Theatre News

SOLT & TfL Release Travel Guide for Olympic Theatregoers

| London | London's West End | Off-West End |

30 November 2011

The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and Transport for London (TfL) have released a special travel guide for theatregoers during next summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games, in an attempt to boost audience numbers during what it’s been predicted will be a difficult time for the West End.

The guide, which is available online, features “top tips for journey planning, ordering tickets and making the most of a trip to the theatre”.

It has been made available on the same day that TfL has released key London 2012 Games transport ‘hotspot’ information and advice. According to press material, “Taken together, they will help both theatres and theatregoers consolidate their plans for next summer’s fantastic spectacle of sporting and cultural opportunities.”

Julian Bird, chief executive of SOLT, said: “I am delighted to be working closely with Transport for London to ensure that audiences have the most accurate information possible for planning their trip to the theatre during the Olympic period.

“Twenty nine productions have already announced that they will be playing next summer and advances for 2012 are looking strong. A trip to one of London’s world famous shows is a great addition to any Olympic itinerary or the perfect antidote to a summer of sport.”

The analysis published by TfL today gives a clear picture of how London will be affected during the Games, indicating that the impacts on transport networks and stations will be at certain times and in certain locations. Key stations serving the West End including Victoria and Charing Cross will be open, with “no additional disruption expected for the vast majority of the day”.

According to press material, “By careful planning customers should be able to avoid these ‘hot spot’ areas at their most pressurised points during the day. A trip to the theatre after work or following a Games event could be the perfect way for London’s commuters and visitors to avoid the most affected areas.”

London’s transport commissioner, Peter Hendy, said: “We have two clear objectives at TfL; to support the delivery of a great London 2012 Games and ensure we keep London moving and open for business next summer. With 95 per cent of West End theatres a 15-minute walk, or less, from mainline stations, and with Tube trains running an hour later during the Olympics, there’s every reason for people to head to the theatres in their droves next summer.”