Features

West End Live 2026 – everything you need to know

The weekend is upon us!

| London |

19 June 2026

West End Live at Trafalgar Square, © Pamela Raith

It’s that time of year again, when fans from all over gather for a weekend celebrating musicals in the heart of London, for what is described as the Glastonbury of theatre.

What is it?

West End Live is Theatreland’s annual bonanza of free theatre! Every year, performers from hit shows gather to give a taste of what audiences can expect from the musicals playing or playing soon across London and beyond. Expect epic live performances, backstage gossip, and exclusive announcements and surprises. The event is presented by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre and is open to the public without tickets for general admission.

Where is it?

The event returns to its usual home in Trafalgar Square in central London, and operates on a first come-first serve basis until it reaches capacity. Accessible viewing areas will be available via advance registration, with British Sign Language interpretation and a calm space provided on site.

When is it?

West End Live takes over Trafalgar Square this weekend, 20 and 21 June. On the Saturday, performances begin at 11am with the curtain closing on the event at 5pm. Meanwhile, on Sunday, the show starts at 12pm and concludes at 4pm.

Who’s performing?

The jam-packed schedule features performances from West End stars in hit musicals, as well as previews of upcoming pieces and stunning soloists. On Saturday, the event will be hosted by Tobias Turley, Shanay Holmes and Mathilde Barker, while Sunday’s festivities will be hosted by WhatsOnStage Award winner Courtney Bowman and Tosh Wanogho-Maud. Expect surprise performances and announcements across the weekend!

Saturday 20 June

11.00am: Disney’s Hercules

11.05am: High Society

11.10am: Avenue Q

11.20am: Wicked

11.35am: The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind

11.45am: Moulin Rouge! The Musical

11.55am: The Devil Wears Prada

12.00pm: Paddington The Musical

12.10pm: Cabaret

12.20pm: Sinatra The Musical

12.25pm: Hadestown

12.40pm: Hamilton

12.45pm: Oliver!

12.55pm: Les Misérables

1.05pm: The Phantom Of The Opera

1.10pm: The Producers

1.15pm: The Book Of Mormon

1.30pm: Operation Mincemeat

1.35pm: Beetlejuice The Musical

1.45pm: Mamma Mia!

2.00pm: Performances from English National Opera

2.10pm: Disney’s High School Musical

2.15pm: I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical

2.25pm: Into The Woods

2.30pm: Six

2.45pm: The Choir Of Man

2.55pm: Magic Mike Live

3.05pm: Now You See Me Live

3.10pm: Kimberly Akimbo

3.20pm: Liberace And Liza: A Tribute

3.30pm: Shantify

3.40pm: RepresentAsian: An Evening Of Asian Talent

3.45pm: The Last Ship

3.50pm: Role’s We’ll Never Play

4.00pm: In Pieces

4.15pm: Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical

4.20pm: Here Comes J. Edgar! A Comedy Musical

4.30pm: Sirens: The Concert Series

4.35pm: Shanay Holmes

5.00pm: Event Ends

——

Sunday 21 June

12.00pm: Disney’s The Lion King

12.10pm: Titanique

12.15pm: Matilda The Musical

12.25pm: My Neighbour Totoro

12.30pm: Hot Mess

12.40pm: Dark Of The Moon

12.50pm: Love Never Dies In Concert

12.55pm: Waitress

1.10pm: Inala

1.20pm: Kinky Boots

1.25pm: Six

1.40pm: The Karate Kid – The Musical

1.50pm: The Harder They Come

2.00pm: Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage

2.05pm: Bliss The Musical

2.10pm: Magic Mike Live

2.20pm: Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

2.35pm: Noël Coward In The West End: Robert Hazle & Helena Northcote

2.45pm: Little Shop Of Horrors

2.50pm: Surprise Show

2.55pm: Heathers: The Musical

3.00pm: Redcliffe

3.10pm: The Jonathan Larson Project

3.15pm: Surprise Show

3.20pm: Jane Eyre

3.25pm: G4

3.40pm: Ride The Cyclone

3.45pm: Jersey Boys

4.00pm: Event Ends

What should I do to prepare?

The event organisers have issued a warning about the heat expected this weekend, reiterating that Trafalgar Square is an open space with no shade and emphasising the need to wear SPF and bring water. If attending, please be sure to check their guidance below.

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How can I follow along?

WhatsOnStage will be in the crowds updating our socials, so keep an eye on our channels! Performances and backstage content will also be streamed online via Official London Theatre’s YouTube and social media channels.