Catherine Tate Attacks "exclusive" Theatre Prices

Catherine Tate seems to be distinctly "bovvered" about the price of West End theatre tickets. In a recent interview Tate described the price of theatre as "elitist" and went on to attack so called "stunt-casting". A practice which sees shows employing well known celebrities for their profile rather than for their performing ability.

Ms. Tate, who has previously performed with the RSC, is currently rehearsing her new role in David Eldridge's Under the Blue Sky which will begin previews next week at London's Duke of York Theatre. She will be appearing alongside Chris O'Dowd and Francesca Annis from The IT Crowd, a recent Channel 4 comedy which collected the best sitcom prize at the 2008 Rose d'Or awards.

Tate's statement comes at a surprising time, with 2007 confirmed as the best year in West End history and record breaking amounts of people enjoying some of the best shows theatreland has seen in years. One of the biggest shows of the moment, Wicked, has a talented cast who between them have a handful of minor television roles, not a "celebrity" in sight.

Perhaps Tate's view of the cost of theatre would be a little rosier had she discovered Show and Stay, with London theatre breaks costing as little as £80.50 including a stay in a top London hotel, even Ms. Tate cannot deny the value for money.