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Big Yanks give UK theatres bum rap
LONDON, England (CNN) -- The seats in London's ageing West End theatres are too small for American tourists' backsides, a Labour MP has told the House of Commons. Appealing for increased investment in the capital's theatre district, Chris Bryant called on government ministers to "bash some heads together" to bring major tourist attractions up to date. "Thousands of people travel to London every year ... primarily -- sometimes solely -- to visit the West End theatres," said the MP from Wales. "They see some wonderful shows, but because 37 of London's theatres are either Victorian or Edwardian, they must see them in terrible buildings whose seats were built for backsides of the Victorian rather than the modern era -- indeed, rather than for Americans. "Many of the bars are dingy and overpriced and have not seen a lick of paint since Oscar Wilde was last there. Is it not time we bashed some heads together to make sure that more investment goes into those theatres, so that everyone can enjoy going to a West End show?" Culture Minister Kim Howells responded: "As long as only heads will be bashed together, I do not mind." Howells said West End theatres were worth £1 billion to the UK economy and that the cost of refurbishing the top theatres, including improving disabled access, was estimated at £200 million. Once theatre chiefs had completed a survey of the detailed costs, ministers would discuss what they could do to help, he added. A spokeswoman for the Society of London Theatre told CNN: "Basically it's the same issue as sitting in a Tube train or an airplane -- seats are seats, there's no difference. You'll probably find theatre seats roomier than airplane seats. It's not an issue that's come up." Tory spokesman Malcolm Moss said the real problem facing theatres was that crime and traffic problems were putting people off visiting the capital at all. "How are theatregoers supposed to get to the theatre and home without hassle and in safety?" Moss asked. "Is it any surprise that West End theatre is currently going through one of its worst financial downturns? "Is it not time that the government addressed the crucial issues for inner London -- decaying transport infrastructure, rising crime and antisocial behaviour?" Howells responded by saying Moss's comments were a "wonderful piece of fiction". "This year is likely to be the first year in British history in which more than 12 million people will pay to go to London theatres. "That is a great achievement. He should not talk them down. He should celebrate that fact."
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They see some wonderful shows, but ... they must see them in terrible buildings whose seats were built for backsides of the Victorian rather than the modern era -- indeed, rather than for Americans.
