Richard II helped RSC reach 1.7m audience in 2013-14

The Royal Shakespeare Company has released its annual review, revealing finances for the 2013-14 season.

Among the headline figures are global ticket sales of 1.7 million (up from 1.5 million in 2012-13) and a total company income of £61.3 million (down from £62.6 million in 2012-13).

Of that income, 74 percent was self-generated, including box office receipts totalling £32.5million. This was again boosted by royalties from West End hits Matilda and Les Miserables, which totalled £3.9million.

The past 12 months saw Richard II starring David Tennant (pictured) mark the start of the RSC's six year journey to stage the entire First Folio of 36 plays, without repeats, on the Royal Shakespeare Theatre stage.

Richard II was broadcast live to over 100,000 people in cinemas across the UK and around the world, as the first production live from Stratford-upon Avon.

Meanwhile the stage adaptations of Hilary Mantel's historical novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies became two of the company's fastest selling London transfers. They will open on Broadway in 2015.

Gregory Doran, RSC artistic director, said: "We have responded to financial challenges with a confident programme and as a result we have seen a rise in audience numbers to 1.7million.

"We are building on strong foundations as we head towards 2015 and look forward to the 2016 jubilee year, when we will mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. I am especially grateful to all our supporters for helping us achieve so much in this year."

Read the full report here