It was a big week for long time favourites Les Misérables, Mary Poppins and The Phantom of the Opera, which all extended their runs to October 2022. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child went even further and is now accepting bookings up to February 2023. Moulin Rouge! The Musical, which opened in late 2021 and has received five Olivier nominations including Best New Musical, has also extended booking to October.

Life of Pi has also extended its run at the Wyndham’s Theatre to September. The show has been nominated for an incredible nine Olivier Awards, including Best New Play, Hiran Abeysekera for Best Actor and Max Webster for Best Director. The seven actors who play the tiger (Fred Davies, Daisy Franks, Romina Hytten, Tom Larkin, Habib Nasib Nader, Tom Stacey and Scarlet Wilderink) have also been nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. This makes Olivier Awards history, as it’s the first time puppet performers have been nominated in an Olivier Awards acting category.

In other big news, the smash-hit romp Choir of Man has announced its return in October. The show enjoyed international success before making its West End debut at the Arts Theatre. Due to phenomenal demand, the show will return from October 2022 to February 2023 and booking is now open. It’s a party. It’s a concert. It’s the best lock-in you’ve ever been to. Book your tickets now.

The musical, which first opened on 9 October 1986 is based on Gaston Leroux’s gothic novel of live beneath the stage of the Paris Opera House. Starring double Olivier Award nominee Killian Donnelly as The Phantom, Lucy St. Louis as Christine Daaé and Rhys Whitfield as Raoul, The Phantom Of The Opera is today, one of the most successful theatre productions of all time. 

Follow the story of Phantom who, shamed by his physical appearance and feared by all, “haunts” the backstage and public areas. When he falls in love with a young chorus singer, he transforms her into a star. When she’s rescued by her lover, Phantom vows revenge!

This tragic love story is brought to life on stage each night with a mesmerising score, along with jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking special effects. Having won over 70 major theatre awards, including three Olivier Awards and seven Tonys, The Phantom Of The Opera is a must-see for theatre fans.

Leaving the theatre, Frankie and Daniel described the show as “absolutely incredible” and the “singing is out of this world.” Check out their experience in the video below…

If the above has got you feeling inspired, grab your tickets to see the show by clicking the button below!

And, if you’re planning to see the show with your family, remember this spectacular is participating in our Kids Week promotion, meaning you can get half-price family tickets to performances throughout August. Check out more information, below.

The iconic West End musical, The Phantom Of The Opera, begins performances at the newly refurbished Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End on 27 July and we’ve got a first look at some rehearsal images.

The musical stars double Olivier Award nominee Killian Donnelly as ‘The Phantom’, Lucy St Louis as ‘Christine Daaé’ and Rhys Whitfield as ‘Raoul’.

The cast also includes Saori Oda as ‘Carlotta Giudicelli’, Matt Harrop as ‘Monsieur Firmin’, Adam Linstead as ‘Monsieur André’, Greg Castiglioni as ‘Ubaldo Piangi’, Francesca Ellis as ‘Madame Giry’ and Ellie Young as Meg Giry. At certain performances the role of ‘Christine Daaé’ will be played by Holly-Anne Hull.

They are joined by Leeroy Boone, Corina Clark, Edward Court, Lily De-La-Haye, Hywel Dowsell, Jemal Felix, Erin Flaherty, James Gant, Eilish Harmon-Beglan, Yukina Hasebe, Olivia Holland-Rose, Grace Hume, James Hume, Donald Craig Manuel, Jonathan Milton, Janet Mooney, Tim Morgan, Beatrice Penny-Toure, Michael Robert-Lowe, Nikki Skinner, Tim Southgate, Ashley Stillburn, Manon Taris, Anouk Van Laake, Skye Weiss, Simon Whitaker and Karen Wilkinson.

The West End production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical The Phantom Of The Opera is based on Gaston Leroux’s gothic novel of life beneath the stage of the Paris Opera House. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s mesmerising score, along with jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking special effects, magically combine to bring this tragic love story to life each night.

Grab your tickets to see this iconic show as part of Kids Week 2021 and enjoy half-price tickets for the family this August.

The Prince Of Egypt to play to full capacity from 23 July

The Prince Of Egypt, the “huge popular hit” (LBC) based on the classic DreamWorks Animation film, will begin reverting to full capacity audiences at the Dominion Theatre from Friday 23 July 2021 onwards. Following the current temporary suspension of performances due to Government Track and Trace legislation, the production will play three socially distanced performances on Wednesday 21 July at 7.30pm and Thursday 22 July at 2.30pm and 7.30pm before gradually reverting to full capacity. The production will continue to maintain its stringent hygiene and COVID-secure audience protocols throughout the venue (including timed arrivals, increased airflow and the expected and recommended wearing of face coverings). The production was previously due to continue socially distanced audiences until 4 September 2021.

In a joint statement, producers DreamWorks Theatricals, Michael McCabe and Neil Laidlaw said: “In adherence of the latest UK Government advice and concurrently with all other West End theatres, we will now begin reverting to full capacity audiences. In order to maintain the maximum safety and comfort of our audiences, and to best protect the Dominion Theatre’s fantastic frontline staff, we will be maintaining stringent hygiene protocols and COVID-secure measures throughout the venue, including timed arrivals and increased airflow. The wearing of face coverings by audiences will be expected and recommended, unless medically exempt. All staff interacting with the public will be wearing face coverings. In the meantime, we’d like to thank our incredible audiences who have so effusively welcomed The Prince of Egypt back to the West End and for all the messages received by the Dominion Theatre praising the exemplary safety protocols already in operation.”

“Brought to life in truly epic fashion” (Daily Mirror), the Grammy Award nominated musical is now booking for all performances from Wednesday 21 July 2021 until Saturday 8 January 2022. The Dominion Theatre Box Office opens on performance days at 12 noon. Venue safety protocols and audience procedures can be viewed here: www.nederlander.co.uk/safety 

We went to check out the first performance #BackOnStage and it was incredible from start to finish. Read about it below

Grab your tickets to see this iconic show below. And, if you fancy treating your children to a show this August, remember this show is part of Kids Week 2021, meaning you can enjoy half-price family tickets for performances throughout August.

Frozen’s Young Elsas and Young Annas announced for the West End

Frozen today announces the Young Elsa’s and Young Anna’s who have been cast to create the roles for the London run of Frozen, which previews at Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 27 August.

The cast includes(left to right) ; Minaii.K – Young Elsa, Kanon Narumi – Young Anna, Sasha Watson-Lobo – Young Elsa, Asanda Masike – Young Anna, Freya Scott – Young Elsa, Ellie Shenker – Young Anna, Tilly-Raye Bayer – Young Elsa and Summer Betson – Young Anna.

