Thriving Theatre In Recession London

By Hazel Last edited 175 months ago
Thriving Theatre In Recession London

Theatre.jpg West End audiences have increased 2.5% on this time last year, and box office takings have gone up accordingly. 61% of theatregoers went to musicals, but non-musical plays have also increased attendance. It's heartening to know pop songs or warbling TV stars are requisite for a hit (though strolling along Shaftesbury Avenue suggests that either or both certainly helps). Society of London Theatre's Chief Executive Richard Pulford says proudly of West End audiences "they're choosing to come together in our theatres to be entertained, challenged, and uplifted." And to get drunk, rowdy and lewd, according to our West End story earlier in the week. Still, in the continuing gloomy climate we can't begrudge a part of the economy actually doing well, so bravo West End! Let's have a round of tequila slammers and a punch-up in the interval.

Last Updated 07 August 2009