West End Prices Fall as Audiences Hit New Highs – Despite Rising Costs 

Responding to The Stage’s annual West End Ticketing Survey, SOLT & UK Theatre Co-CEO Hannah Essex said:  

“A snapshot based on a single performance does not reflect the true picture of West End ticket pricing. The official box office data tells a far more accurate story: In 2024, the majority of tickets were sold for £56 or less, with over a quarter under £35. Fewer than 4% were priced above £150. 

“More than 17 million people came to the West End last year – a powerful reminder of just how popular and widely accessible theatre continues to be. 

“Theatres are managing rising costs on every front – from wages and materials to increased National Insurance contributions – while continuing to deliver world-class productions and offer a wide, flexible range of ticket prices. 

“Even under financial pressure, the sector continues to prioritise affordability and inclusion. Last year, our Kids Week initiative – which offers free and discounted tickets to shows during the summer holidays – distributed over 200,000 tickets to families across the UK. This sits alongside hundreds of access performances, education programmes, ticket lotteries, and community initiatives that help break down barriers and build the theatregoers of the future. “The West End remains one of the world’s great cultural destinations – and we’re proud of the work our members are doing to keep it open, inclusive, and accessible to all.”