The full cast for the production is Samantha Barks (Elsa), Stephanie McKeon (Anna), Obioma Ugoala (Kristoff), Craig Gallivan (Olaf), Oliver Ormson (Hans), Richard Frame (Weselton), and alternating the role of Sven, Mikayla Jade and Ashley Birchall; with Jeremy Batt, Cameron Burt, Lauren Chia, Laura Emmitt, Emily-Mae (Bulda), Hannah Fairclough, Danielle Fiamanya, Chris Fung, Matt Gillett, Joe Griffiths-Brown, Emily Lane, Justin-Lee Jones, Jason Leigh Winter, Jacob Maynard, Leisha Mollyneaux, Gabriel Mokake (King Agnarr), Sarah O’Connor, Jemma Revell, Joshua St. Clair (Pabbie), Jacqui Sanchez (Queen Iduna), Jak Skelly (Oaken/Bishop), Jake Small, Kerry Spark, Isabel Snaas, Monica Swayne, and Anna Woodside.

Shakespeare’s Globe Announces Return of Standing Ticket

Shakespeare’s Globe has announced the return of the much-loved £5 ‘Groundling’ standing tickets for the opening of Twelfth Night on the 29 July.

As a result of the easing of restrictions not permitting standing theatre tickets, the open-air Globe theatre has now announced that 200 of the £5 standing tickets are now on sale for performances from the 29 July. This number will allow for those who choose to social distance in the Yard. The number of standing tickets available will incrementally increase throughout the summer until the end of August when 400 Groundling tickets will be available for each performance.

Seating capacity will also gradually increase throughout the summer with spaces between groups sat on the same row remaining until mid-August. The open-air theatre has laid out plans to be back to full seated capacity by 23 August. The maximum capacity of the Globe is normally 1,600 and the theatre will return to full Groundling capacity (circa 600-700) at a future date. Since May, The Globe has welcomed over 32,000 audience members into 79 performances in the open-air theatre.

Lyric Hammersmith Theatre announces new leadership team appointments

The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre is delighted to announce new leadership team appointments that will take the Lyric forward following the successful reopening of the theatre with current critically acclaimed production Out West.

Amy Belson is appointed Executive Director having served as Interim Executive Director since February 2021. Previously she worked at the Royal Shakespeare Company and Soho Theatre, having started her career at the Lyric before returning in 2018 as Director of Communications & Sales. Having worked together over the past two years, Amy will join Rachel O’Riordan, the Lyric’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive, to lead the theatre.

Four new trustees will also be joining the Lyric’s Board bringing new talent and skills to the existing Board chaired by Lisa Burger; Rondette Amoy Smith, Lameya Chaudhury, Professor Farah Kerim-Cooper and Derek Richards. They join existing trustees Cllr Jonathan Caleb-Landy, Cllr Sue Fennimore, David Greig, Cllr Bora Kwon, Kamran Mallick, Liz Elston Mayhew, Julie Molloy, Cllr Patricia Quigley and David Sharkey.

Tanika Gupta cements her artistic connection with the Lyric by joining current Lyric Artistic Associates Tinuke Craig, Philip McMahon and Nina Steiger. Her critically acclaimed adaptation of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House opened Rachel O’Riordan’s first season as Artistic Director, which has recently been added to the Edexcel GCSE curriculum.  Her new play The Overseas Student has reopened the theatre as part of Out West, which runs at the Lyric until Saturday 24 July and is co-directed by Rachel O’Riordan and Diane Page.

Last June we launched our partnership with Sky VIP with a six episode series of exclusive Virtual West End LIVE Q&As and performances available to watch on the My Sky App and via our YouTube channel. This was followed by the first of our Behind The Curtain with… series featuring shows such as The Prince Of Egypt, Wicked and Disney’s The Lion King.

Our latest series with Sky VIP features 7 x 30 minute episodes from some of your favourite shows on the My Sky App and then will be available to watch afterwards on our YouTube channel. The episodes are:

• Amélie The Musical on the My Sky App from 17 May and 21 June on YouTube
• Cinderella on the My Sky App from 21 June and 19 July on YouTube
• Hairspray on the My Sky App from 19 July and 16 August on YouTube
• The Phantom Of The Opera on the My Sky App from 16 August and 13 September on YouTube
• Jersey Boys on the My Sky App from 13 September and 11 October on YouTube
• Back To The Future on the My Sky App from 18 October and 15 November on YouTube
• Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Story on the My Sky App from 15 November and 22 December on YouTube

We are delighted to have been able to partner with Sky VIP, which is Sky’s customer loyalty programme, and together we’ve been able to support the theatre industry and create opportunities for performers during a difficult year.

Sky customers can access the above episodes by registering on the My Sky App. If they aren’t a Sky VIP already, they can join for free on the My Sky App.

For non-Sky customers, remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch the releases there.

In the meantime, you can watch our playlist of Virtual West End LIVE performances here featuring & Juliet, Come From Away, SIX, Mamma Mia!, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Pretty Woman and our first Behind The Curtains… series here featuring The Prince Of Egypt, Wicked, Disney’s The Lion King, Only Fools And Horses, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, Matilda The Musical, The Play That Goes Wrong and Harry Potter And The Cursed Child.

Tomorrow sees our wonderful West End open again and the shows can’t wait to have you back. Until you make your much anticipated comeback, we have Stage Door with Sky VIP to get you ready for your curtain call.

Theatre Royal Stratford East today announces its return to live work on stage:

• The previously announced The Sun, The Moon, And The Stars, written by Dipo Baruwa-Etti, directed by Nadia Fall and starring Kibong Tanji, will now play from Wed 2 – Sat 19 Jun 2021.
• The previously announced Extinct, written by April De Angelis and directed by Kirsty Housley, will now play from Wed 30 Jun – Sat 17 Jul 2021.
• Both The Sun, The Moon, And The Stars and Extinct will be available online for the final week of their respective runs.
• Nadia fall will direct a new production of Conor McPherson’s Shining City, which will star Brendan Coyle and will run from Fri 17 Sep – Sat 23 Oct 2021.
• The Stratford East Young Company will perform SCREAM FIRE (FOR THE REVOLUTION), devised and written by Natasha Brown with the Young Company, and directed by Nastazja Domaradzka, and Punk Rock by Simon Stephens and directed by Toby Clarke in Jul 2021.
• The previously announced pantomime Red Riding Hood will play from Sat 27 Nov – Sat 31 Dec 2021.

The previously announced After The End by Dennis Kelly, directed by Lyndsey Turner will be rescheduled for early 2022, with performances to be announced at a later date.

Nadia Fall, Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Stratford East said:

“Finally, finally, finally, after much anticipation, we are incredibly excited to announce our reopening, and we will be welcoming audiences back to the theatre from 2 June, opening with Dipo Baruwa-Etti’s The Sun, The Moon, And The Stars, followed by Extinct by April De Angelis. Our Youth Theatres are now also in full swing with real life rehearsals, and slowly but surely, we are making the positive steps towards bringing our beloved theatre back to life.

