Canberra Theatre Centre attracts record sales in 2014-15

Minister for the Arts Joy Burch said 229,993 visitors caught a live performance during the 2014-15 year – 33,000-plus more people than a year earlier.

The boost in audience numbers injected $4.2 million into Civic businesses over the 12-month period.

This is despite the number of Canberrans attending live performances falling by almost a third last year to the lowest levels since 2009, causing an 8 per cent dip to revenue.

While a lack of large-scale touring shows were to blame for the dive, high-profile performances Sweet Charity and Le Noir helped boost ticket sales.

The pair roped in a combined audience of 17,000 people and 500,000 tourism dollars.

In comparison, Canberra Theatre attracted 196,203 in the 2013-2014 year, and 194,722 in the 2012-2013 year.

Ms Burch said the latest figures highlighted the positive economic impact of performing arts in Canberra.

"The figures show that the productions being presented at the Canberra Theatre Centre are clearly helping the businesses in Civic thrive," Ms Burch said.

"This result is a contribution to our liveability as we grow as a city."

She said the figures also confirmed the centre's increased year-on-year revenue.

Ms Burch said the success of recent shows had paved the way for the likes of The Illusionists 1903 and comedian Carl Barron later this year.

"Productions of this calibre generate high interest from the surrounding region, which drives economic impact through tourism and hospitality.

"I am pleased to see these positive results for Canberra and the continuing strength of the Canberra arts scene."