A new study carried out by UK theatre website whatsonstage.com has found that London's West End theatres could stand to benefit from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Last December, composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber - whose Really Useful Group owns seven venues - expressed concern for the capital's arts sector in an interview with the BBC.

However, the whatsonstage.com survey of more than 32,000 theatregoers found that 66 per cent anticipate a positive impact from the capital hosting the 2012 Games.

A further 70 per cent said they planned to attend at least as often as they would normally do during the period, while reduced prices would persuade 65 per cent of "sceptics" to attend.

whatsonstage.com managing director Terri Paddock said: "The results of this Whatsonstage.com survey demonstrate that audiences themselves are much more optimistic and plan to vote with their wallets at the box office."

Details: www.whatsonstage.com