Theatre News

West End Live showcases every London musical, 23-24 Jun

This year’s West End Live, which runs from 23-24 June 2012 in Trafalgar Square, will for the first time feature performances from every West End musical.

Now in its eighth year, the event – organised by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre – is the world’s largest free theatre festival.

Performing for the first time this year will be classic longrunners Blood Brothers, Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera, alongside other event newcomers Dreamboats and Petticoats, Horrible Histories, Matilda The Musical, Ragtime The Musical, Singin’ in the Rain, Sweeney Todd and Top Hat.

There will also be performances from West End Live favourites Billy Elliot The Musical, Chicago, The Lion King, Ghost The Musical, Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia!, Rock of Ages, Shrek The Musical, Stomp, Thriller Live, War Horse, We Will Rock You, Wicked and The Wizard of Oz.

The event, which attracted over half a million people last year, runs this year as part of the London 2012 Festival on Saturday 23 June from 11am – 6pm and Sunday 24 June from 12pm – 6pm.

Cllr Robert Davis, deputy leader of Westminster City Council, said: “This really will be a summer like no other and we are delighted to once again bring the magic of West End musicals to Trafalgar Square for free. This is part of the council’s wider commitments to help rejuvenate the West End, and as a way of showcasing the quality and diversity of entertainment in and around the local area.”

Julian Bird, chief executive of the Society of London Theatre, added: “London is truly the theatre capital of the world. West End Live will showcase exactly why nearly 14 million Londoners and visitors flocked to our theatres last year and give a taste of the world-class musicals they can enjoy this summer.”