“Despite the challenges of the past year, we still found new and innovative ways to tell stories; we staged site-specific theatre in a basketball court, made films online and broadcast on Sky Arts, as well as platforming new writing as audio plays and releasing podcasts. Welcome To Iran, our National Theatre co-production that was sadly cancelled due to the pandemic, has been made in to a radio play for BBC Radio 3 and will be broadcast on Sunday 23 May. But what we’ve all been craving is the return of the live communal experience, for which there is simply no substitute, and I’m thrilled to say we will be staging Shining City by the prolific, master storyteller Conor McPherson this autumn starring the brilliant Brendan Coyle.”

“I want to extend thanks to our generous supporters as well as grants such as the Cultural Recovery Fund, which has played a huge part in allowing us to open in a socially-distanced manner. I also want to reassure our community that we have eagerly been preparing our building for the return of artists and audiences, putting in place stringent cleaning regimes, seating plans and new routes through the theatre to ensure our staff and visitors remain safe. We cannot wait to see you all this summer.”

Find out more here.

Casting announced for the return of The Phantom Of The Opera

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh are delighted to announce casting for the return of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, to its home and birthplace Her Majesty’s Theatre.

Lucy St Louis will play ‘Christine Daaé’ and Rhys Whitfield will play ‘Raoul’. They join the previously announced double Olivier Award nominee Killian Donnelly as ‘The Phantom’.

Click here to read the full story!

Lucy St Louis will play ‘Christine Daaé’ and Rhys Whitfield will play ‘Raoul’. They join the previously announced double Olivier Award nominee Killian Donnelly as ‘The Phantom’.

The cast also includes Saori Oda as ‘Carlotta Giudicelli’, Matt Harrop as ‘Monsieur Firmin’, Adam Linstead as ‘Monsieur André’, Greg Castiglioni as ‘Ubaldo Piangi’, Francesca Ellis as ‘Madame Giry’ and Ellie Young as Meg Giry. At certain performances the role of ‘Christine Daaé’ will be played by Holly-Anne Hull.

They are joined by Leeroy Boone, Corina Clark, Edward Court, Lily De-La-Haye, Hywel Dowsell, Jemal Felix, Erin Flaherty, James Gant, Eilish Harmon-Beglan, Yukina Hasebe, Olivia Holland-Rose, Grace Hume, James Hume, Donald Craig Manuel, Jonathan Milton, Janet Mooney, Tim Morgan, Beatrice Penny-Toure, Michael Robert-Lowe, Nikki Skinner, Tim Southgate, Ashley Stillburn, Manon Taris, Anouk Van Laake, Skye Weiss, Simon Whitaker and Karen Wilkinson.

Andrew Lloyd Webber said today “I am thrilled to announce our first entirely new cast for The Phantom of the Opera in London in over 35 years. This cast includes some wonderful performers with whom I have worked in the past, such as Killian and Rhys as well as the hugely exciting Lucy St Louis in the role of Christine Daaé. Lucy first sang for me in between lockdowns one and two and I was utterly bewitched. I am also very proud to welcome Beatrice Penny-Toure, Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Arts Ed scholarship graduate, to the Phantom family in her first professional role.”

Cameron Mackintosh said today “Putting the new version of the original Phantom production back into its perfect home Her Majesty’s Theatre, 35 years after its premiere, is an unexpected thrill. None of us had any idea The Phantom would be haunting the stage for so long. Although many of our brilliant original creative colleagues including, Hal Prince, Maria Björnson and Gillian Lynne are sadly no longer with us, their work lives on inspiring our new creative team to stage the Phantom afresh, as if it was a brand new production. This time around Her Majesty’s Theatre will take even more of a starring role alongside our brilliant new cast. Andrew and I cannot wait for our opera to begin again on 27 July, a few weeks before it opens at the Sydney Opera House and ahead of its return to Broadway.”

Following the government’s announcement of the roadmap out of lockdown stating that the return of full audiences to the theatre would not be allowed until 21 June at the earliest, performances will now begin on 27 July 2021. Patrons who purchased tickets prior to 27 July will be contacted directly by the box office and given priority to exchange their tickets. Bookings have been extended until 13 February 2022.

Lucy St Louis starred as ‘Diana Ross’ in the West End production of “Motown The Musical” at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Her many other West End credits include “Beautiful The Carole King Musical” at the Aldwych Theatre and “The Book of Mormon” at the Prince of Wales Theatre. Lucy has also appeared in “Ragtime” at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and “Man of La Mancha” at the London Coliseum.

Rhys Whitfield most recently played the role of ‘Raoul’ in the National Tour of “The Phantom of the Opera”. He has also appeared in “Summer and Smoke” at the Duke of York’s Theatre in the West End and as ‘Peter’ in “Jesus Christ Superstar” at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. His other credits include “Close to You” at the Criterion Theatre and the UK tour of “The Commitments”.

Killian Donnelly was most recently seen as ‘The Phantom’ in the UK tour of “The Phantom of the Opera”. Before this he played the role of ‘Jean Valjean’ to critical acclaim in the sell-out UK and Ireland Tour of “Les Misérables”, having also played the role in West End production. Prior to his run in “Les Misérables”, he played the role of ‘Charlie Price’ in “Kinky Boots” on Broadway, a role he originated at the Adelphi Theatre in the West End in 2015, for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award. His other theatre credits include ‘Huey’ in the original London cast of “Memphis” at the Shaftesbury Theatre for which he was also nominated for an Olivier Award.  He created the role of ‘Deco’ in “The Commitments” at the Palace Theatre and has also played ‘Tony’ in “Billy Elliot” at the Victoria Palace Theatre as well as ‘Raoul’ in “The Phantom of the Opera” at Her Majesty’s Theatre. He first joined the company of “Les Misérables” in 2008, going on to play the role of ‘Enjolras’ from 2009 to 2011. In 2010, he played the role of ‘Courfeyrac’ in the “25th Anniversary Concert of Les Misérables” at The O2 Arena and also played the role of ‘Combeferre’ in the multi-award-winning film of the show, released in 2012

Obtaining Government backed contingency insurance to protect against further unscheduled closures remains a priority.  All plans for the re-opening of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA are in accordance with the Government’s latest directives and therefore subject to change.

As soon as tickets are available on Official London Theatre, we’ll be sure to keep you posted!

Earl Carpenter and John Owen-Jones have combined forces to develop Voices Of The West End, a new production coming to four non-theatres venues around the UK. This innovative way of bringing live theatre outdoors will see three-metre squares roped off as picnic pitches, so you can bring some snacks & cocoa and sit safely with your party and enjoy four of the West End’s finest voices.

Voices Of The West End will see Earl Carpenter and John Owen-Jones joined by Kerry Ellis (Wicked, We Will Rock You) and Katie Hall (The Phantom Of The Opera). The production will come to four scenic venues across the UK Broadlands in Romsey, Stonor Park near Henley-On-Thames, Bywell Hall in Northumberland and the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire.

John said:

“This has been inspired by so many friends and fans messaging both of us and saying one of the things they have missed the most is a trip to the theatre. Much has been written about the crisis facing live performers, so we wanted to do something positive in the face of that.

