London's theaters defy downturn with bumper year

LONDON (AP) — Londoners are flocking to the theater despite the recession.

Industry group the Society of London Theatre says more than 7.5 million visits were made to London venues between Jan. 1 and July 18, 2.5 percent more than in the same period of 2008.

Society chief executive Richard Pulford said Friday the figures were "a real cause for celebration" and a sign London's economy is still vibrant.

Most of the tickets sold were for musicals but almost 2 million were for plays — an increase of 19 percent.

Big-name actors have helped draw large audiences to dramatic fare, including Jude Law's "Hamlet" and a production of "Waiting for Godot" with Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart.

Published 8/7/09 by

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