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West End LIVE returns to Trafalgar Square for 2026 

Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 June 2026 

WestEndLive.co.uk  

·         Hailed as ‘Glastonbury for theatre lovers’, Europe’s largest free musical theatre festival returns on Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 June 

·         West End LIVE continues its commitment to delivering an environmentally responsible event 
 

West End LIVE will return to Trafalgar Square on Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 June, with a packed line-up of top West End shows yet to be announced. Hailed as ‘Glastonbury for theatre lovers’, West End LIVE is Europe’s largest free musical theatre festival which, each year, showcases outstanding performances from over 50 London musicals. 

Tens of thousands of theatre fans are set to descend on the capital for this unique event, presented by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre, with support from the Mayor of London, partners and sponsors. West End LIVE brings audiences of all ages into the heart of the city to celebrate the very best of the West End – from its world-class theatre and culture to its vibrant food, drink, fashion, nightlife and retail scene – delivering a significant boost to Westminster’s local economy and championing the creative industries. 

For the first time in West End LIVE history, 100 queue jump places per day are up for grabs via an online competition. Each lucky winner will access West End LIVE via a separate entrance, plus one winner will get the chance to go backstage and see the magic of West End LIVE from behind the curtain, receive a £50 merchandise voucher and £200 in Theatre Tokens to redeem on OfficialLondonTheatre.com or at the Official London Theatre Ticket Booth in Leicester Square. Entrants must complete an online form at OfficialLondonTheatre.com to be in with a chance of winning this exclusive prize.  

West End LIVE is also committed to delivering the event in a way that is environmentally responsible. In 2025, the festival pioneered a large-scale battery-powered production model in Trafalgar Square, significantly reducing carbon emissions while maintaining the high-energy performances and technical excellence audiences expect. This innovative approach – delivered in collaboration with Film and TV Services – demonstrated how world-class live entertainment can be staged sustainably in the heart of the capital. The 2025 event also saw a 90% reduction in single-use plastics across the site. 

By embedding sustainability and inclusivity at its core, West End LIVE is setting a benchmark for how major cultural events can responsibly serve audiences, artists and the city alike. 

Cllr Sara Hassan, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Ecology, Culture and Air Quality, said:  

“West End LIVE is one of the highlights in London’s cultural calendar, and we’re delighted to welcome it back to Trafalgar Square this June.  

“Through our partnership with the Society of London Theatre, we are increasing access to world‑class culture for residents and young people in Westminster, while welcoming thousands of visitors from across the UK to enjoy this free celebration of musical theatre.   

“We’re also proud to build on last year’s sustainability achievements from cutting carbon emissions with innovative battery‑powered staging to reducing single‑use plastics across the site. Each year we’re finding smarter, greener ways to deliver this much‑loved event, ensuring West End LIVE continues to thrive in a more sustainable future.” 

West End LIVE would not be possible without the ongoing commitment shown by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre, with the support of Art of London, ATG Entertainment, The Crown Estate, Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, Disney on Stage, Gascoyne Estates, Heart of London Business Alliance, London Heritage Quarter, LW Theatres, Mayor of London, New West End Company, Nimax Theatres, The Noël Coward Foundation, Regent Street and St James’s, Shaftesbury Capital, Theatre Royal Haymarket, Theatrical Rights Worldwide, Trafalgar Entertainment and Veolia.   

West End LIVE is free to attend. Throughout the weekend, performances and exclusive backstage content are streamed on Official London Theatre’s YouTube and social media channels. 

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Sophie Ward, Philip Franks and John Wark star in

The Cold Embrace by Mary Elizabeth Braddon

Episode Two of The Unquiet: Stories for Dark Nights
a unique theatrical ‘lights off’ podcast experience
with cutting-edge sound design and music from Max Pappenheim 

available now on all major podcast platforms.

A chilling new adaptation of Mary Elizabeth Braddon’s timeless Victorian ghost story The Cold Embrace by Mary Elizabeth Braddon, starring Sophie Ward, Philip Franks and John Wark, has been released as the second episode of Original Theatre’s podcast series, The Unquiet: Stories for Dark Nights. 

