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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
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| West End audiences defy recession | West End audiences defy recession |
| (about 4 hours later) | |
| West End theatres appear to be thriving despite the recession, with figures showing record audiences. | |
| Audiences in the 12 months to 18 July were up 2.5% on the similar period last year, with box office takings up 3.5%. | Audiences in the 12 months to 18 July were up 2.5% on the similar period last year, with box office takings up 3.5%. |
| Nearly 7m visits were made to shows in the first half of the year, the Society of London Theatre said. | Nearly 7m visits were made to shows in the first half of the year, the Society of London Theatre said. |
| It said the figures were a "cause for celebration" and credited the quality of West End shows, with musicals remaining the most popular. | It said the figures were a "cause for celebration" and credited the quality of West End shows, with musicals remaining the most popular. |
| The society's figures indicated that 61% of all theatregoers had attended musicals such as Billy Elliot, Blood Brothers or Oliver! | The society's figures indicated that 61% of all theatregoers had attended musicals such as Billy Elliot, Blood Brothers or Oliver! |
| 'Breadth and quality' | 'Breadth and quality' |
| Plays are also enjoying a good year. In the first six months of 2009, attendances at plays represented a quarter of all theatre visits, and were up 19% year-on-year at 1,886,586. | Plays are also enjoying a good year. In the first six months of 2009, attendances at plays represented a quarter of all theatre visits, and were up 19% year-on-year at 1,886,586. |
| "I'm particularly thrilled that plays are thriving, as their demise has been regularly reported in the past," said society president Nica Burns. | "I'm particularly thrilled that plays are thriving, as their demise has been regularly reported in the past," said society president Nica Burns. |
| At a time of economic uncertainty... they're choosing to come together in our theatres to be entertained, challenged, and uplifted Richard Pulford, Society of London Theatre | At a time of economic uncertainty... they're choosing to come together in our theatres to be entertained, challenged, and uplifted Richard Pulford, Society of London Theatre |
| "Today, the play is alive and well and living in the West End alongside our brilliant musicals and our world-class dance and opera. | "Today, the play is alive and well and living in the West End alongside our brilliant musicals and our world-class dance and opera. |
| "There's nowhere in the world that matches London for the breadth and quality of its theatre. | "There's nowhere in the world that matches London for the breadth and quality of its theatre. |
| "We've got some great shows at the moment - it's as simple as that." | "We've got some great shows at the moment - it's as simple as that." |
| Last year more than 13m people attended London theatres and although attendances were down 5% in the first quarter of this year, they increased by 8% in the second quarter. | Last year more than 13m people attended London theatres and although attendances were down 5% in the first quarter of this year, they increased by 8% in the second quarter. |
| Audiences have been partly lifted by the trend for budget-conscious Britons to holiday at home rather than travel abroad, the society added. | Audiences have been partly lifted by the trend for budget-conscious Britons to holiday at home rather than travel abroad, the society added. |
| Richard Pulford, chief executive of the society, which represents the major theatres, added: "The figures are a real cause for celebration - not just for the theatre industry, but for the London economy generally. | Richard Pulford, chief executive of the society, which represents the major theatres, added: "The figures are a real cause for celebration - not just for the theatre industry, but for the London economy generally. |
| "At a time of economic uncertainty, it's marvellous that people aren't retreating into their shells. Instead, they're choosing to come together in our theatres to be entertained, challenged, and uplifted." | "At a time of economic uncertainty, it's marvellous that people aren't retreating into their shells. Instead, they're choosing to come together in our theatres to be entertained, challenged, and uplifted." |