London Theatre Direct

SOLT & TFL RELEASE TRAVEL GUIDE FOR OLYMPIC THEATREGOERS

A special travel guide for theatregoers to the West End during next year's summer Olympic and Paralympic Games has just been released by The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and Transport for London (TfL).

The guide features tips for journey planning, ordering tickets and making the most of a trip to the theatre. It is also available online at the Official London Theatre website. It has been predicted that this period will be a difficult time for the West End so this guide is an attempt to boost audience numbers during the Olympics.

It comes on the same day that TfL have released key London 2012 Games transport information and advice. The analysis gives a clear picture of how London will be affected during the Games and indicates the impacts on transport networks and stations at certain times and in certain locations. Key mainline stations serving the West End including Victoria and Charring Cross will be open with no additional disruption for the vast majority of the day.

London's transport commissioner, Peter Hendy said " We have two clear objectives at TfL; to support the delivery of a great London 2012 Games and ensure we keep London moving and open for business next summer. With 95 per cent of West End theatres a 15 minute walk or less from a mainline station, and with Tube trains running an hour later during the Olympics, there's every reason for people to head to the theatres in their droves next summer."

Chief executive of SOLT, Julian Bird said "I am delighted to be working closely with Transport for London to ensure that audiences have the most accurate information possible for planning their trip to the theatre during the Olympic period. Twenty nine productions have already announced they will be playing next summer and advances for 2012 are looking strong. A trip to one of London's world famous shows is a great addition to any Olympic itinerary and the perfect antidote to a summer of sport."