The Cold Embrace is available to stream for free across all major platforms as well as at originaltheatre.com.

Adapted by Max Pappenheim and Philip Franks,and Directed by Max Pappenheim, The Cold Embrace is a ghostly tale of a young lover’s vows coming back to haunt him. Sophie Ward narrates the story of a young artist who can’t escape the clutches of the lover he betrayed. 

Launched in December 2025, The Unquiet: Stories for Dark Nights takes great ghost stories from the ages and adapts them for aural theatre, using cutting-edge sound design and original music by award-winning composer Max Pappenheim to create a unique sonic experience. This is theatre for the imagination – with the lights off. For the best experience, listen via headphones, in the dark or with your eyes closed.

Each 30-minute episode of The Unquiet podcastis individually introduced to give some context to the writer and production. Expect thrills, chills and some familiar voices bringing these other worldly tales to life. The critically-aclaimed first episode, The Mass For The Dead, starring Jemma Redgrave, Philip Franks and Susie Blake is also available..

ACTING FOR OTHERS RETURNS TO

SIMPSON’S ON THE STRAND TO CELEBRATE

10TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF ONE NIGHT ONLY

Acting for Others today announces the return of its much-loved fundraising event, One Night Only, to the newly reopened Simpson’s on the Strand. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the special one-night-only celebration, which takes place on Sunday 22 March 2026. Following its eagerly anticipated reopening and refurbishment, Simpson’s on the Strand will host One Night Only, where Samantha Bond and Richard Clifford invite faces from stage and screen to swap the spotlight for the dining room, shadowing the Maître d’, bartenders, serving staff and hosts throughout the evening.

The line-up this year includes Geraldine Alexander, Lorraine Ashbourne, Annette Badland, Richard Fleeshman, Freddie Fox, Ginny Holder, Laura Hopper, Tom Hopper, Sir Derek Jacobi, Sir Ian McKellen, Tamzin Outhwaite, Dame Arlene Philips, Jodie Prenger, Caroline Quentin, Amanda Redman, Anne Reid, Hugh Sachs, Michael Simkins, Samantha Spiro, Harriet Thorpe, Dame Penelope Wilton, and Gaia Wise.

Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen, Co-Chairman of Acting for Others today said, “We are delighted to celebrate the 10th anniversary of One Night Only at Simpson’s in the Strand and to be part of the reopening, reimagined by Jeremy King Restaurants. We very much look forward to an exciting evening in Romano’s to mark this special occasion.

The evening will feature both a Live and Silent auction led by the incomparable antiques expert and auctioneer, Charlie Ross. A selection of exclusive lots will be available, including VIP Theatre experiences, delectable dinners with the stars at a selection of restaurants, and many more exciting items to bid on, all in aid of theatrical charity Acting for Others.

The line-up is subject to change, with final names to be confirmed nearer the time.

THE ORANGE TREE THEATRE MARK THE START OF

MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

WITH ROGER ALLAM, NIAMH CUSACK,

EMMA FIELDING AND FREDDIE FOX

BREAKING GROUND

Roger Allam, Niamh Cusack, Emma Fielding and Freddie Fox were in attendance today at the Orange Tree Theatre (OT) for their breaking ground event.The event marked the start of the major development taking place at the venue, which will transform the front of house and backstage areas to create a more accessible, welcoming and sustainable environment for audiences, creatives and performers.

OT Artistic Director, Tom Littler and OTExecutive Director, Julie Weston said, “Breaking ground today is a landmark moment for the Orange Tree, but this project is about much more than construction. It is about who gets to feel welcome here, who gets to take part, and what kind of theatre we want to be in the years ahead.

“We are opening the Orange Tree up without losing what makes it special. The intimacy stays. The ambition stays. The closeness between audience and artist stays. What changes is that more people will be able to experience it.

“And we are not going quiet while this happens. The Orange Tree remains open throughout the development. This theatre will keep making work and keep welcoming audiences even as the building changes around us.

