What on earth is West End Live?
West End Live has now been happening for Fourteen years and growing in popularity each year. It’s basically 10-15 minutes of most West End musicals, on a stage in Trafalgar Square. It’s also completely free. It goes on throughout Saturday and Sunday, with some shows repeated and some just playing once.
What’s the point?
It’s a really, really good way of having a sneak preview before spending any money on a ticket for a show, or hear some songs from the shows you already know and love.
It’s also a generally fun event, you’ll meet fellow theatre lovers, and have the most unashamedly #stagey weekend.
Ok, but WHICH West End shows will be there?
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Aladdin. Motown. Wicked. Kinky Boots. Matilda. Bat Out Of Hell. The Phantom Of The Opera. Les Miserables. Tina. Strictly Ballroom. Dreamgirls. Chicago. Mamma Mia. Little Shop Of Horrors. Thriller. Six. Kiss Me, Kate. Knights of the Rose. Eugenius. I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical. Heathers. Brief Encounter. The Barricade Boys. A Spoonful Of Sherman. Madagascar.
Phew. Anything Else?
Of course. The Sylvia Young Theatre School will perform, as well as The West End Gospel Choir, Matt Cardle, Louise Dearman, Collabro, Nathan Amzi, Trevor Dion Nicholas, Emma Kingston, Danielle Hope, Nadine Benjamin, Ben Stock, Ida, and Ferris & Milnes. These performances are mostly towards the end of each day, but the full schedule can be found here.
How do I get there?
The nearest station to Trafalgar Square is Charring Cross (overground or underground). Probably just ask CityMapper.
Do I need a ticket?
Nope.
When should I arrive?
The event starts at 11am, with gates opening at 10:15 am.
If you want a really good spot, there are definitely people who will get there before 9am, but in previous years arriving by the time the gate opens has been more than sufficient to get in. You will have to queue and you will have your bags checked.
Do I have to stand up the whole time?
Yes, basically.
What if I have accessibility needs?
The best thing to do is to check the official website or contact the organisers for specific needs, but this years event is going to be BSL interpreted and there is a viewing area for wheelchairs which is operated on a first come, first served basis.
Can I take food etc?
Attendees are encouraged to take their own food and drink, but alcohol is not allowed. Food will be available on site too (but as with any captive audience, might be £££££). There is a Tesco over the road, if you don’t want to carry your supplies on your journey.
Talking of supplies – take sun cream. We can hope.
Can I take photographs?
You can – there are no restrictions on camera or phone use at this event My personal advice though, would be to enjoy the event through your eyes rather than through a camera as the event is photographed and filmed professionally anyway.
Is there any obligation to buy anything?
Absolutely not, but there will be an Official London Theatre booth on site over the weekend.
Where can I find more information?
For more information about West End Live visit their official website, and have a lovely day!
Emma Betty
Images: London.gov.uk
Emma Betty is 28 and a nurse in Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. Emma has the Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Soundtrack (On CD!) to blame for her love for Musical Theatre, which she found in her parents living room pretty much as soon as she was old enough to know what it was. She began combining her love for Theatre, the Internet and Writing while she was still at school, through various blogs and on social media. Having moved to London in 2013, she launched Upper Circle 4 years later. A couple of years on, she is delighted to have a small team and is so grateful to those helping Upper Circle to grow every day!
Find me on: Twitter