Despite the gloom of recession, strikes, looting and the Euro crisis dominating the headlines in 2011, the Box Office Data Report published by the Society Of London Theatre (SOLT) shows that 2011 was a strong year for London theatre.
Top line figures of a record-breaking £528,375,874 taken at the capital’s box offices and 13,915,185 theatregoers filling the seats of London’s auditoriums are the tip of the statistical iceberg of figures presented and examined in the annual publication, which is a must read for anyone working in or studying the London theatre industry.
The report, which draws together information from more than 50 top London venues in membership of SOLT, explores the raw data provided by the theatres to expose and reflect on trends in theatregoing, comparing plays with musicals, commercial theatre with subsidised and illuminating changes both recent and over time. Attendance numbers, revenue, number of performances, ticket prices and advances all come under scrutiny in the indispensible publication.
Among the many interesting trends highlighted in the Box Office Data Report is the rise in the popularity of plays last year, with attendances rising 2% and revenue by 10% compared with a 3% drop in musical attendance and a 1% rise in musical revenue.
To purchase a copy of the Box Office Data Report (£45 plus p&p), call 020 7557 6700.