British cinema sees box office boost

The UK box office has enjoyed a "strong" year, with takings up 8% on 2006, new figures have revealed.

Movie-goers spent £904 million last year, with British films accounting for 29%, up 10% from 2006.

UK Film Council figures showed that there were seven British movies in the top 20, an increase of four on 2006.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix generated the most money of the year at £49 million, with Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End and Shrek the Third taking the next two places.

Council chief John Woodward said he was hopeful that the trend would continue, commenting: "2008 should prove to be another strong year for UK films at the box office with the new Bond, Harry Potter, Brideshead Revisited, The Other Boleyn Girl, and How to Lose Friends and Alienate People all due for release over the next 12 months."

However, spending on film production in the UK was down £132 million to £723 million, with the weak status of the dollar believed to be behind the drop.

Woodward added: "On the production front, 2008 is set to be a tougher year, with the US writers' strike continuing to have an impact, and a possible US actors' strike."

Meanwhile, figures from the Society of London Theatre showed that the West End took a record £470 million, with 13.6 million people attending shows.

TV talent searches such as How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do are believed to have had a positive impact on ticket sales.