London’s West End continues to do very well against a background of economic uncertainty. Figures show that sales of tickets for musicals in London have risen for the 7th consecutive year, helped by superstar casts as well as top productions. London musicals continue to attract both audiences and awards, and a packed programme of events to motivate new theatregoers appears set to help continue this trend.
Sales of tickets to West End productions topped 500,000,000 in ’09, which makes it an incredible year for theatre in London. With ticket sales up more than 7 percent percent comapared to numbers for the previous year, attendance to dance, plays, opera and musicals at West End theatres was also up, by more than 5 percent %, over the same period.
Record Year for West End Theatre Tickets
It was the 7th year in a row that new theatre attendance and income records were set in the West End. Out of all sorts of amusement, London musicals definitely attracted the biggest crowds of people, with plays the 2nd most popular.
Research conducted recently by the Society of London Theatre suggested that very high audience satisfaction might be a main driver behind the incredible success of these sales numbers. The report pointed out:
* 93 percent of audiences were pleased with the show they attended, with 75 percent rating it as ‘very good’
* 83 percent said their ticket represented good value
* 80 percent of London theatregoers saw a West End performance a few times a year
West End Stars Shine in Awards
The winners of the 2012 Laurence Olivier Awards have been recently announced in a gleaming, star studded ceremony, that was broadcast live on BBC Radio 2. The awards, which are currently in their 34th year, are voted for by the public along with a professional jury to reward excellence on the London stage.
For the first time since 2002 the Audience Award for Most Popular Show, which is the only category voted totally for by the public, was reintroduced. Around 60,000 people voted for this category alone, with the hit musical Wicked topping the list.
Other winners on the night included:
* Best Actress – Rachel Weisz who starred in Streetcar Named Desire
* Best Actor – Mark Rylance for Jerusalem
* Best New Musical – Spring Awakening
* Best Costume Design – Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert The Musical
West End London Musicals Associated with Exciting Yearly Events
Though figures show that there really are large numbers of returning audiences to London musicals in the West End, there is also a strong emphasis on motivating new theatregoers. Numerous initiatives as well as special events have been planned all through the year to make theatre tickets less expensive and performances more fun.
Get into London Theatre happens in the first three months of the year, with discount tickets to over 55 top London shows and a programme of workshops. It’s a wonderful opportunity to book affordable tickets to some of the very best London musicals. This year’s event was a big success, with over 65,000 tickets sold.
Kids can experience the magic of London theatre free of charge in Kids Week. Now in its thirteenth year, Kids Week will take place from 13- 27 August 2010. In addition to cost-free tickets for kids aged 5-16, you will find a wonderful range of free activities and events, from behind the scenes tours to puppet workshops.
See the world’s biggest cost-free theatre festival in London’s Leicester Square on 19-20 June at West End LIVE 2010. Full details of the event are yet to be announced however you will see fantastic performances from London’s best musicals.
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categories: london musicals, musicals, theatre