“Everyone knows one of the happiest and most joyful escapes can be a trip to see your favourite musical performed live and we felt a slice of that is exactly what was needed right now- we’ve all had enough of only looking at screens!”

“I’m hoping people will bring their own deckchairs or picnic or even dress up as their favourite musical characters!” John added.

As a commitment to their industry, Earl, John, Katie, Kerry and musicians Music Director and Accompanist Jennifer Whyte and Cellist Yvonne Marie Parsons are championing theatrical charity Acting For Others.

Tickets will be available for up to four people per plot, exclusively from two households or support bubbles sharing a picnic plot, which will be allocated on arrival. Find out more and grab tickets here.

As a result of the coronavirus crisis, Cameron Mackintosh said he has had to undergo an ‘awful (and) distressing’ downsizing of his organisation, and has had to come to the difficult decision to close The Phantom Of The Opera alongside Andrew Lloyd Webber.

He spoke of the difficulties around re-opening, saying that his productions will need at least four months to re-start their productions, as it will take time to build audience confidence, get bookings up and get performers back on top form.

The Phantom Of The Opera has been running at Her Majesty’s Theatre since October 1986 and won more than 70 major theatre awards.

Cameron Mackintosh said he and Andrew Lloyd Webber are “determined to bring it back to London in the future”.

Update:

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group has clarified news on The Phantom Of The Opera, saying that the iconic musical will in fact be returning to the West End after this period of closure.

Jessica Koravos, president of Really Useful Group, told The Stage that the show is being closed to allow work to be carried out on the show’s set and on Her Majesty’s Theatre, where it has been running for 34 years.

Really Useful Group knew that they would have to refresh the set – some parts of which simply weren’t built to last the three and a half decades they have survived so far – but planned this a few years down the line. However, with the forced closure due to the pandemic, they realised that it made sense to start the work sooner, rather than to have two periods of closure.

So Phantom will be back, unchanged, as soon as they can!

Each year, West End behemoths go head to head to compete in a thespian-infused Eurovision. It’s full of glitter, joy and stagey stars. Today, the line-up has been announced and it’s as glitzy as one could wish for.

The shows taking part in this year’s competition are Come From Away, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, The Phantom Of The Opera, The Prince Of Egypt, and Wicked.

Each show will perform an original Eurovision Song Contest entry of their choice. That’s right. They have 85 years and all of Europe’s entries to choose from. The winner will be chosen by text votes from the theatre audience and a panel of celebrity judges.

So far, Tom Allen (Bake Off Extra Slice) and Adam Garcia (Tap Dogs) have been announced as judges with more being announced closer to the date.

This year’s contest marks the variety show’s 10th anniversary and with new kids in town, Mary Poppins and The Prince Of Egypt, it’s anyone’s competition.

The show takes place at the Adelphi Theatre on Sunda 19 April at 7.15pm. To get tickets, click here.

Tickets for The Pillowman now on sale

On Friday, it was announced that Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Steve Pemberton will star in the upcoming production of the iconic and acclaimed play The Pillowman. The production brings together Oscar and Olivier Award-winning writer Martin McDonagh and director Matthew Dunster once again. The pair’s last West End production was the audience and critical favourite Hangmen, making this upcoming staging even more exciting.

Today, tickets to the run which opens in July have gone on sale so get yours while you can.

The winners of the WhatsOnStage Awards announced

Last night, London theatre’s A-list was out in full for the 20th annual WhatsOnStage Awards. The ceremony took place at the Prince Of Wales Theatre and was hosted by Jodie Prenger and Tom Read Wilson.

Leading the pack with the most wins – a whopping six from a grand total of 13 nominations – was &Juliet which included a win for Miriam-Teak Lee who took home the Best Actress In A Musical award.

However, it was Come From Away who took home the most coveted award of the night – Best New Musical – along with all the other awards it was nominated for which included the Best Supporting Actress In A Musical award which went to Rachel Tucker.

Other winners included Andrew Scott for Best Actor In A Play, Claire Foy for Best Actress In A Play, Sophie Thompson for Best Supporting Actress In A Play, Sam Tutty and Jack Loxton for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor In A Musical respectively for their roles in Dear Evan Hansen, and Six which won the inaugural BBC2 Radio Audience Award for Best Musical. Jamie Lloyd, Hammed Animashaun, Life Of Pi, Mary Poppins, The Colour Purple, and Falsettos all saw wins also.

The Equity Award for Services to Theatre was presented to ERA 50:50 – Equal Representation for Actresses. Maureen Beattie, President of Equity, presented the award to Denis Gough.

Congratulations to all that won! You can see them in the gallery below.

Jacqueline Wilson’s Hetty Feather to be screened in cinemas across the UK

Missing a production is always a kick in the teeth – especially when it’s earned mass critical acclaim. So it’s always music to our ears when a second opportunity arises thanks to cinema screenings.

Today it has been announced that a recording of Jacqueline Wilson’s Hetty Feather will be available for your viewing pleasure from 15 April.

Filmed live at Nuffield Southampton Theatres, and produced by BroadwayHD, the premiere streaming service for live theatre, the full cast includes Matt Costain (Jem/Matron Bottomly), Sarah Goddard (Peg/Ida), Mark Kane (Gideon), Isaac Stanmore (Saul), Phoebe Thomas (Hetty Feather) and Nikki Warwick (Madame Adeline). Having premièred at Rose Theatre in Kingston the production enjoyed a sell-out run at the Vaudeville Theatre in 2014, followed by a run at Duke of York’s Theatre and UK tour in 2015.

Our annual New Year Sale encourages you to ‘Get into London Theatre’ with tickets for £10, £20, £30 or £40 to top London shows for performances between 1 January and 13 February 2020; the perfect excuse to catch your favourite show or perhaps something new.

With just a few weeks to go, we are rounding up 10 must-see shows in our New Year Sale that include everything from Olivier Award-winning comedies and iconic musicals to classic murder mysteries and the most successful theatre productions of all time. So whether you fancy a laugh, some magic or a dose of inspiration, we’ve got something for you!

Wicked

This hugely popular musical has been casting a spell over audiences in the West End for thirteen spellbinding years! And now it’s your chance to see it with great prices in our New Year Sale.

In a re-imagining of the Wizard Of Oz, Wicked follows the unlikely but heartfelt friendship between the blonde and very popular Glinda and the misunderstood, shy, green Elphaba. After meeting The Wonderful Wizard, their lives take very different paths as the two witches fulfil their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Packed with storming songs, wit and stunning costumes, this spectacular production is a riot of colours and magic, so grab a friend and follow that yellow brick road to London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre.

Matilda The Musical

For any musical fan, Matilda The Musical playing at Cambridge Theatre is simply unmissable. The globally renowned stage show from Tim Minchin and the Royal Shakespeare Company tells the story of Roald Dahl’s much-loved tale of Matilda, a child genius with horrid parents. Each time her parents treat her badly, Matilda teaches them a lesson. Armed with a sharp mind and a wild imagination, this is a story about a little girl who dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

Hilarious, moving and oh so exhilarating, it’s no surprise that this standout show is the winner of over 90 international awards, including 23 for Best Musical! As Matilda would say, if it’s not right, you’ve got to make it right…Grab your tickets now!

