With arts venues spread across the city showcasing some of the finest creative talent, rarely does a London weekend go by in which a gallery or theatre visit isn't on the cards. At hand to help make such potentially regular visits as easy and accesible as possible are membership schemes. If it's a regular discount you're looking for, exclusive offers or the understated comfort of a private bar, we've picked out our five favourite membership cards that we believe every MurdockMan's wallet should reserve space for.
The National Art Pass makes crossing over the cost barrier at galleries for the featured shows easy. With 50% off major exhibitions at the likes of Tate Modern, National Portrait Gallery and V&A along with free entry to over 200 venues and a magazine included- there isn't a chance this card is going to gather dust. The sheer satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing towards the welfare of the UK's museums and galleries is also a pretty damn good feeling. Anybody lucky enough to be under the age of 26 also gets a generous 50% discount upon the annual fee. Make this one your top priority.
At just £10 a year or £50 for life, the Prince Charles Cinema card is another must for every Londoner's wallet.
Film buff or weekend casual, there are two very different screen options - upstairs providing the atmosphere of an intimate preview and downstairs of a grand theatre, both offering a great cinematic experience whichever your preference.
Regular discounts (especially at off-peak times) make seeing films new and old, blockbuster and independant so accesible. Weekend marathons in honour of great directors and film collections also contribute to making this venue truly unique and appealing to film fans. Centrally located in Leicester Square, the Prince Charles is very much the black sheep amongst its overly expensive chain neighbours.
For those inclined towards live performance, the English National Opera membership is a great way of supporting the great arts company whilst enjoying exclusive benefits. Included in the Solo Membership is access to discounted dress rehearsals, priority booking, special events and the chance to meet some of the artists. Higher levels of subscription introduce drinks receptions, extended guest allowances and seasonal launch events. A true touch of class.
With three options available, there's a membership scheme to suit each and every visitor's needs.
Starting with Yellow from £20, your receive 30% off gallery entry (which extends to a plus one), cinema and restaurant discounts, private views and the Barbican guide. Upgrading to Orange from £40 sees your entry fee cleared and priority booking benefits included. The top tiered Red membership from £100 a year provides you with access to enhanced priority booking - tickets before events are even announced? - and entry to the private Members' bar for you and a friend.
The ICA is an isolated gem of an arts venue. Primarily a gallery, its intimate scale filters through the art space and bar to even its cinema screens which show an excellent array of films.
Concessionary memberships are available and extend again to those under the age of 26. Discounts apply upon all of the venue's outlets, with £3 films on Tuesdays and 12 annual free preview screenings. A 10% discount at Cass Art shops is also thrown in for good creative measure.