A record-breaking 23 of London’s most exciting musical productions will wow Leicester Square crowds this year as part of the annual free entertainment festival West End LIVE.
Staged in the world famous London thoroughfare over the weekend of 19 and 20 June, the free event, which gives theatregoers a taste of what they can see at venues around the capital, boasts an exceptional line-up of talent including leading ladies Sheridan Smith, Patina Miller and Hannah Waddingham.
The full list of shows currently confirmed to take part in the two day theatrical extravaganza includes: Wicked, Disney’s The Lion King, Hair, Legally Blonde The Musical, Chicago, Love Never Dies, Avenue Q, Sister Act, Into The Woods, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical, Burn The Floor, Tap Dogs, Grease, Mamma Mia!, Stomp, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage, All The Fun Of The Fair, Thriller Live, The Fantasticks, We Will Rock You and Jersey Boys.
Nica Burns, President of the Society of London Theatre, commented: “London has the best theatre in the world and West End LIVE is a fantastic opportunity for people to sample some of the West End’s most popular shows for free. We’ve got a stellar line up of numbers from some of our greatest shows. Join us in celebrating the success of an industry that provides joy to millions of people around the world and contributes more than £2billion a year to the economy. A big thank you to Westminster City Council for hosting this fantastic event.”
Last year West End LIVE attracted nearly a quarter of a million people to Leicester Square and went on to win the People’s Choice Music Event of the Year Award at the 2009 Visit London Awards. In addition to an incredible range of live performances, the event will also include entertainment and interactive fun from Fireman Sam, the London Film Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria And Albert Museum.
Councillor Robert Davis of Westminster City Council added: “We have an excellent line up at West End LIVE this year with a record 22 acts confirmed so far. The weekend promises to be a fantastic showcase of what the West End has to offer, and because it’s free, it is open to everyone to come along to enjoy the shows and entertainment on offer.”
Official London Theatre is a partner of West End LIVE and will be first with any news of shows and star appearances added to the bill between now and the fabulous, free, al fresco festival in June. For more information about West End Live, visit www.westendlive.co.uk
MA