Bernadette Peters and Elaine Paige to return and host West End Woofs (and Meows) 2025, with special guests revealed

Stage legends Elaine Paige and Bernadette Peters will return to their hosting duties for the 2025 edition of West End Woofs (and Meows) next month.

Following the success of last year’s gathering, the duo will present their third annual live event at St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, once again bringing dogs and cats from shelters and hopeful pet owners together, as well as raising funds to benefit various rescue groups. The West End iteration was conceived as a virtual offering during lockdown in 2020 (with the first live version held in 2023), while Broadway Barks, its transatlantic counterpart, has been running for over 25 years.

Paige commented: “West End Woofs is back. I’m thrilled to be co-hosting with my glamorous partner-in-paws, Bernadette! Last year was such a hit! Dozens of adorable dogs and cats found their forever homes. This year, we’re going even bigger. I can’t wait to raise the woof again with the support of our fabulous pals from the world of showbiz and help even more furry friends find their perfect owners!”

Peters added: “l can’t wait to return for West End Woofs alongside my pal Elaine Paige for our third annual adoption event. Following the success of last year’s event, I am confident we will continue to help place loving animals into great loving homes. I am delighted that Woofs has become such a popular event and we are deeply moved by the enthusiasm and support from the legions of fans and animal lovers who attend.”

West End Woofs (and Meows) will begin at 10:15am with a “meet and greet” with all the adoptable animals, with West End stars appearing from 11am. These include Harry Apps, Richard Dempsey, Peter Egan, Claire-Marie Hall, Cassidy Janson, Robert Lindsay, Frances Mayli McCann, Mazz Murray, Paul Nicholas, Lesley Nicol, Orfeh, John Owen-Jones, Joanna Riding, Wayne Sleep and Helen Worth, alongside current cast members from The Devil Wears Prada, Hamilton, Les Misérables, Oliver! and The Phantom of the Opera.

Participating shelters and rescue groups include All Dogs Matter, Fetcher Dog Rescue Centre, Home Run Hounds (Greyhounds), Noah’s Ark Dog Rescue, Peterborough Cat Rescue, Pro Dogs Direct, Saving Saints Rescue (St Bernards) and Saving Souls Animal Rescue. Mayhew Therapaws will also be on hand to illustrate and explain the work they carry out.

West End Woofs (and Meows) will take place on Saturday, 9 August. Tickets cost £5 per person and they can be purchased at the www.westendwoofs.dog website.

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