West End Enjoys Third Best Year in 1997

Society of London Theatre (SOLT) annual figures released this week show West End audiences up by 2.6 per cent on the previous year to 11,466,248, making 1997 the third best year on record. Marred only by the death of Princess Diana and the consequent dip in attendance, the figures reflect the beginning of the current boom now being experienced in the West End.

Although there were 516 fewer performances in 1997 than 1996 and fewer theatres open at any one time (an average of 39 versus 41 in 1996), average attendance per performance increased to 737, reflecting the pulling power of productions on at larger venues. This was particularly so for musicals which outsold any other type of performance.

Overall, it was the commercial sector which seemed to benefit most from the boom. Audiences here increased by five per cent compared to the subsidised sector where they were down by seven per cent.

Ticket prices also increased in 1997, up by £1 to an average of £21.46, with 65 per cent of all seats filled by paying customers. Total West End takings were up by £17 million to £246,081,850. Advanced bookings were also up.

Full box office figures for the year are available from SOLT for £35. Phone +44-171-557-6700 for further information.

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