<p> More than 17 million people arrive in the capital each year to celebrate one of London's most beloved cultural gemstones - theatre. </p><br><p>But seeing a central London play can set you back hundreds of pounds, and the costs are only going up. Audiences are now being priced out with the average price of a top ticket rising by 50% between 2023 and 2024 to 146 pounds and 61 pence a seat.</p><br><p>So who or what is to blame for the situation? Is this just a callous cash grab, and what does it all mean for the future of London’s West End? </p><br><p>We're joined by The Standard’s Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop, who has been investigating the issue for the latest special report.&nbsp;</p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>