Tessa Jowell, the Secretary of State for Culture, met leading representatives of West End theatre last night, including Rupert Rhymes, Chairman of SOLT and Sir Cameron Mackintosh, to discuss ways of boosting London theatre.
Jowell said "The Government is determined to do what it can to help," and was told that transport was one of the most important areas in which improvements — particularly tube services running for longer into the early hours — need to be made.
The government's involvement is a welcome sign that the cultural and commercial importance of theatre has been recognized. Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, will be meeting theatre producers tonight for a further look at ways of promoting a night out in the West End to the general public.
—by Paul Webb Theatrenow
