With the current recession, growing rate of unemployment, tight budgets, and other problems that are plaguing the economic climate of Britain most people would not expect the theatre to be standing very strong. Yet, London theatre is doing just fine as hot ticket shows in London continue to sell out perhaps as people search for an escape from reality, or maybe simply because the UK loves its theatre.

One reason that many people think the London theatre is still rolling in ticket sales is because the theatres are being careful not to take any large chances in the past few years, instead sticking to a genre of plays that have proven to attract attention due to their familiarity and longevity in the theatre scene. Add in a few celebrity actors and you have a formula that is nearly a sure-fire marketing strategy.

The evidence is in the recent collection of plays that have topped the charts in the London theatre scene including: Simon Russel Beale and Ethan Hawke in The Winter’s Tale and the Cherry Orchard, Ian McKellan in Waiting for Godot, Jude Law’s Hamlet, and Helen Mirren in Phedre. One thing all the plays have in common is that they have done before, which may be the reason for their success.

It is a common fact that during recessions people tend to flock to reliable brands that they know they can trust because their investment is worth more to them and they want to ensure they get the best. Therefore, the theatre groups are simply applying this principle and giving it to audiences; which is why the high ticket sales for the London theatre may not be so surprising after all.