The Phantom Of The Opera

Winner of 70 major theatre awards and seen by more than 140 million people, The Phantom Of The Opera continues to mesmerise audiences at Her Majesty’s Theatre and around the world.

Based on Gaston Leroux’s gothic novel of life beneath the stage of the Paris Opera House, the story tells the tale of Phantom – a man ashamed of his physical appearance – who hides from the real world in the darkness of the theatre. Haunting the opera house and feared by all, he manipulates the actors and crew. But when he falls in love with a chorus girl whose old friend returns to rescue her, will he get his revenge? 

In one of the most successful theatre productions of all time, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s mesmerising score combines flawlessly with jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking special effects, bringing this tragic love story to life. 

School Of Rock – The Musical

If you’ve seen the movie featuring Jack Black, you’ll remember the guitar-thrashing, drum-rolling celebration of the power of rock.

Dewey Finn is a down-on-his-luck wannabe rock star struggling to make ends meet and determined to do so through the power of music. Posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school, Finn discovers his students’ hidden musical talents, and opts to enlist his fifth-graders in a quest to conquer The Battle Of The Bands – but can he do so without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out?

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation School Of Rock – The Musical has been leaving audiences rocking night after night at the Gillian Lynne Theatre since its West End premier in 2016. But with it’s final performance on the 1st March, the New Year Sale is just another excuse to snap up some tickets before it closes.

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery

If you loved The Play That Goes Wrong and Magic Goes Wrong, or are simply looking for a laugh in the capital, you’ll definitely want to catch this Olivier Award-nominated West End comedy currently playing at the Criterion Theatre.

Follow the story about one enormous diamond, eight incompetent crooks and a snoozing security guard. Think; Ocean’s Eleven meets the Marx Brothers in this fantastic new comedy, packed with swag loads of laughter. With the show closing on 3 May, it’d be criminal to miss it!

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

For a healthy dose of sass, glitter and feel-good vibes, head to the Apollo Theatre for Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

Inspired by the 2011 BBC Three documentary, Jamie: Drag Queen At 16, the inspiring show tells the true story of a 16-year-old boy who has a secret to tell and dreams to make true. Packed with show-stopping songs written by Dan Gillespie Sells, lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, this modern fairy tale is a breath of fresh air and will have you clapping your hands with happiness!

Get into the groove and book tickets to see this bright, colourful, sensational show that was nominated for a whopping five Olivier Awards! (It’s no wonder Everybody’s Talking About Jamie!)

Waitress

If you’re looking for something to warm you up on these cold wintery days, Waitress is serving up a healthy slice of pie at the Adelphi Theatre.

Follow the heartwarming story of expert pie maker Jenna, stuck in a small town and a neglected marriage. Dreaming of bigger and better things, Jenna’s life begins brighten up when she forms a plan to enter a life-changing baking contest in a nearby county.

This beautiful story about friendship, motherhood (and the magic of a well-made pie!) will make you laugh, cry, tap your feet and sing-a-long to the famous songs of six-time Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter, Sara Bareilles. And if that’s not enough to sway you, Sara herself will be featuring in the leading role of Jenna for a strictly limited run until 7 March. If you want to see the superstar in this iconic run, you know what to do…Grab your New Year Sale tickets now.

The Mousetrap

When a famous murder mystery show has audiences still searching for the culprit after more than 60 years, you know it’s a goodun!

Hotel owners Giles and Mollie find themselves busier than expected when a snowstorm hits the area. While this huge turn out is good for business, a phone call from the police changes the tone as they discover a dangerous murderer is on the loose, and they can’t trust anyone!

Written by Agatha Christie, The Mousetrap is one of the most famous whodunnits in the world, having been enjoyed by London theatregoers since 25th November 1952. Don’t miss your chance to buy New Year Sale tickets to see this iconic play at St. Martins Theatre. 

The Play That Goes Wrong

Mischief Theatre’s hugely successful chaotic comedy tale must be doing something right having won the Olivier Award for Best Comedy in 2015 and now playing at the Duchess Theatre and more theatres across the globe.

Follow the antics of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society who are trying their  best to stage a production of a 1920s murder mystery. But as the show’s title might suggest, this is not as easy as it sounds, with everything that can go wrong… well, doing just that. Watch out for collapsing sets, forgotten lines, broken fourth walls, absent props and unfortunate injuries aplenty.

Now stumbling through its sixth catastrophic year, The Play That Goes Wrong is guaranteed to leave your face aching with laughter! 

Thriller Live

If you fancy a little sing-a-long or boogey, this tribute to Michael Jackson’s legendary career is a great pick.

Now in it’s record breaking 10th year, the spectacular show features more than 20 performers with a full company of singers, dancers and a live band to celebrate the music of Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5. 

From Rock With You and I Want You Back to Show You The Way and Billie Jean, the all-dancing, all-singing showdown features two hours of hit songs alongside some eye-popping video footage, special effects and choreography by award-winning director Gary Loud (who has previously worked with Leona Lewis, Girls Aloud and Robbie Williams). 

With Thriller Live closing on 26 April, the New Year Sale is the perfect reason to grab some tickets and have yourself a rockin’ night at the Lyric Theatre.

Nica Burns, Producer of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie said: “We are delighted to welcome a new class of exceptionally talented young performers, many of them making their West End debut including our brilliant new Jamie, Noah Thomas. Leading them to light up the winter sky are our current star cast playing the grown ups, Melissa Jacques (Margaret New), Preeya Kalidas (Miss Hedge), Sejal Keshwala (Ray) with Roy Haylock / Bianca Del Rio unveiling two sensational new drag queens. As funny, fabulous and feelgood as ever.”

Based on a true story, this inspiring show follows the life of Jamie Campbell who has a secret to tell and a dream he was determined to realise. Earning five Olivier Award nominations, this funny, fabulous and totally fearless production is sweeping the West End by storm and is showing no signs of stopping. Read more below and get your tickets! 

Following its great success in the first two seasons of Sunday Favourites at The Other Palace, Lambert Jackson Productions today announced the line-up of their third season of intimate West End concerts called Monday Favourites. The exciting line up includes Divina de Campo (finalist of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK) on Monday 2nd March, Jordan Luke Gage (& Juliet, Bat Out Of Hell) on 16th March, John Owen Jones (Les Miserables, The Phantom Of The Opera) on 30th March, and Maiya Quansah-Breed (Six) on 20th April.

If you’re a musical theatre fan, you will love Monday’s Favourites. Bringing together the big stars of the West in a beautiful intimate space with only 300 seats, you’ll be in the perfect spot to see these superstars perform an acoustic show of their favourite songs. And if you’ve always dreamed of getting a snap with your favourite cast member, you’ll be pleased to know that meet and greet options will also be available.

