SOLT box office report reveals 11th year of growth

The Society of London Theatre has released its 2014 box office figures, which show a slight increase in revenue and overall attendance on the previous year.

This marks the 11th year of continual growth, though the figures were counted over 53 weeks last year as opposed to 52 in 2013.

The increase in overall revenue – which is up to £623,616,401 (a 6.5 percent increase on 2013) – came despite two of Theatreland's largest venues, the Palladium and Dominion, remaining dark for 29 and 15 weeks respectively.

And overall attendance was up 1.1 percent to 14,744,887, even though average attendance dipped to 777 (from 791 in 2013). Attendance at plays constituted 4,425,220, a 4 percent increase, while musicals remained steady at 8,158,040.

Average ticket prices rose to £42.29 (from £40.14 in 2013). SOLT stresses that greater parity between price asked and price paid (down £0.96 on 2013), suggests "increased demand and a reduction in discounting, both evidence of the increased popularity of London theatre."

Caro Newling, the new president of SOLT, said: "These annual figures show a positive year for London theatre – albeit one with a minimal growth
after those of past years. Increased future demand and a reduction in discounting for popular shows offer further encouragement for the long-term health of one of London's leading cultural sectors."