“So, this is both a beginning and a call to action. We are in the final phase of the campaign, and the last support will help us finish a project that will change this theatre for generations.”

The development, designed by architects Allies and Morrison, will be led by Rise Contracts Limited who have been a part of major London theatres’ redevelopments over the years including at the National Theatre, Donmar Warehouse and The Old Vic.

The development will work around OT’s current programming with the venue remaining open. This includes the first major revival of Nicholas Wright’s Vincent in Brixton which begins previews this week.

OT’s public fundraising campaign for its development project OT: Open to Everyone is still open to help raise the final amount towards their target. For more information and to donate, please visit https://orangetreetheatre.co.uk/open/

THAT PROVIDE FREE AND UNLIMITED ACCESS TO THE SHOW ANYTIME, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD FOR LIFE

“It’s not just the best musical I’ve ever seen; it’s the most rewarding theatrical experience I’ve ever had”
Taffy Brodesser-Akner, The New York Times

“One of British theatre’s great success stories and is packing out theatres in the West End and on Broadway… both spiffingly funny, in a Monty Python-esque fashion, and really quite moving”
Hugh Montgomery, Metro

“The West End hit is still the perfect mix of ingenious, silly and moving…With a new cast, the Olivier Award-winning musical about the wartime operation is as terrific as ever” 
Marianka Swain, The Telegraph

“The Brits have made the year’s funniest musical…Against the odds, the “Operation Mincemeat” gang has found its way to the big time.”
Peter Marks, The Washington Post

“A little show with a very big future”
David Benedict, Variety [2021]

109 ★★★★★ reviews and counting

Olivier and Tony^® Award-winning musical Operation Mincemeat, drew the winners of four Golden Tickets, that will afford recipients free, unlimited access to Operation Mincemeat, anytime, anywhere in the world, for life. The winners were drawn in person at the Fortune Theatre in London, and at the Golden Theatre in New York City by cast members from each city’s show. Operation Mincemeat is currently playing in the West End, on Broadway and has just launched its world tour, beginning with a UK leg ahead of travelling across the USA beginning October 2026, followed by Canada, Mexico, China, Australia and New Zealand.

The winners are:

• West End digital Golden Ticket Winner: Catherine Reid
• West End in-person Golden Ticket Winner: Joseph Kavanagh
• Broadway digital Golden Ticket Winner: Joe Cilibrasi
• Broadway in-person Golden Ticket Winner: Lela Pines

The production is still seeking the owner of the one millionth ticket located at seat B128 (Front Mezz) at Broadway’s Golden Theatre for the performance on March 19, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.. The buyer is encouraged to come forward and email millionthticket@operationmincemeat.com as soon as possible to claim a VIP prize including airfare, hotel accommodations, and more!

For West End and UK tour tickets, please visit OperationMincemeat.com

In Operation Mincemeat, it’s 1943, and the Allied Forces are on the ropes. Luckily, they’ve got a trick up their sleeve. Well, not up their sleeve, per se, but rather inside the pocket of a stolen corpse. Equal parts farce, thriller, and Ian Fleming-style spy caper (with an assist from Mr. Fleming himself), Operation Mincemeat tells the wildly improbable and hilarious true story of the covert operation that turned the tide of WWII.

Since opening at the 77-seat New Diorama Theatre in 2019, Operation Mincemeat has been nominated for 64 awards and won 13, including Best Musical 3 times, from the Olivier Awards®, WhatsOnStage Awards, and Off-West End Awards. On Broadway, the show was nominated for 4 Tony Awards® in 2025, including Best Musical. The production won Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Jak Malone’s portrayal of Hester Leggatt, who previously won the Olivier Award® in the same category.

Written by triple Tony Award nominees SpitLip (comprised of David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts), and directed by Robert Hastie, Operation Mincemeat recently announced its 18th – and biggest – extension at the West End’s Fortune Theatre, with performances now running through 20^th February 2027, while the Broadway production has confirmed its 8^th extension at the Golden Theatre, booking until 17^th January 2027. This comes alongside the launch of the Operation MincemeatWorld Tour, which opened with a sold-out, two-week run at the Lowry in the 1700-seater theatre last month, kicking off the show’s 40-week UK leg before travelling to four continents, with stops in the USA, Australia, Canada, China, Mexico, and New Zealand.

