"The bottom line is we have very good shows on, full of creative talent both on stage and backstage. It shows we really are the theatre capital of the world," she added. Ms Burns said that new shows including Zorro, Hairspray and High School Musical and a strong drama season with productions of Twelfth Night and Rain Man helped to boost figures.She added that despite the current economic downturn, it need not be expensive to go to the theatre. "If you are on a tight budget you can shop around and find a ticket that's affordable," she said. "Unlike Broadway we have a much wider spread of tickets - balcony seats are within most budgets and you can often pick up a good seat at a good price."Faking It - Millions watching the US presidential inauguration heard a recording made in advance by four famous musicians - amid fears the cold could ruin the concert. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Itzhak Perlman, pianist Gabriella Montero and clarinettist Anthony McGill did play along - but without being amplified. Organisers said a late decision to use a recording was made over fears frozen weather could damage instruments. The version heard around the world was recorded two days earlier, they said.
The musicians, playing John Williams' Air and Simple Gifts, "were very insistent on playing live until it became clear that it would be too cold", said Carole Florman, a spokeswoman for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. She said the cold weather could have caused strings to snap, and instruments to crack or go out of tune. "No-one's trying to fool anybody," she told the New York Times newspaper. "It's not something we would announce, but it's not something we would try to hide. "This isn't a matter of Milli Vanilli," she added, referring to a pop band that was stripped of a Grammy music award in 1989 because the duo did not sing on their album and lip-sync'ed in concerts.
Reunion Blues - Rod Stewart has denied reports that his old band Faces are reuniting for a comeback tour later this year. Stewart's spokesperson told US music industry weekly Billboard "there are no plans for a Faces tour this year". Earlier this month the Daily Mirror reported that Ronnie Wood had made his first album with Stewart in 30 years.
No Show - The Bootleg Beatles have been forced to scrap plans to play on the roof of 3 Savile Row on Friday - recreating the Beatles' final live performance 40 years ago - after Westminster Council refused permission for the gig.(Jim Evans)
