Get into London Theatre Campaign Launches TodayDate: 9 January 2007
The sixth annual “Get into London Theatre” (GILT) campaign commences today (Tuesday 9 January 2007) with top-price tickets for many West End shows reduced to as little as £10 – a massive drop from the usual £50 ticket prices.
The annual event was launched by London mayor Ken Livingstone in 2001 in response to the dwindling number of theatregoers following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Though the mayor’s office is no longer directly involved, the scheme continues to be organised by industry body the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), and GILT 2007 is promoted in association with Totally London and New West End Company.
For 2007, more than 60 shows across the capital are participating in the scheme, running from today until 17 March 2007. Tickets are available for £10 to £35 for musicals Spamalot, Mary Poppins, Porgy and Bess and Evita, and plays including The History Boys and Amy's View as well as various National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company productions.
Two forthcoming West End arrivals -, The Glass Menagerie and Treats - have also joined the promotion, as have English National Ballet’s Giselle and English National Opera’s The Marriage of Figaro.
Young people in particular are being encouraged to visit the theatre, with £10 and £15 tickets available for specific shows for 16- to 25-year-olds. There are also special deals on midweek matinees with tickets reduced to £15 to £25. Every GILT booker will receive a discount voucher for up to £5 to use at tkts, the official half-price theatre booth in the heart of Leicester Square. Deals on restaurants, hotels, rail travel and parking are also available.
SOLT commercial manager Paul James said: “London theatre is better than ever in terms of quality and variety and has so much to offer for all ages. We are delighted to have over 60 London shows involved in GILT 2007 and, with so many great deals, there is no better time for people to come and enjoy London theatre at its best.”
Details can be found by visiting the Get into London Theatre website or by calling 0870 040 0039. Booking opens at 12 noon today. Tickets can also be bought in person at the British and London Visitor Centre, No 1 Regent Street and at the Harrods Theatre Desk.
- by Caroline Ansdell
