May 2007 Evita closed, but the money keeps rolling in!!!

Figures released today reveal that London theatre enjoyed a record-breaking 2008 as audiences flocked to musicals, plays, opera and dance performances in the capital.

Both attendances and box office revenues reached new levels as the sector proved resilient in challenging economic conditions.

A staggering 13,807,286 theatregoers attended a London performance in 2008, up 1% on the previous record set in 2007, while box office revenue totalled £480,563,674, up 3% on 2007’s record figure, generating record VAT receipts for the Treasury.

Best news I have heard for a long time, proves London is the biggest and most vibrant theatre scene in the world, lets hope we can do it again in 2009!

Dear boy, credit crunch.

Sorry old chap, to question your integrity, you are spiffing spot on.

One has to ask one, what they are calling this on Broadway?

"£480,563,674"

Just to put this into perspective from the government's point of view - the above figure would pay for one and a half hospitals or six to eight schools.

Don't!

I don't even want to think about it.

Well, the money makers for 2009 are well on their way-
'Priscilla Queen Of The Desert', 'Sister Act' and many more to follow.
There are one or to yet to be confirmed but 2009 will be no different to 2008.
'Lets Go On With The Show'

I know, that term so annoys me too.

Not to mention bigger historical houses, with great Georgian/Victorian architecture!

i agree with what alterego says about there being a greater mix of plays and musicals. It also seems that in West End, theatre goers are more willing to give more obscure shows a chance... is it because shows are cheaper this side of the pond?

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Not mention that standing ovations in London aren't compulsory.

Now now, we're getting a bit jingoistic!

I'd like to know what percentage of productions failed in 2008 compared to previous years- the headline gross may be up, but how many winners are sharing that pot?

Never.

Its not a case 'cant', its 'don't want to'.
I tell you its like working in Fagins den, the money watching and hiding of figures that goes on around a theatre box office and house managers lair. I've been there done it!