Many theatre fans fit two shows into one day: an afternoon matinee and an evening performance. It works well in both London and New York because the theatres are close together, but only on the days when your chosen shows actually have a matinee.
Which days have matinees?
Matinees are not daily. The pattern differs by city and by show:
- West End (London): most musicals play a matinee on Saturday, plus usually one midweek matinee, often Wednesday or Thursday. Some shows also play on Sunday.
- Broadway (New York): matinees are typically on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Many shows have no performance at all on one weekday, often Monday.
Because every show has its own schedule, the real question is not "is there a matinee on Saturday?" but "which of the shows I want have a matinee on the days I'm in town?". That's exactly what the planner checks for your dates.
How much time is there between the two shows?
Afternoon performances typically start around 2–3pm and evening performances around 7–8pm. A musical usually runs between about two and three hours including the interval, so a matinee tends to finish in the late afternoon.
That normally leaves one to three hours for a meal and the walk to the next theatre. The gap is tighter if the matinee is a long show or starts late, and the evening show starts early, so check the running time on each show page before booking.
Getting between theatres
In both cities the theatres are concentrated in a small area: London's West End around Covent Garden, Soho, Leicester Square and Shaftesbury Avenue, and Broadway's theatres in Midtown Manhattan around Times Square. Most pairs of theatres are within walking distance of each other, but allow extra time for crowds after a matinee and for bag checks at the door.
A simple way to plan it
- Pick your trip dates in the planner. It lists only the musicals performing on each day.
- For each day, choose one matinee (before 5pm) and one evening show.
- The planner warns you if you pick the same musical twice, and shows the theatre and address for every choice.
- Export the finished plan as a PDF or share it with the people you're travelling with.
Not sure which shows to see? The Help me choose quiz suggests a shortlist in about a minute.
Frequently asked questions
Is it tiring to see two musicals in one day?
It's a long day, often five or six hours in a theatre seat, but many visitors do it. Pairing one big spectacle with a shorter or lighter show makes it easier.
Which day is best for two shows?
Saturday usually has the most matinees in the West End, and Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday on Broadway. The best day depends on which shows you want, so check them for your exact dates.
Can I see the same musical twice in a day?
Nothing stops you, but most people want two different shows. The planner asks you to confirm if you choose the same musical in two slots.
Last reviewed 2026-09-28. Schedules vary by show and season; always check the ticket seller before booking.