Theatreland was at the heart of the country’s Olympic spirit when thousands of people lined the streets of Shaftesbury Avenue and beyond to give a standing ovation to the well-travelled torch as it continued on its journey through the country ahead of the opening ceremony.
After a morning appointment at Shakespeare’s Globe, where schoolgirl Ify Egesi proudly raised the famous flame on the alfresco venue’s stage, by the afternoon it had reached the world famous West End. Passing by the Criterion theatre, the Olympic parade moved past the Lyric and Apollo theatres to be met by the rousing iconic score from Chariots Of Fire, with composer Vangelis and the cast of the hit show celebrating the arrival at the Gielgud theatre.
Raucously travelling past the homes of Les Misérables (Queen’s), Singin’ In The Rain (Palace), Abigail’s Party (Wyndham’s), Chicago (Garrick) and finally reaching Yes, Prime Minister (Trafalgar Studios) at the heaving Trafalgar Square, the theatrical leg of the journey saw casts waving from theatre balconies, famous faces popping up to be a part of the excitement and one of the capital’s most loved attractions sharing centre stage.
Theatre will continue to take a starring role over this incredible summer and you can find out what shows are playing and how to plan your trip in our Theatre 2012 section.