Main Attraction - Cast members are the biggest draw for audiences when buying theatre tickets, according to a new survey of theatregoers. More than 3,000 people took part in the survey of Whatsonstage readers, which revealed the price of tickets is the biggest factor is preventing people from attending the theatre more frequently. Almost a quarter of those surveyed said that cast members were the biggest influence on a decision to go to a show, while 17% said the show's creative team was most important. More than 80% of theatregoers said that costly tickets prevented them from attending the theatre more, while the second biggest barrier, location, was only mentioned by a third of respondents.
Whatsonstage chief operating officer Sita McIntosh said, "As anticipated, cost is still a major prohibiting factor for many theatregoers, and with prices across the West End continuing to rise this issue is compounded. From the survey we can conclude that the theatregoing public are engaged and savvy - they want the best that the theatre community has to offer, but at affordable prices, and while they are keen to book online, they expect a bespoke service."
China Crisis - Bon Jovi's first ever concerts in China have been cancelled by government officials. No reason was given, but media reports suggest that censors discovered the US rock band had used an image of the Dalai Lama as a backdrop at a gig five years ago. China has previously banned artists like Bjork, as well as academics and politicians, who have shown support for the Dalai Lama or Tibetan independence.
Moving Experience - Liverpool is to become the new permanent home of the British Music Experience museum, which is leaving its current home in London. The exhibition of popular music opened at the O2 in Greenwich in 2009 but closed last year amid plans to relocate. Plans have now been announced to move the museum to Liverpool's Cunard building and to open at Easter 2016. The museum features hundreds of rare artefacts and manuscripts.
Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson said, "It makes perfect sense that a museum which celebrates the importance of British music and its influence on society has its home in Liverpool. Music is entwined with the city's history, present and future. The Cunard building itself played a vital role in shaping the industry thanks to the music that travelled across the Atlantic by those travelling on the Cunard vessels." Museum chairman Harvey Goldsmith said, "The trustees of the British Music Experience are thrilled to have partnered with the city of Liverpool and to have found a permanent home for the UK's collection of rock and pop memorabilia and artefacts."
No Show - Singer and actress Liza Minnelli has cancelled two upcoming appearances in London and Sheffield. The US star has called off an event at the London Palladium on 20 September, when she was to have been interviewed on stage by Sir Bruce Forsyth. Minnelli was also booked to give a similar talk at Sheffield City Hall on 22 September.
Late News - A 3D moving image of the late singer Whitney Houston is being developed by a US entertainme
