know what hidden gem you’ll discover.
Tips for Finding Affordable London Theatre Tickets
If you’d like to explore London’s smaller theatre scene, here are a few tips that have worked well for me:
🎟️ Use TodayTix
I regularly use TodayTix to find discounted and last-minute theatre tickets. It’s a great way to discover productions you might otherwise overlook.
I regularly use TodayTix to find discounted and last-minute theatre tickets. It’s a great way to discover productions you might otherwise overlook.
🎭 Look Beyond the West End
Smaller theatres like Charing Cross Theatre often stage fantastic productions with much lower ticket prices than the larger venues.
Smaller theatres like Charing Cross Theatre often stage fantastic productions with much lower ticket prices than the larger venues.
🎨 Be Open to New Stories
I booked A Mirrored Monet knowing very little about Monet himself, and that actually made the experience more enjoyable. Sometimes the best shows are the ones you know nothing about.
I booked A Mirrored Monet knowing very little about Monet himself, and that actually made the experience more enjoyable. Sometimes the best shows are the ones you know nothing about.
⏰ Book Early or Watch for Rush Tickets
With a little flexibility, it’s often possible to find excellent seats at surprisingly affordable prices.
With a little flexibility, it’s often possible to find excellent seats at surprisingly affordable prices.
Final Thoughts
Although A Mirrored Monet has now finished its run, I’m glad I had the opportunity to see it.
It reminded me that theatre isn’t always about the biggest productions or the most famous titles. Sometimes it’s about discovering a story you weren’t expecting, in a venue that feels welcoming and personal.
If you’re planning a theatre trip to London, I’d definitely encourage you to look beyond the major West End shows. Some of my favourite theatre memories have come from smaller productions like this one.
Planning a Theatre Night Out in London?
If you’re looking for your next London theatre experience, I recommend checking what’s currently playing before your visit. Whether you’re after a major West End musical or a smaller off-West End production, booking in advance often gives you the best choice of seats.
🎟️ Browse the latest London theatre shows on Ticketmaster.
More London Theatre Reviews
If you enjoy reading about London’s theatre scene, you might also like:
- Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula – a fun and surprising musical at The Other Palace.
- Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club – one of London’s most immersive theatre experiences.
- The Devil Wears Prada Musical – fashion, humour and iconic songs on stage.
- The Great Gatsby Musical – a fresh take on the classic novel.
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