Operation Mincemeat is produced in the West End, on Broadway, and on tour by Avalon (in association with SpitLip). The show was commissioned by New Diorama Theatre, co-commissioned by The Lowry, and also supported by the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat.

Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester – until Saturday 11th April 2026

Reviewed by Sally Lumley

5*****

Chichester Festival Theatre has started Festival 2026 with a whizzpopping bang with the arrival of The BFG this week. Based on the beloved 1982 novel by Roald Dahl, the story follows the Big Friendly Giant (John Leader) and orphan Sophie (Martha Bailey Vine) as they form an unlikely friendship and, with a little help from Buckingham Palace, hatch a plan to stop the larger “human bean” eating giants from devouring the remaining “norphans” of London.

This production, created in collaboration with the Roald Dahl Story Company, fully captures the magic of the book we all remember from childhood. Lighting, sound and special effects are used imaginatively to bring the wonder of Giant Country to life, with dreams phizzwhizzing around the theatre to create a truly spellbinding atmosphere. But the magic goes far beyond clever effects. The changes in perspective that show the enormous giants alongside tiny Sophie are wonderfully done. The puppeteers are the heroes here, breathing life into puppets of all sizes and seamlessly conveying the dramatic differences in scale between characters.

John Leader is a wonderful BFG, full of warmth, charm and gentle humour. He captures the giant’s kind-hearted nature beautifully and forms a delightful partnership with Martha Bailey Vine’s Sophie. This Sophie is modern, intelligent and spirited, bringing plenty of sass to the role while retaining the character’s bravery and curiosity.

The supporting cast shines too, with scene-stealing turns from Captain Smith (Philip Labey) and Captain Frith (Luke Sumner), whose comic timing had the audience in stitches. However, none of the dark, gruesome details that are so characteristic of Dahl’s stories are spared. The giants are filthy, grotesque creatures, and Richard Riddell as Bloodbottler perfectly captures the revolting humour of the role.

The BFG brings all the best moments of the book to life with warmth, whimsy and plenty of laugh-out-loud comedy. The delumptious, whizzpopping finale left my 10-year-old howling with laughter. At its heart, the story reminds us that anyone—from a tiny orphan, to a giant, to even the Queen of England—has the power to stand up and do something extraordinary. I attended with three generations of my family, aged 10 to 75, and we all agreed it was wonderful, with so many favourite moments it was impossible to choose just one. This is a magical, funny and heartwarming production that will delight and surprise audiences of all ages, and I’m sure it will receive many more standing ovations like the one the audience gave it last night.

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre – Thursday 12th March 2026

Reviewed by Rachel Clark

3***

Hidden is brought to the theatre by Motionhouse and described as a jaw dropping dance circus. As much as a appreciate the hard work and the amazing fitness levels of the performers it wasn’t for me. Yes the set was clever with the imagines projected to the screens and in the beginning how the dancers moved around to the scenes, then the screens mainly went and the dancers performed the dances using a frame, and they were clever and got into positions I could never even try, and I do applaud them for that, but for me the act we just a bit too long as it was much of the same thing.

Hidden takes place over two acts, act one – Descent into the Darkness which was an hour and then a 25 min interval and followed by a 30 mins for Act two – Finding the Light.

Making Hidden was a personal journey for the Kevin Finnan MBE. He was aware of what felt to him a lot of darkness and division of the world, when making the show he was touched by the stories of the wildfires in Canada, floods in Spain and other conflicts around the world. In times of crisis we need each other, and it is often ‘Hidden’.

I did enjoy the start of the act where the Motionhouse had been to a school and worked with boys that some had never danced/performed before – they where great and big round of applause for them.

If you are into dance, gymnastics it is for you, you will most definitely enjoy it.

