It was an incredible season for the Donmar in the West End, playing to audiences of 98% capacity overall. This staggering achievement included 13.5% of first-time bookers.

The Donmar, who took residency at the Wyndham's Theatre from September 2008 to August 2009, produced a number of high profile plays, including Twelfth Night with Derek Jacobi, Ivanov starring Kenneth Branagh, Madame de Sade with Dame Judi Dench and of course the much publicised Hamlet with Jude Law playing the title role.

Law's stint proved to be the biggest selling play at the box office, playing to an astonishing 99% capacity.

The unsubsidised season aimed to attract a wider audience, with top priced tickets at just £32.50. The season also attracted 9,000 school children, with 42,900 tickets sold at £10.

The whole project was a high-risk strategy with ticket prices being so low. Everyone rose to the challenge.

Artistic Director, Michael Grandage, spoke of the season's success: “We’re genuinely thrilled with the results. The whole project was a high-risk strategy with ticket prices being so low. Everyone rose to the challenge and I believe we have successfully contributed to the ongoing debate about straight plays in the West End.

“Our key ambitions were affordable ticket prices, education, and new audiences. I am delighted so many theatregoers were able to engage in this year of work and that the impact of the season contributed to the recently reported rise in play attendance.”

For more information about the Donmar, visit www.donmarwarehouse.com