Londoners might never have a better chance to see West End theatre than this month.

This was the message from today's launch of the latest stage in the Totally London' campaign to drum up business for tourist attractions and services in London.

Mayor Ken Livingstone, joined by West End theatre figures and actors, took to the stage of the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, at a specially arranged press conference.

Tickets are on offer at heavily discounted prices for 44 shows across the West End.

The month long Totally London' campaign is aimed to restore flagging visitor numbers to tourist attractions in London, suffering from the negative effects of the SARS outbreak, war in Iraq, and terrorism fears.

Mr Livingstone said a similar cheap theatre ticket promotion, earlier this year, had increased theatre patronage by eight per cent.

This should remove any "doubts about these offers", he said.

Theatregoers pumped at least a £1 billion in London's economy every year, the Mayor said.

Ruthie Henshall, one of the stars of the hit musical Chicago, said the West End wholeheartedly supported the promotion.

The variety and quality of shows on offer in London surpassed any other city, including New York, she said.

"The West End is more affordable and offers a better choice than Broadway," she said.

For details of theatre offers, visit http://www.visitlondon.com.