London's West End Theatre audiences have apparently managed to stay solvent in the last year or so, despite the economic crisis. In fact, they must have loads of cash, because 2009 has been a record breaking year for the box offices, according to the Society Of London Theatre, who say that takings have increased by 7.6%, to almost £505million. Yes, more than HALF A BILLION.

SOLT president Nica Burns reckons it's because everyone is so talented. "The extraordinary quality and breadth of productions available nightly in London explains these record figures in such a difficult year economically", she says. "Whilst our musicals continue to flourish, 2009 was an outstanding year for plays - proving that audiences respond to challenge and stimulation as well as toe-tapping entertainment".

Or, it might be that audiences are willing to part with their cash to see Big Movie Stars like Jude Law, who has been knocking around the West End this year. Not that I'm saying he's not talented, of course.