Theatre Royal Windsor – until 14 March 2026

Reviewed by Marcia Spiers

4****

“A thoroughly entertaining evening with excellent music and dance. This show as a real feel-good factor”

Written by Gary Kupper, Larry Marshak and Rose Caiola, with original music and Lyrics by Gary Kupper and Directed by Randal Myler, this show tells the story of Alan Freed, an American disc jokey who helped coin the term “rock and roll” and propelled a musical revolution across America.

Before seeing this production, I knew little about Alan Freed. Yet the performance inspired me to learn more about this person whose passion for music brough white and black teenagers together in the 1950s. His success made him a target for conservative forces determined to preserve the status quo, and his eventual downfall was shaped by outside pressures as well as his own self-destructive behaviour. Despite this Freed was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 for breaking down racial barriers and transforming popular culture.

This cast are all extremely talented with many taking on multiple roles with impressive versatility. Constantine Maroulis portrays Alan’s maverick nature, his determination to enact change, and his more vulnerable side very well. Joe Bence gives an excellent performance as a young Buddy Holly. Marquie Hairston, Joey James, Jairus McClanahan and Anton Stephans shine not only as a quartet but also in their portrayals of Jay Hawkins, Frankie Lymon, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Bo Diddley. Joey James emanating the mannerisms of Chuck Berry and Jairus McClanahan in his portrayal of the flamboyant Little Richard are highlights.

Cherece Richards gives a strong, polished performance of singer LaVern Baker, a woman with a powerful voice. Dominque Scott is a whirlwind of energy playing Jerry Lee Lewis, Pat Boone and others while serving as the show’s Musical Director and a musician. Gary Turner gives a wonderful performance as Leo Mintz, Alan’s record store confidant and as the scheming Morris Levy, nothing more than a gangster out for his own gain. Shelby Speed is an amazing dancer leading many of the dance numbers and brings authenticity to supporting roles including Jackie, Alan’s Mother and his daughter. Mark Pearce moves effortlessly between J Edgar Hoover and the various figures of the 1950s conservative majority both in comedic and dramatic moments.

The staging is simple but effective, making creative use of TV interludes and phone calls. It provides plenty of space for the performers to take centre stage and the music and choreography to shine. Choreographer Stephanie Klemons and her team deserve praise for the wonderful dance numbers that help tell the story. I must also highly commend the musicians because they are fantastic.

Overall, Rock & Roll Man is a celebration of a turbulent but transformative chapter in music history. I enjoyed it. Please go watch!

PLAYHOUSE THEATRE, LIVERPOOL – UNTIL SATURDAY 14TH MARCH 2026

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

5*****

Last night, I had the immense pleasure of attending the press night of The Constant Wife at the Playhouse, and it was a delightful surprise. Upon entering the theatre, I had only a vague idea of what to expect, but the evening soon revealed itself to be an absolute joy from the very first moment.

Before a single word was uttered, the audience was whisked back in time, thanks to the breathtaking set design by Anna Fleischle. The stage instantly conjured the glamour and elegance of the Roaring Twenties, featuring a meticulously crafted Art Deco aesthetic that was both stylish and immersive. The level of detail was impressive, creating a setting that truly embodied the essence of the mid-1920s. As the lights dimmed, a man in a black suit quietly took the stage. He approached the piano and began to play. The audience fell silent, captivated by the music that filled the theatre, marking the graceful beginning of the play.

Written in 1926 by W. Somerset Maugham, The Constant Wife is a brilliantly incisive comedy that delves into themes of marriage, betrayal, and independence with both humour and unexpected modernity. Almost a century after its inception, the play remains notably relevant, providing a refreshingly unconventional viewpoint on infidelity and personal freedom.

The story centres around Constance Middleton, portrayed with exceptional charm and intelligence by Kara Tointon. Constance has long been aware of her husband’s affair with her best friend, Marie-Louise. However, when the affair comes to light, her reaction is surprising to everyone. Rather than displaying anger or heartbreak, she calmly seizes the opportunity to take charge of her life. She starts working, pays her husband rent to stay in the house she now financially supports, and ultimately asserts her independence.

