Tickets for credit crunch bankers

Webber said he hoped the offer would offer comfort "for a couple of hours"

Theatre impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber is offering free tickets to two of his West End musicals to bankers who have become unemployed in the credit crunch.

"Free tickets might offer some respite for some of those people who have sadly lost their jobs," the composer said.

Former bank employees can claim a pair of free tickets to The Sound of Music and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat until 15 October.

However, they will have to present a P45 issued after 1 September.

Tickets are also only available between Monday and Thursday and are subject to availability.

All claims must be made in person at the appropriate box office, according to a release issued by the Really Useful Company.

Lord Lloyd-Webber said he hoped his "feel-good shows" would cheer up those affected by the current financial downtown, "albeit for a couple of hours".

The Sound of Music is on at the London Palladium while Joseph continues at the Adelphi Theatre.