Al Fayed Plays Host to West End Stars???

According to several reports this week, Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed is turning to the stars of the West End in a novel attempt to combat the credit crunch. Next month he’s launching an eight-week initiative entitled ‘That’s Entertainment’ which will include in-store performances by the casts of Avenue Q, Chicago and Mamma Mia!, as well as appearances by the English National Ballet and contestants from the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.

In tandem with the free performances, shoppers will also have the chance to attend beauty workshops, take part in screen tests and meet Hollywood stars Eva Mendes and Tony Curtis. Commenting on the scheme, Harrods chief executive James McArthur said: “It’s all doom and gloom out there. They say retail is theatre: this will be about being fun and entertaining”.

McArthur and Al Fayed are clearly hoping that the old maxim “there’s no business like show business” holds true, though whether a live rendition of “Money Money Money” will actually persuade shoppers to part with more of their cash remains to be seen. But at the very least, if the recent success of West End Live is anything to go by (See News, 17 Jun 2008), it seems likely to get more of them through the doors.