2009: thriving year for London theatre
With over 7.5 million visits to London theatre to 18 July, this creative industry is enjoying a bumper 2009.
Figures released recently by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) indicate that spectator attendances for 2009 so far are up by 2.5% on the same period in 2008. Earnings are also greater with an increase of 3.5% at the box office, bucking the economic crisis which is presently affecting so many other sectors.
Musicals appear to still draw the great majority of the West End’s theatregoers, but plays have benefited from resurgence this year, with nearly two million spectators enjoying a night a the theatre in the first six months of the year, jumping over by 19% the 2008 play attendance.
“Today’s figures are a real cause for celebration,” said SOLT Chief Executive Richard Pulford, “not just for the theatre industry, but for the London economy generally. At a time of economic uncertainty, it’s marvellous that people aren’t retreating into their shells. Instead, they’re choosing to come together in our theatres to be entertained, challenged and uplifted.”
SOLT President Nica Burns also commented on the news: “Why are we doing so well? We’ve got some great shows at the moment; basically, it’s as simple as that. I’m particularly thrilled that plays are thriving as their demise has been regularly reported in the past. Today, the play is alive and well and living in the West End alongside our brilliant musicals and our world-class dance and opera. There’s nowhere in the world that matches London for the breadth and quality of its theatre.”
London’s theatre lovers were drawn to the world’s theatre capital by the varied range of shows on offer during the first six months of 2009. Including Waiting For Godot, Madame De Sade, Hamlet, Phèdre and A Doll’s House, there has been a play for everyone in 2009.
We would like to thank www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk for quotes used in this article.