However, if the recent results released by the Ambassador Theatre Group are a barometer for the rest of the West End, then the anticipated downsizing ain’t coming. Attendance figures for ATG venues across the UK show a 3% increase in the West End and a 12% increase in the regions. ATG’s managing director Howard Panter told L&SI: "People are not staying away from the theatre - attendance figures are up and some shows are playing to record houses." Executive director Rosemary Squire added: "Far from closing shows, we are opening even more shows. We are bringing a major musical - My One and Only - to the West End in the New Year, and at the beginning of next month we’ll be opening Noises Off on Broadway. Pantomime sales are galloping ahead of target, and our regional box offices are at all-time highs. There are tremendously loyal domestic audiences out there."
The figures were measured in the six weeks following September 11.
