Exclusive: Les Mis announces pioneering 'sing-a-long' performance

Please note: This story was an April Fools prank – the sing-a-long performance is not actually happening, we're afraid!

A groundbreaking 'sing-a-long' performance of Les Miserables will take place later this month at the West End's Queen's Theatre, WhatsOnStage can reveal.

Furthermore, the one-off show on 26 April will allow patrons to "behave as they please", with the traditional unspoken rules of theatregoing suspended.

According to press material there will be a flexible start time varying between 7.30 and 8pm, allowing people to "take their seats at leisure", accommodating queues for the bar and ladies' toilets.

In a departure from usual practice at the internationally acclaimed show, the house lights will be switched on full for Fantine's famous number "I Dreamed A Dream" in order that audience members can channel their inner Susan Boyle and "lustily join in".

Rousing numbers including "Master Of The House" and "Do You Hear the People Sing" will also include a video screen displaying lyrics, accompanied by a bouncing ball in the colours of the Tricolore.

Front of house staff members will walk the aisles throughout the performance selling a variety of drinks and snacks. They will also encourage audience members to record portions of the show on their mobile phones and share online using the hashtag #HearThePeopleSing.

There will be an opportunity at the curtain call for 'selfies' with the cast, which currently includes Peter Lockyer (Jean Valjean), David Thaxton (Javert) and Carrie Hope Fletcher (Eponine).

WhatsOnStage club member April Ferstein told us she was "thrilled" about the initiative as it would "hopefully keep noisy people out of regular performances".

She added: "Only the other day I attended a show and had to remonstrate with a man sitting behind me who insisted on cheering every time the lead actress came on stage. It was only at the end he explained he was her Dad."

Producer Cameron Mackintosh hopes that, should the trial prove a success, further 'sing-a-long' performances can be scheduled at his productions across the West End, at shows including The Phantom of the Opera and recent WhatsOnStage Award-winner Miss Saigon.

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