New research published by the Society of London Theatres (SLT) has revealed that 83 per cent of theatre-goers believe ticket prices represent 'good value'.

Conducted in partnership with polling agency Ipsos MORI, The West End Theatre Audience found that three quarters of theatre audiences thought performances were 'very good'. According to the study, theatre-goers made an average of 6.4 visits to shows during 2008, while the number of tickets booked online has increased from 17 per cent to nearly half in the last 12 months.

SLT chief executive Richard Pulford said: "This report will be required reading for anyone working or interested in London theatre. The overall picture painted by the report is very positive." The survey was carried out among audiences of 37 productions, with fieldwork taking place between June and December 2008. The results follow the announcement that 2009 saw audience numbers increase for the seventh year in a row.