Box office bargains

Ticket prices for more than 70 top London shows have been slashed by up to 80 per cent to fill theatres in the quiet months at the start of the new year.

From hit musicals such as Jerry Springer The Opera to serious drama such as The Merchant Of Venice, prices for good seats have dropped to as low as £10.

Cheap hotel and restaurant deals are also part of the Totally London promotion.

Now in its third year, the offer runs until 28 March, although tickets must be booked by 27 February.

Prices range from £10 to £25, depending on the show. Discounted tickets for dance and ballet productions, including The Nutcracker, are also included in the promotion.

Funded by the London Development Agency, the offer is part of Mayor Ken Livingstone and Visit London's bid to help the capital's tourism regain visitors it has lost in the wake of foot and mouth disease,

Sars and the Iraq war. Hotel prices have been cut to as little as £25 per person and a wide range of restaurants are offering two courses for £10 and three for £12.50 or £15.

Early booking is advised. For more information or bookings for shows, accommodation or meals, visit www.getintolondontheatre.co.uk or call 0870 840 2468 inside the M25 or 0870 9063878 outside.