A YouGov survey has found that theatre-goers in London have almost returned to pre-pandemic levels

Surveyed in June 2022, 18% of people and 28% of Londoners answered “yes” to the question “Have you been to the theatre to see a play or musical in the past three months?”. This is compared with 20% of people and 29% of Londoners in March 2020.

Alongside this, a Society of London Theatre (SOLT) spokesperson also stated that “the industry is now in the slow process of recovery, with theatres across the UK back open at full capacity.

“Although we have seen a steady rise in audience confidence reflected in ticket sales, with advances at some points in early 2022 actually exceeding pre-Covid levels in London, it remains a mixed picture, with some audiences slower to return than others, and the current cost of living crisis having an inevitable impact. Many of the top London shows are thriving, however.” 

Even though the industry will never recover the billions lost during the covid lockdowns, it is great to see theatres back on their feet with full auditoriums. Now of course the next challenge for the industry is an economic one, the rising cost of living with audiences opting to forego certain entertainment costs. 

If you can, go support your local theatres today!