London’s West End and theatre district continues to perform well against a backdrop of economic uncertainty. Figures show that ticket sales for London musicals have risen for the seventh consecutive year, boosted by star casts and top shows. London musicals continue to attract both audiences and awards, and a packed programme of events to encourage new theatregoers looks set to help continue the trend.

Ticket sales to West End shows topped £500,000,000 in 2009, making it a record-breaking year for London theatre. With ticket sales up 7.6 percent on figures for the previous year, attendance to plays, musicals, opera and dance at London’s West End theatres was also up, by 5.5 percent, during the same period.

Record Year for West End Theatre Tickets

This was the seventh year in a row that new theatre attendance and revenue records were set in London’s West End. Out of all types of entertainment, London musicals by far drew in the largest crowds, with plays the second most popular.

A recent study by the Society of London Theatre suggested that high audience satisfaction may be a key driver behind the success of these sales figures. The report revealed:

* 93 percent of London theatre audiences were happy with the performance they attended, with 75 percent rating it as ‘very good’
* 83 percent thought their ticket represented good value for money
* 80 percent of London theatre-goers saw a West End performance more than once a year

West End Stars Shine in London Theatre Awards

The winners of the 2012 Laurence Olivier Awards were recently announced in a glittering, star-studded ceremony, which was broadcast live on BBC Radio 2. The awards, which are now in their 34th year, are voted for by the public and a professional panel to reward excellence on the London stage.

For the first time since 2002 the Audience Award for Most Popular Show, which is the only category voted entirely for by the public, was reintroduced. Over 60,000 votes were cast for this category alone, with the hit musical Wicked topping the list.

Other winners on the night included:

* Best Actress – Rachel Weisz for A Streetcar Named Desire
* Best Actor – Mark Rylance for Jerusalem
* Best New Musical – Spring Awakening
* Best Costume Design – Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert The Musical

West End London Musicals Involved in Exciting Annual Events

Although figures show that there are large numbers of returning audiences to London musicals in the West End, there is also a strong emphasis on encouraging new theatre-goers. A number of initiatives and special events are planned throughout the year to make theatre tickets more affordable and performances more fun.

Get into London Theatre takes place during the first three months of the year, with discounted tickets to over 55 top London shows and a programme of workshops. It’s a fantastic opportunity to book cheap tickets to some of the best London musicals. This year’s event was a huge success, with more than 65,000 theatre tickets sold.

Children can experience the magic of London theatre for free during Kids Week. Now in its 13th year, Kids Week will take place from 13- 27 August 2010. As well as free tickets for children aged 5-16, there are a fantastic range of free activities and events, from behind the scenes tours to puppet workshops.

See the world’s largest free theatre festival in London’s Leicester Square on 19-20 June at West End LIVE 2010. Full details of the event are yet to be announced but you can expect to see great performances from London’s most popular musicals.

Author Bio: For more information about record breaking London musicals, visit: http://www.visitlondon.com/events/theatre/top-ten-musicals

Category: Entertainment
Keywords: musicals, theatre, west end, entertainment, london