New data from the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) shows that 2017 was a record-breaking year for the UK capital.
Attendances across all SOLT-members topped 15 million for the first time ever, a 5.4% increase on 2016. Box office revenue was GBP705m (€799), up from GBP645m the previous year.
On average, theatregoers paid GBP46.71 per ticket, with 77.5% of seats sold.
“The box office figures are a testament to the creative strength of London theatre and cements the city’s status as the world’s theatre capital,” said SOLT president Kenny Wax. “The industry has many reasons to celebrate but must remain cautious as we look ahead to the rest of 2018.”
However, he added a note of caution: “The year [2017] is a tale of two halves with the industry operating in a tougher climate in the final two quarters.”
Founded in 1908, SOLT currently has 47 member theatres and a further 18 affiliated theatres. Its mission is to actively promote theatre in London.
The Broadway League, which represents Broadway theatres, will publish its annual attendance data in May.