2:22 A Ghost Story

This spooky tale from award-winning writer Danny Robins (creator of hit podcast The Battersea Poltergeist) will genuinely have you on the edge of your seats. With Olivier-nominated sound design that will have you on edge from curtain up to standing ovation, two couples explore the ideas around ghosts and hauntings, all while they wait up to experience something that seems to be visiting, every night at 2:22am…

Heathers The Musical

If you’ve seen the cult ’80s classic film, you’ll know it’s pretty funny for a story about murderous teenagers. Poppy, peppy and fun, this twisted tail of mean girls and high-school hierarchy gone awry will have you tapping your feet in your seat. You just might never look at teenagers the same way again.

Harry Potter And The Cursed Child

Not just for the Potterheads! Where else can you see real-life witches and wizards live on stage but the Palace Theatre. The real magic in Harry Potter And The Cursed Child is not the kind that comes out of wands – with incredible technical effects, choreography and a whole bunch of secrets, this is the closest you’ll get to believing magic is real on the West End!

Wicked

I mean, the whole of the Apollo Victoria Theatre is green, what more could you possibly want? While Wicked is a tale of witches and evil and flying monkeys, you may just come away feeling a little more heart-warmed than scared. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

The Mousetrap

More than 70 years on at St Martin’s Theatre, and the culprit of this famous murder mystery is still somehow unknown! Agatha Christie’s tale is one of the most famous whodunnits around the world. With a hotel full of guests stuck in a snowstorm, distrust and tension rise and accusations fly. The investigation will have you on the edge of your seat.

The Phantom Of The Opera

If you’re looking for something a bit more musical (and who can blame you?) but still thrillingly spooky, the obvious choice is iconic musical Phantom Of The Opera. It doesn’t matter if you know the twists and turns inside out and know all the words to every song – it will never not be creepy. Head to Her Majesty’s Theatre to be well and truly spooked.

Witness For The Prosecution

Staged inside a unique court room setting inside London County Hall, Agatha Christie’s famous work is utterly thrilling. This 2018 revival was the first major London production of a play written by Agatha Christie to open since the 1960s. Facing the hangman’s noose, Leonard Vole must persuade the jury that he’s innocent of murdering a rich widow for her inheritance. The stakes are the highest they could be.

The Woman In Black

The Woman In Black barely needs any introduction – the iconic ghost story has been terrifying theatregoers in London for over 30 years. Suffice to say, the stage show is no less terrifying than the 2012 film, despite having only two main cast members and minimal props. And of course, we’re sure you’ve heard the rumours that the Fortune Theatre is haunted…

Michael Crawford

Michael Crawford was the original phantom back in 1986. Anecdotally, Michael was offered the part after Andrew Lloyd Webber and his then wife Sarah Brightman arrived early for her singing lesson and happened to overhear the end of the previous students lesson. Intrigued, they tracked down the owner of the voice and called him in for an audition. The rest is musical history!

With two and a half years under his belt, over 1,300 performances, an Olivier Award, a Tony Award and a presidential performance, Michael Crawford achieved a lot as the first Phantom! He was one of the guests of honour – alongside some of the other biggest Phantom Of The Opera actors – at Phantom’s 30th anniversary gala back in 2016.

Since then, he’s been acting on and off the stage, originating the role of the Wizard in Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice’s The Wizard Of Oz at the London Palladium in 2011; reprising 70s sit-com Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em in 2016 for a special sport relief charity episode and starring in the new West End musical The Go-Between at the Apollo Theatre in May 2016.

At the age of 77, he shows no signs of quitting the stage and last year appeared in the 60th anniversary performance of Benjamin Britten’s Noye’s Fludde as the voice of God.

Ben Forster

After winning  ITV’s reality TV competition Superstar in 2012, Ben Forster stepped up to don the infamous mask in 2016. His next turn in musical theatre wasn’t so lucky as in 2018, he came off a ladder during a performance of Elf The Musical, breaking his ankle, and was unable to finish the run.

All healed up now, he’s now showcasing his voice all around the world. Having performed his first UK solo show – Me, Myself & Musicals – at Theatre Royal Haymarket in June this year, he announced the formation of a new musical theatre supergroup The Cardinals alongside Carrie Hope Fletcher, Celinde Shoenmaker and another ex-Phantom, Ramin Karimloo. While they’ve yet to announce any official gigs past their surprise performance back in June and an appearance at BBC Proms In The Park in September, musical theatre fans are hanging on the edge of their seats.

Ben also recently announced he would be singing alongside other former Phantoms John Owen-Jones and Earl Carpenter as well as Kerry Ellis and Anna O’Byrne in Japan next March with The Voices Of The West End 2020.

Ramin Karimloo

At only 28, Ramin was the youngest ever Phantom on the West End. In another piece of Phantom history, in 2010 he originated the role of the Phantom in Love Never Dies – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s official sequel to The Phantom Of The Opera.

Since then, Ramin has popped up in musicals both sides of the pond, including Evita, Chess, Anastasia, Parade and the 2014 Broadway revival of Les Miserables, which gained him a Tony nomination. He reprised the role of the Phantom in May last year in a series of The Phantom Of The Opera concerts in Seoul alongside Anna O’Byrne.

In January this year, Ramin made the leap from the stage to the small screen when he was cast as cardiothoracic surgeon Kian Madani in Holby City. He’s not hung up his musical boots yet though, and played Doctor Zhivago in the UK premiere of Doctor Zhivago The Musical at Cadogan Hall this September alongside Celinde Schoenmaker.

Peter Polycarpou

Peter Polycarpou has had a long and varied career. He played the Phantom back in 1991, while he was also starring in BBC sitcom Birds Of A Feather. Since then, he’s been belting out showtunes all over the place, including Oklahoma!, The Secret Garden, Sweeny Todd, Guys And Dolls.

You’ll have caught him on the small screen too, as he’s appeared in British classics EastEnders, The Bill, Casualty, Holby City and Waking The Dead. He’s even done voice work for the James Bond 007: Bloodstone and Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows video games.

This year he appeared in a 3-episode arc of Sky Atlantic series Riviera as well as dusting off his vocal pipes to play Sancho in Man Of La Mancha opposite Kelsey Garmmer as Cerval for the English National Opera at the London Coliseum. He also played Boris Bereszovsky in the critically acclaimed A Very Expensive Poison at the Old Vic, a play from Lucy Prebble about the assassination of Alexander Litvinenko and the fall-out from his death.

John Owen-Jones

Playing the masked anti-hero for 3 and a half years and nearly 1,400 performances, John Owen-Jones was the longest running West End Phantom, and one of the most prolific Phantom Of The Opera actors of all time. A Les Mis and Phantom veteran, John has been appearing in productions, concerts and musical celebrations of the two since the early noughties, and was a special guest at both of the shows’ 25th anniversary concert events.

As well as appearing in non-musical and musical theatre throughout the years, John has written and released several albums that include songs from musicals, hymns and traditional Welsh language songs. His recent albums include Unmasked, Rise and Spotlight, which came out this year. We were lucky enough to catch some of Spotlight in John’s West End Live performance this year.

