2005 Sets West End Record, Despite Bomb EffectsDate: 1 February 2006
Theatregoers have proved live performance is as popular as ever, as the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) has reported record attendances in the West End during 2005, despite the 7 July terror attacks causing the first closure of all commercial theatres since World War II (See News, 7 Jul 2005).
SOLT president Rosemary Squire (who was due to be inaugurated on 7 July), spoke of “the enormous challenge that we have to win back our audience again” at the Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers’ Choice Awards nominations party on 30 November 2005 (See News 1 Dec 2005).
The newly released figures - which are compiled from all major commercial and subsidised theatres in central London - suggest that is happening, with total 2005 attendances up by 3.9 percent over 2004. Broken down, attendances at plays jumped 5.1 percent, while attendances at musicals were up 4.9 percent on the equivalent period in 2004. Total attendances reached a record level of 12,109,904 - exceeding the previous record year of 2002 (12,064,100). In addition, record ticket receipts of £375,163,339 generated an unprecedented £56 million VAT receipts for HM Government.
Commenting on the figures, Squire said: “In what has been at times an exceptionally difficult year for London, the achievements of West End theatre are particularly impressive. Theatreland is a key driver of economy. Tens of thousands of jobs depend on it. But beyond the economics, these outstanding figures show that theatregoers from across the UK and abroad appreciate and respond to the unparalleled range of top quality theatre that London has to offer. The industry has continued to invest heavily in productions and in acting and directing talent, and the public has responded enthusiastically. As president of the Society, I am proud of what has been achieved."
Richard Pulford, chief executive of SOLT, added: "Like the rest of the central London economy, Theatreland took a bad knock after 7 July, having enjoyed boom attendances in the first six months of the year. But in the last three months we have bounced back with renewed vigour. It seems that the theatre industry is leading the way in the process of recovery. Looking ahead, there is every reason to be optimistic that 2006 will be another excellent year."
- by Caroline Ansdell
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