We all love a little bit of theatrical memorabilia. From show posters to authentic props, and Disney’s The Lion King headpieces to Phantom Of The Opera teddy bears (okay, I don’t know where to find either of these, but if anybody does…), there’s nothing like collating memories of all your favourite London shows. Luckily for us, the remarkable theatrical charity Acting for Others have an exciting date for your diaries: the inaugural West End Flea Market!
The West End Flea Market will take place on Saturday 18 May 2019 at St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden. Outside, there’ll be a whole host of stalls, hosted by your favourite West End shows and packed with showstopping goodies.
There’ll be stalls from the likes of Hamilton, The Book Of Mormon, Only Fools And Horses The Musical, The Royal Opera House, The Phantom Of The Opera, The Mousetrap and Les Misérables – and more will be announced in due course!
You’ll be able to pick up signed posters, props and photos of some of Theatreland’s favourite performers (there’s nothing as cathartic as a little advance Christmas shopping!) – as well as a few surprises and the chance to meet the stars of hit shows.
What’s more, each pop-up shop will compete to win the Best Dressed Stall award, which will be judged by Christopher Biggins (head judge), alongside Celia Imrie and Bill Paterson.
The winner of the Best Dressed Stall will be announced at 10.45am, with the event then free and open from 10.45am to 1pm.
The day will also see Biggins host Biggins’ Bargains – where two showbiz teams will go head-to-head hunting for goodies at the Flea Market to auction for Acting for Others – as well as live entertainment, a prize-stuffed raffle, Theatre Cafe refreshments, fortune-telling from Su Pollard, and a signing and selfie area with Annette Badland, Hayley Mills, Wendi Peters, Harriet Thorpe, Layton Williams, Tom Read Wilson and more.
The event will be in aid of Acting for Others, a fundraising organisation for 15 UK theatrical and welfare charities. These institutions provide financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need. And even if you can’t make the event, you can still support Acting for Others by donating online.
First published 30 January 2019; updated 30 April