After 33 years, The Phantom Of The Opera is still going strong at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Currently starring Josh Piterman, Kelly Mathieson, Danny Whitehead and Britt Lenting, you can book your tickets to the classic tale of romance and heartbreak below.

To help you choose where to go, we’ve picked a few restaurants your kids will love that are close to Kids Week shows.

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Caffe Concerto, Haymarket

Nearby shows: The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Where Is Peter Rabbit? and The Phantom Of The Opera.

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Where Is Peter Rabbit? and The Phantom Of The Opera. Four shows that are worlds apart but the Criterion, Harold Pinter, Her Majesty’s and Haymarket theatres sure aren’t. If you’re planning to burn some extra calories laughing by watching The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, feel peckish after seeing Peter nibble carrots or feel like eating your emotions after seeing Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, why not consider visiting Caffe Concerto? They serve delicious Italian food so you can have a proper meal which doesn’t involve nuggets and your little one can have a yummy dish that they’ll love. Kids can choose a free meal from a set menu, plus a drink when an adult purchases a main course. Or, if you’d prefer, you can get 15% off your bill. Just be warned, there’s a lot of cake on display at Caffe Concerto so be ready to either say no or embrace the sugar rush.

If you’re looking for something a bit more casual, Planet Hollywood is also a great shout and offers 20% off food, soft drinks and merchandise when you show your theatre tickets. Or Riley’s Haymarket who also offers 20% off your food bill.

Maxwell’s, Covent Garden

Nearby shows: The Girl On The Train, Brainiac Live, The Night Of The Iguana and On Your Feet

If you’re a regular theatre-goer, you’ve probably visited St Martin’s Lane more times than you can count. And this Kids Week will just keep racking up those visits as there are loads of shows on offer on the famous theatre road. If you’re planning on seeing The Girl On The Train at the Duke Of York’s Theatre, Brainiac Live at the Garrick Theatre, The Night Of The Iguana at the Noël Coward Theatre, or On Your Feet at the London Coliseum, Maxwell’s could very well be your saving grace when you have a hungry child in tow.

Serving hearty, all-American grub, Maxwell’s will be an absolute hit with your kid. From creamy mac and cheese to finger-licking ribs, this diner-style restaurant will fast become their favourite – so be ready to visit time and again. Kids can enjoy a free main course when they accompany an adult who has a full price main.

If burgers aren’t quite your thing, Bella Italia is just on the corner of St Martin’s Lane and Garrick Street where you can get 20% off your food bill from Sunday to Friday. Or Palm Court, which offers authentic French cuisine, is a short walk away and offers 25% off your food bill when you order off the a la carte menu.

Talli Joe, Seven Dials

Nearby shows: The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ – The Musical, The Mousetrap and Matilda

A new musical and London’s longest-running play sit next to each other just off Seven Dials. And if you’re planning on seeing either The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ – The Musical or The Mousetrap – or managed to snap up tickets to Matilda – there’s a brilliant restaurant serving traditional flavours in a unique way.

Talli Joe sits on Shaftesbury Avenue, just moments away from West Street. It’s a casual eatery which has been featured on the Best Indian Restaurants in London by Evening Standard, Best Restaurants in London by Conde Nast Traveller, and Time Out’s Best 100 dishes lists. It serves small plates and half plates which showcase tastes from all over India and it’s a great way to introduce new foods to both your palette and your little one. You can either get 15% off your food bill when you order off the a la carte menu between 5pm and 7pm Monday to Saturday or enjoy a set menu for £15 between 5pm and 6.30pm and from 9.30pm.

If you don’t mind a wee walk, inamo Covent Garden is just five minutes away and your kids will LOVE it. It serves pan Asian food which you order on the interactive tables. The tables also have games, a kitchen cam and more to keep your youngun entertained. Kids can get a free dessert when they order a dish and a drink from the a la carte menu.

Shoryu, Soho

Nearby shows: Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – Part Four, Thriller Live, The Gruffalo, and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Just like St Martin’s Lane, Shaftsbury Avenue is a haven for theatre lovers. With Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – Part Four, Thriller Live, The Gruffalo, and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, chances are you might be trotting down the glitzy street over the next few weeks. And while you’re there, you may as well visit Shoryu.

Serving up authentic ramen which has been simmered for 12 hours, you and your child can enjoy a comforting and filling meal which will curb any tummy rumbles during the show. And if you think it’s too hot for soup, Shoryu also serves fluffy, melt-in-the-mouth bao buns, sushi, rice dishes and more. You can save 20% off ramen dishes and the a la carte menu.

Bodean’s, Covent Garden

Nearby shows: Waitress, The Woman In Black, The Play That Goes Wrong, 9 To 5 The Musical, Disney’s The Lion King and Mamma Mia

Hailing to the east of Theatreland lies Waitress, The Woman In Black, The Play That Goes Wrong, 9 To 5 The Musical, Disney’s The Lion King and Mamma Mia!. If your kid is lucky enough to be seeing any of these giant shows, they’ll need a giant meal, too.

Offering Kansas City-style barbecue, Bodean’s is a meat-lovers dream. Discover the true flavour of an all-American grill with all the fixins. As well as ribs, chicken, burnt ends, pulled pork and more, there’s also a wide selection of salads, sides (include cornbread muffins), and even veggie options. With your theatre ticket, you can get 20% off both your food and drink bill.

If a full-on BBQ is just too much for a pre- or post-theatre meal, then why not try Farmstand, Savoy Grill, Boulevard Brasserie or Roka? All offer great offers and even better food.

There are plenty of other restaurants offering meal deals with your theatre tickets. Click here to find the whole list.

Still don’t have your Kids Week tickets? Don’t worry! There are still plenty available. There are even some activities left for your kids to take part in, too.

Please note that terms and conditions apply to each restaurant booking and offer and some of the Kids Week shows mentioned are now sold out.

With the immortal musical heading into its 34th West End year, the iconic role will be played by Australian singer and performer Josh, whose self-titled debut solo album last year reached Number 1 in the Australian Classical Crossover iTunes chart. He’s also plenty of prestige in the Australian musical theatre scene, having played Tony in West Side Story, Jamie in The Last Five Years, and Edward in Blood Brothers.

While The Phantom Of The Opera isn’t Josh’s UK debut – he played Corny Collins in the recent national tour of Hairspray – it does mark an extraordinary West End bow for him. He begins performances on 9 September.

Also joining the cast will be Britt Lenting – a fellow West End debutant who you may recognise from BBC One’s All Together Now – as Carlotta Giudicelli, and Richard Woodford (We Will Rock You, West End) as Monsieur André.

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The continuing cast sees Danny Whitehead move into the role of Raoul, with Bridget Costello moving into the role of alternate Christine. Kelly Mathieson will carry on as Christine Daaé, Ross Dawes as Monsieur Firmin, Jacinta Mulcahy as Madame Giry, Paul Ettore Tabone as Ubaldo Piangi, Georgia Ware as Meg Giry, and Scott Davies as the standby Phantom.

