London Theatre District
(West End)
Theatres have been around in London since 1500s but the West End theatre district became established with the opening of many small theatres and halls, in 1806. The district currently contains approximately 40 venues.
Read more to see its background, economic and social impacts.
01
Public and Private Investment
As a result of government-funded institutions like the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, the theatre district is supported by relevant industries and able to thrive. Public investment in public transpo-rtation and street infrastructure in the area in addition to private investments in restorations of the old theatres allow West End to be a successful cultural district for London.
The theatre with the smallest capacity in the West End is the Arts Theatre, with just 350 seats. Coming in a close second and third are the Fortune Theatre, which has a capacity of 440, and Ambassadors Theatre, which holds 450 seats. It’s not just massive spectacles that London’s West End caters for, then – there’s also plenty of hard-hitting intimate drama to enjoy.
02
Capacity
The West End is the main commercial and entertainment centre of London and it is the largest central business district in the United Kingdom. The West End theater industry has a significant impact on British economy. The Wyndham Report, commissioned in 1998 by the Society of London Theatre, determined that West End theater, on which about 41,000 jobs depend, made a total economic impact of #1.075 billion ($1.72 billion) the previous year, with #250 million going toward tickets and another #433 million on restaurants, hotels, transport and merchandise.
ABout 12 million people attend West End productions every year, and there was a 3.2% rise in attendance in 2018 with the nightlife in the area also thriving as restaurants cater to lcoal and international tourists.
03
Economic Impact