With Laura Wade’s adapted script and Tamara Harvey’s direction, the production exudes warmth, wit, and impressive craftsmanship. It showcases a profound admiration for Constance’s understated strength and celebrates a woman who steadfastly rejects society’s expectations.

The entire cast delivers outstanding performances, with each actor infusing charisma and energy into the stage. While all deserve commendation, Philip Rham’s portrayal of Bentley the Butler is especially noteworthy. Rarely speaking but always vigilant, he moves silently in and out of scenes, becoming a constant ally to Constance as their secrets gradually come to light.

At the core of the production is Kara Tointon’s outstanding performance. She infuses Constance with warmth, intelligence, and bravery, perfectly embodying the character’s wit and subtle resolve.

This production of The Constant Wife is graceful, humorous, and unexpectedly empowering—an utterly delightful evening of theatre that demonstrates great writing is always timeless.

Live Theatre Newcastle – until 21st March 2026

Reviewed by Sandra Little

4****

Shuggy Boats is a debut play written by Jacquie Lawrence and is a North East story set around the coastal town of Tynemouth. The play takes place in 2021 which is when a money lending scheme known as Provident was wound up. Older readers of this review might well remember the “Provvy woman” as Maeve (Phillippa Wilson) is affectionately known in the play.

The action begins in the Shuggy Boat beach bar run by barman Kaz (Soroosh Lavasani ) as Maeve celebrates her sixtieth birthday with friends and family. The party includes a zoom call with old friends and a quiz organised by Maeve’s quiz obsessed husband Jocka ( Dave Johns). Three instantly recognisable local North East celebrities appear on the zoom call as Maeve’s friends. There is Sharon from the Co-Op, Geordie the Geordie, and Helen Harper. Their identity is revealed at the end of this review. We also meet Gladys (Barbara Heslop ) on a zoom call, a long time Provvy customer.

Following the quiz, Maeve shares a secret with her family that she has kept hidden for many years. Maeve reveals to her husband Jocka, sister Angie ( Libby Davison), son Ryan (Benjamin Storey ) and niece Carolyn (Natalie Ann Jamieson) that she is a lesbian and her first kiss was not with Jocka as everyone assumed.

As the story unfolds the complexities of family relationships and the impact of Maeve’s revelation are explored with a great deal of insight. Added to the mix Ryan has his own relationship issues to deal with, there is bereavement from the death of her husband for Angie to cope with and a bombshell for Carolyn the social worker which sets her life on a completely different path!

Despite all of the issues addressed there is a happy ending provided mainly by the arrival of Fingers Foster (Alicya Eyo ) who changes Shuggy Boat into a lesbian bar called Fish Fingers!

The set for this play consists mainly of slatted drift wood, drinks bottles, a deck chair and fishing nets. It serves as The Shuggy Boat bar, a beach, Jocka’s front room and the set of Mastermind! Creative lighting, a sprinkling of imagination and the cabaret style of Live Theatre all work together to provide an effective backdrop to the play.

I thoroughly enjoyed this production for a host of reasons. There were funny moments that were mixed seamlessly with great poignancy and tenderness in places. The conversation between Jocka and Angie about bereavement and family relationships was particularly moving. I also thought it refreshing to have a North East play where people with professions (Ryan is a teacher and Carolyn a social worker) were not portrayed as, “posh” and the characters led lives that didn’t primarily revolve around unemployment and disadvantage. Although there is a place for such drama it wasn’t needed to tell this story. Dialogue used is blunt and includes swearing and quite explicit sexual references but within the context of the play I didn’t find this offensive at all.

I think this play could follow in a Live Theatre tradition ( Pitman Painters, Gerry and Sewell ) and move to a wider audience and bigger theatre. It absolutely deserves further recognition.

N. B. Shuggy Boat is a North East term for a traditional fairground ride known as a swing boat in other parts of the country.

Denise Welch, Si King and Charlie Hardwick appear on zoom calls in the play.