The Phantom Of The Opera cast will be completed by Zoe Arshamian, Matthew Barrow, James Butcher, Grace Castle, Sophie Caton, Sophie Cottrill, Corinne Cowling, Hadrian Delacey, Morven Douglas, Paul Erbs, Philip Griffiths, Katy Hanna, Ellen Jackson, Adam Robert Lewis, Kris Manuel, Tim Morgan, Danielle Pullum, Rebecca Ridout, Eleanor Sanderson-Nash, Anna Shircliff, Alistair So, John Stacey, Manon Taris, Andrei Teodor Iliescu, Ben Tyler, Claire Tilling, Victoria Ward and Simon Whitaker.

The show is the only one in history to have enjoyed 30 years on both sides of the Atlantic, telling the story of a disfigured musical genius who attracts a young protégé named Christine – only for passions to explode into jealousy, madness, bloodshed and tragedy.

The scheme, founded to encourage more young people and families to experience the magic of live theatre, offers a free ticket to every child aged 16 or under accompanied by a full paying adult. Half-price tickets can also be purchased for two additional children in the same group. There are no booking, postage or transaction fees.

Alongside the performances, children are given the chance to get involved in free workshops and activities, with participating shows offering everything from choreography and magic workshops to cast Q&As and backstage tours. Kids Week ticket holders can also take advantage of ‘Kids Go Free’ deals on dining and hotels.

Kids Week is one of the biggest, longest-running audience development initiatives in the world, engaging around 1.6 million children and families since it began in 1998.

List of shows taking part in Kids Week 2019:

• 9 To 5 The Musical
• Disney’s Aladdin
• Aliens Love Underpants
• Brainiac Live
• Come From Away
• The Comedy About A Bank Robbery
• Dinosaur World Live
• Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
• The Falcon’s Malteser
• Fiddler On The Roof
• The Girl On The Train
• The Gruffalo
• Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – Part Four
• The Illusionists
• Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
• Legend Trippers
• Disney’s The Lion King
• Little Baby Bum Live
• Mamma Mia!
• Matilda The Musical
• Monstersaurus!
• The Mousetrap
• On Your Feet!
• Peter Pan
• The Phantom Of The Opera
• The Play That Goes Wrong
• School Of Rock – The Musical
• The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ The Musical
• Six
• Thriller Live
• Twirlywoos Live!
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
• Waitress
• Where Is Peter Rabbit?
• Wicked
• Witness For The Prosecution
• The Woman In Black
• The Worst Witch
• Zog

To find out more about Kids Week activities and deals, check out our Kids Week section. Kids Week tickets go on sale at 10am on Tuesday 11 June. 

The West End Flea Market will take place on Saturday 18 May 2019 at St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden. Outside, there’ll be a whole host of stalls, hosted by your favourite West End shows and packed with showstopping goodies.

There’ll be stalls from the likes of Hamilton, The Book Of Mormon, Only Fools And Horses The Musical, The Royal Opera House, The Phantom Of The Opera, The Mousetrap and Les Misérables – and more will be announced in due course!

You’ll be able to pick up signed posters, props and photos of some of Theatreland’s favourite performers (there’s nothing as cathartic as a little advance Christmas shopping!) – as well as a few surprises and the chance to meet the stars of hit shows.

What’s more, each pop-up shop will compete to win the Best Dressed Stall award, which will be judged by Christopher Biggins (head judge), alongside Celia Imrie and Bill Paterson.

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The winner of the Best Dressed Stall will be announced at 10.45am, with the event then free and open from 10.45am to 1pm.

The day will also see Biggins host Biggins’ Bargains – where two showbiz teams will go head-to-head hunting for goodies at the Flea Market to auction for Acting for Others – as well as live entertainment, a prize-stuffed raffle, Theatre Cafe refreshments, fortune-telling from Su Pollard, and a signing and selfie area with Annette Badland, Hayley Mills, Wendi Peters, Harriet Thorpe, Layton Williams, Tom Read Wilson and more.

The event will be in aid of Acting for Others, a fundraising organisation for 15 UK theatrical and welfare charities. These institutions provide financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need. And even if you can’t make the event, you can still support Acting for Others by donating online.

First published 30 January 2019; updated 30 April

Stars from all around the West End gathered at the Adelphi Theatre to compete in this year’s competition. The casts of Dinsey’s Aladdin, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Follies, Mamma Mia!, Only Fools And Horses, The Phantom Of The Opera, and Wicked all took to the stage to perform hit songs from past Eurovisions in the hopes of earning votes from the judging panel and the live audience.

Performing Grande Amore – the Italian entry at the 2015 2015 Eurovision Song Contest – The Phantom of the Opera earned 88 votes which saw them take the overall win. Phantom also won the new Outstanding Gorgeousness prize, judged by award-winning Set and Costume Designer Fly Davies and Jamie Campbell, whose story inspired Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

The Best Creative prize – judged by Bonnie Langford, Wayne Sleep, Tim Vincent, and Amber Davies – went to the cast of Wicked who performed Ukraine’s 2004 entry Wild Dances. The third trophy of the night, the Best Ident, voted for by public text vote, was awarded to Everyone’s Talking About Jamie.

All money raised from last night’s event will go to MAD Trust. The Trust works with its partners to support those living with or affected by HIV and AIDS both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.

On Sunday 28 April, the casts of Dinsey’s Aladdin, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Follies, Mamma Mia!, Only Fools And Horses, The Phantom Of The Opera, and Wicked will take to the stage in the hopes of winning one of four trophies. The stars will sing original Eurovision Song Contest songs to win text votes from the theatre audience and the approval of a panel of celebrity judges and judges from each competing show.

The trophies up for grabs are The Champions, The Best Ident Movie, The Best Creative and the new award for this year Outstanding Gorgeousness.

As well as the stars of the West End, Eurovision winner Dana International and UK Eurovision entry for this year, Michael Rice, will set to the stage for an exclusive performance. Plus, you can expect sequins, spandex and glitter balls aplenty!

All money raised will go to MAD Trust. The Trust works with its partners to support those living with or affected by HIV and AIDS both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa

Last year, Phantom took home the prize, so who will be crowned the winner in 2019? At least we know there won’t be a “nil point” in sight.

West End Eurovision 2019 will take place at the Adelphi Theatre on Sunday 28 April at 7.15pm. Tickets start from £25. Visit the West End Eurovision page for tickets.

We suspect they’d find someone they same way most people do: on an online dating app. So, we had a go at creating dating profiles on their behalf. Would you swipe left or right for these West End characters?

You can book tickets for all current London shows here.

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The Phantom Of The Opera

Miss Trunchbull (Matilda The Musical)

Leonard Vole (Witness For The Prosecution)

Bobbie (Company)

Jean Valjean (Les Misérables)

The Woman In Black

Alexander Hamilton

Jenna (Waitress)

Robert Grove (The Play That Goes Wrong)