London theatre attendance dropped significantly in the first quarter of this year, despite high profile openings such as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Wizard of Oz
Attendance in the first few months of the year fell an unexpected 10pc as economic concerns caused consumers to exercise more caution, according to The Society of London Theatre (SOLT)
SOLT said that, while the first quarter of the year always sees slightly smaller London theatre audiences as the “post-Christmas belt-tightens,” it had not anticipated such a large fall.
“Numbers this year have been noticeably down on what one would normally expect – about 10pc on average,” said a SOLT spokeswoman.
SOLT, which represents 52 London theatres, added that two of its largest theatres – The Palladium and Drury Lane – were closed for some of the first quarter, as rehearsals took place ahead of high-profile openings. It said, while the economy was the main cause, this contributed to the fall.
The Wizard of Oz opened during the quarter on March 1, but the Palladium was closed earlier in the quarter. Shrek The Musical opens in Drury Lane on June 14.
SOLT said the high-profile openings would probably boost attendance for the rest of this year.
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