West End Ticket Prices Increase More Than 100% Since 1995

Ticket prices in London's West End have more than doubled since 1995, The Stage reports.  The Society of London Theatre recently released its Box Office Data Report for 2009, which stated that the average ticket price asked in 2009 was £43.07, more than twice the average price of £21.36 asked in 1995.  According to the report, ticket prices have risen particularly quickly in the past three years.

The average price actually paid, according to the report, has only risen by seventy-seven percent since 1995, going from £20 to £35.40.  However, The Stage states, both prices asked and prices paid have risen more than retail price increases (forty-five percent) and average earnings (sixty-eight percent). 

The Society of London Theatre's report states that "increases in the costs of mounting and marketing theatrical productions, which have generally risen at a considerably higher rate than the Retail Price Index, will obviously be a significant contributor to rising ticket prices."

The report, which covers both commerciAl West End theatres and subsidised theatres, is written by Richard Andrews and can be purchased for £45 by calling 020 7557 6700.