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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Patricia Nicol

Rising fuel prices, depressed box office, skill shortages - London’s culture leaders on the state of the arts

Sir Cameron Mackintosh is in buoyant spirits. “Despite the dreadful slights inflicting all of us, we had our best November and December in years, even pre-Covid. We’re even doing better than normal into February.”

The producer credits the “raft of terrific shows”, including the blockbusting Hamilton and a revamped Les Misérables, playing at the eight West End theatres he owns. The influx of tourists, partly attracted by a weak pound, has helped. He also praises the commitment of diehard audiences who have, since the summer, “been turning up by hook and by crook; planning ahead to outwit rail strikes. We’re very grateful to them: that mantra, the show must go on has never felt more vital.”

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