Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, today launched a major London theatre promotion called 'Get Into London Theatre', with the aim of broadening the range of theatre audiences. The promotion, which offers thousands of tickets at the specially reduced prices of £10, £15 and £20 to plays, musicals, dance and opera including hit musical 'Bombay Dreams' and new Royal Shakespeare Company play 'Midnight's Children' runs until March 29th 2003.

The Mayor launched the promotion at the Criterion Theatre at Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday 15th January, alongside stars including Sir Ian McKellen (Dance of Death), Alan Davies (Auntie and Me), Michael Greco (Chicago) and Freddie Prinze Jr (This Is Our Youth). With about a third of the West End's 12 million-plus visits each year being made by theatregoers from the London boroughs, it's clear that many more Londoners could be enjoying magical experiences in the Theatre Capital of the World.

Created in partnership with the Society of London Theatre, the 'Get Into London Theatre' promotion, funded via the Mayor's London Development Agency, will encourage thousands of Londoners, in particular young people and members of ethnic communities, who never or very rarely attend the theatre to give it a go, at specially reduced prices.

Mr Livingstone said: 'People travel thousands of miles to enjoy our theatre productions. But not all Londoners are making the most of what is on their doorstep, in particular young people. I hope that through this discounted ticket promotion they will discover what an enjoyable and rewarding experience going to the theatre can be.'

The promotion offers thousands of tickets to plays, musicals, dance and opera at the specially reduced prices of £10, £15 and £20. There will also be £5 tickets at specific performances for under-25s and over-60s. A fantastic range of top West End shows are taking part, as well as venues outside the West End such as the Hackney Empire and the Tricycle in Kilburn. To make the experience even more memorable, special offers have been arranged at a wide range of restaurants from £10 for two courses, and there are also special deals at Hilton hotels.

Meera Syal, actress and writer of Bombay Dreams and Anita & Me, said: "I hope this will provide more people, who may never have considered theatre as something they might enjoy, with the opportunity to give it a try. Visiting the theatre is such a wonderful experience that I am sure that after their first visit, they will be hooked!"

Don't miss out on this fabulous opportunity to 'try some thing new!'.

HOW TO BOOK TICKETS

Tickets must be booked by February 28th and are available on a special phone line - 0870 840 2468 (national rates apply) and through www.OfficialLondonTheatre.co.uk, or in person at the British Visitor Centre in Regent Street.

DETAILS OF PROMOTION

1. Over 70 London shows will offer fantastic reductions at performances from January 15th until March 29th. Prices will be only £10, £15 or £20 (depending on the show and availability), with a limited number at the special price of £5 for the under 25's and over 60's.

2. Prices vary per participating show. The offer is subject to limited availability (especially at weekends) and cannot be used with any other offer.

3. Tickets must be booked by February 28th and are available on a special phone line - 0870 840 2468 (national rates apply) and through the Official London Theatre Guide website at www.OfficialLondonTheatre.co.uk. Purchases can also be made in person at the British Visitor Centre in Regent Street.

4. For the same period a wide range of London's restaurants are offering two-course meals for £10 and three courses for £12.50 (incl. VAT but excl. service and drinks).

5. Hilton Hotels are offering one and two night stays in four and five star hotels from only £34 per person per night.

6. All bookers will also get a voucher for £2.50 off further purchases at the SOLT tkts booth in Leicester Square.

7. The London Development Agency is contributing £350,000 to the 'Get Into London Theatre' promotion. The London Theatre industry is expected to match this funding via the discounting of tickets.

8. The promotion is coordinated by the Society of London Theatre, the trade association representing the owners, managers and producers operating major London theatres.

Click here for a list of Participating Shows.
Click here for a list of Participating Restaurants.
Click here for a list of Participating Hotels.