West End Live 2015 – a gallery of the best images

Eleven years on, the fantastic theatrical event that is West End Live 2015 continues to thrive. Those who have experienced the excitement will understand what I’m describing, others should be sure to mark it on their calendars for 2016 (all EXCLUSIVE images by our official photographer ROY TAN).

Walking past the queue running the perimeter of London’s Trafalgar Square, it’s not unusual to see a Matilda hoodie here and a Wicked T-shirt there – worn by the eager spectators. When the gates open, even Usain Bolt would have a run for his money as audience members race for their place right at the front, although maybe Bolt wouldn’t have arrived at 6am like some of the keener theatre fanatics.

West End Live brings together the very best of the West End. Showcased this past weekend were some classics such as Jersey Boys, Thriller Live, Les Misérables and Mamma Mia! This year the audience was also given a chance to sample some newer works heading to the West End or embarking on tours: Elf the Musical, American Idiot and Stiles and Drewe’s The Three Little Pigs. Not every performance was necessarily a musical; Impossible is a magnificent magic show and Briefs is like Priscilla Queen of the Desert meets Magic Mike. Basically, West End Live proves there is something out there for everyone.

Performances from Matilda the Musical, Billy Elliot, Sylvia Young Theatre School, West End Kids and West End Master Class are fabulous ways of showing how many talented young people there are in this country – it’s so encouraging to see these theatre stars of the future. The artists are so full of talent and never fail to wow audiences every year. They are all on the ‘watch out for’ list!

Indeed, credit where it’s due to Councillor Robert Davis MBE, the great mind behind this wonderful weekend for all theatre lovers. It’s no wonder the crowds come out in their thousands now. A fun weekend for the whole family.

Tal Fox

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