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Television shows searching for West End stars have helped create record audiences for London theatre, it was claimed today.
Programmes such as How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do boosted attendances across theatreland.
The Society of London Theatre questioned 716 people about the influence of TV talent programmes on the productions they were likely to see.
Nearly half said the shows made them more likely to see the musical involved. Reality programmes landed Lee Mead, Connie Fisher and Jodie Prenger lead roles in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Sound Of Music and Oliver!
The Ipsos Mori poll also found that after watching the TV shows, a third of people were more likely to attend any musical - not just the one they saw on television; and nearly a quarter would consider a play or comedy as well.
The talent shows were broadcast between 2006 and last year. They coincided with record years for theatre audiences, which rose from 12.35million three years ago to 13.6million in 2007 and 13.89million last year.
Kevin Spacey, artistic director of the Old Vic, has attacked the BBC for promoting West End musicals at the expense of other theatre.
But Sir Cameron Mackintosh, producer of hits including Cats and The Phantom Of The Opera, said the research suggested TV shows had a "tremendously beneficial effect" on the West End. "The theatre industry has every reason to be grateful to Andrew Lloyd Webber and the BBC for putting musical theatre centre stage."
The Spice Girls are reportedly planning to bring their story to the stage. Recent reports that the group will reform have been denied by the band. It has now been claimed that their story will be made into a West End musical.
