Improving Today Tix
One of my favourite apps that I use on a weekly basis is Today Tix. Being a massive theatre fan this app is like a gift sent from heaven. It makes getting affordable tickets quite easy if you’re happy to get last minute tickets. Living in the 21st century using your smart phone is almost a must. It’s easy, quick and you can do it on the go. Despite being fabulously useful for a theatre lover, there are a few things that could be improved.
(*= suggested areas of improvement)
Suggested improvements
- After purchasing your ticket(s) there could be another icon that connects you with other people that attend the same performance.
- There should be a ‘last minute’ option, with performances hugely discounted 1 1/2 hours before show begin
- The app should make you rate every shows that you’ve seen, based on this, it personalises suggestions of what you might like to see
- In the menu there could be an option for fringe theatres (such as the Tricycle Theatre)
These are just a few things that I thought of, that would make the app even better. Personally, I often go to the theatre alone, as my friends are either not interested or can’t afford it. I don’t usually mind the visit by myself, ( it gives me time to soak in the atmosphere in peace) but sometimes it would be nice to have someone to talk theatre with and to share opinions of the shows. Therefore, I would suggest an icon appearing, after you’ve bought your tickets(s), that will help you connect with other people who are going to the same performance. You could either meet before the play for a quick drink in the pub around the corner or just talk about the theatre after the play.
Being a student and living in theatre paradise one thing is always an issue. Money. I have a solution for that. Many shows that are usually sold out on the weekend have empty seats during mid-week performances. Rather than the seat being empty the theatre could work together with the app, making it possible to get really cheap tickets (max £45) an hour and a half before the show. This way, the theatre won’t have empty seats and people are more tempted to spontaneously go and see a show.
Another thing Today Tix should start is customising the app. Every time you see a show, it should make you rate it and from that suggest other shows to you. That will personalise the experience and helps indecisive users.
Besides the obvious West End, London has other theatre destinations to offer. The fringe theatre! While Today Tix is already offering an ‘Off West End’ option with a very small selection of the Royal Court, Hampstead and St James’ Theatre and the Southbank Centre, there are many more theatres just as good. The Almeida, Bush and Tricycle Theatre are only a few option with great productions that often get overlooked when choosing a play for the evening. If the app would offer a fringe theatre that would not only promote the theatre community more but it would also strengthen the industry with a rise of revenue.
These are just my initial ideas for the app. Whereas Today Tix has helped bring the theatre to the 21st century, the changes would help take it even further. My main goal with these improvements would be to promote the arts as they are often neglected, especially by younger generations. It would also make theatre more available to everyone. Students and people who can’t spend the prices that tourists willingly pay for popular shows like the Lion King etc. would have more chances to see musicals and plays.
Sarah Louhichi- The making of a Journalist 