London Theatre Set New Records in 2010

London theatre bucked the trend of economic gloom with excellent box office performance in 2010, the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) announced today. Strong ticket sales led to record revenues and near-record attendances for the capital's plays, musicals, opera and dance.

For the seventh year running, total Box Office Revenues posted a new record level at £512,331,808, up 1.46% on a like-for-like basis on 2009 and topping £500 million for the second time ever.

Attendances totaled 14,152,230, 0.79% down on 2009 levels, topping the 14 million mark for only the second time. Like other industries, London theatre was inevitably hit by the poor weather towards the end of the year.

London theatre ticket sales generated VAT receipts for the Treasury of £76,304,737. The year also saw a record number of performances (18,615), and continued success for Plays which saw audiences grow by 2%.

Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty - with an estimated 0.5% contraction in the UK economy in the final quarter of 2010 recently announced - the results reflect the vibrancy of London's unique mix of commercial and subsidized theatre, as well as ongoing industry investment in new people and product.

Commenting on the figures, Nica Burns, President of the Society of London Theatre said:

"Another great year for London theatre. Despite economic woes, volcanic ash, and huge transport disruption notably during our busiest time of the year at Christmas, we have managed our seventh successive year of growth at the box office. A huge range of supERB Productions ensured that a visit to the theatre was a must-do for large numbers of the public. London theatre is something for everyone to be proud of and is a great ambassador for UK plc."

Julian Bird, Chief Executive of the Society of London Theatre, added:

"People have voted with their feet again by flocking to London's theatres. Our customers experience the huge variety of shows that we stage each year, and in these difficult economic times are enjoying the theatre just as much. 2011 promises to be another exciting year for theatre and we look forward to entertaining people again."

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