West End audiences up 2.5% year-on-year

Audience numbers for West End theatre performances have risen 2.5% on 2008 for the first six months of the year, it has emerged.

Figures from the Society Of London Theatre also show a 3.5% rise in box office receipts compared to the same period last year.

Over 7.5 million people reportedly visited London theatres up to July 18, surpassing last year's record numbers.

Chief executive Richard Pulford said: "Today's figures are a real cause for celebration 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."

President Nica Burns added: "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."

The society cited the success of Waiting For Godot, starring Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen, and Jude Law's Hamlet among others as the reason for the strong figures.