West End Live! 2017 – Trafalgar Square, London. 24.06.2017
It was appearing that the month of June was a dry month for me in regards to Theatre viewing…this had to change! It was on holiday earlier in June, when my friend messaged me about West End Live this year and whether I wanted to go. OF COURSE I DID! I had always wanted to partake in this event, having heard so much about it and seen it all over social media every year, I also had a glimpse of it in 2015 when I went up to London to see The Elephant Man with my mother. We were walking passed just was Wicked was performing and Elphaba was on the roof of the Canadian Embassy…sadly my mum didn’t want to stick around, but I knew I had to catch this one year!
And 2017 was that year! For those who do not know West End Live is a mini free festival full of mini performances of West End Shows, Touring companies, solo acts, Groups. Held in the middle of London in Trafalgar Square that is supported by those that sponsor. No ticket needed, no money to be given you can just turn up and enjoy! Myself and my friends decided to attend the Saturday as this was the longest day of the two, running from 11am – 18,00 and Sunday running from 12.00 – 17.00. To the right is a list of the line up for Saturday of the shows performing!
we arrived dead on 11am, and just as Aladdin had started. I was so surprised to see the queue to get in and hearing that it was tailed back up by Piccadilly Circus! It seemed that it would be forever until we were in, and risk missing most of the shows. However in the corner my eye I could see a smaller queue one that led to the side of the festival, with a screen and view to watch on the side. I thought that was better than nothing and headed to the end of the line, within minutes I was in. I feel that the upped security was the reason for the long queue, and it didn’t look as though it was static but did continuously move. For the time being I was happy just being near by and hearing the shows perform, enjoying Wicked, On The Town starring Danny Mac, 42nd Street. It was then when we noticed the queue had gone down considerably and took our chance to get into the venue. With a thorough check of our bags we were IN, just as An American in Paris closed, and Kinky Boots was about to start! 
The best thing I can see from West End Live is the atmosphere is buzzing full of Theatre love! the highlight performances for me would have to be Half a Sixpence, Les Miserable, Mamma Mia, and Bat out of the Hell they really got the audience dancing, especially me and my friends. It gives you an insight on what to expect, and for some makes you interested in purchasing tickets for future viewing! I know I want to go and see Mamma Mia! and Phantom for sure now after seeing it live in front of me! I would also love to see Les Misearbles again as hearing Killian Donnelly sing ‘Bring Him Home’ has sold it for me, but also Carly Stenson – who I didn’t know was performing sing ‘ I Dreamed a Dream’ helped a little bit too! 
But its not just the performing that you can watch, but a few stalls scattered about that represent all the sponsors. With the Royal Opera, British Museum, British Film Museum, and Disney Theatre there is plenty to look at, you can even get a bit of glitter, and face painting done-but I would suggest getting that done early when popular shows are performing otherwise the queue gets quite long!The Disney stall was my favourite- of course, where you can see the costumes of the characters from The Lion King, and Aladdin. You could also pose for a photo either in the plains of Africa, or with the Golden Lamp in the Cave of Wonders. I took my chance on the Lamp, I can only hope my wishes come true.
One thing however the West End Live is limited of is food, and drink…there is only one stall for soft drinks and water, with only a few snacks for food. They were giving out free Cotton Candy but for a meal or sandwiches you needed to either make sure you brought it with you, or you left the venue to source some restaurants. We took an opportunity when all the main shows had finished performing – as most of them would be performing their matinee’s, and returned back later on when some other well known shows were performing. I was also surprised to have seen that their was a Pimms van parked next to the stage, having heard it was a non-booze event, it was refreshing to drink but pricey all the same £7 per pint, and £4.50 for half. They were It was such a enjoyable day, and a chance to dance and sing along to your favourite numbers without being looked down on – as you defiantly couldn’t do that in a theatre! I really loved it, and glad I got to share it with my besties! However I learnt a few things so here are some final tips for those who are going to attend next year!
- You don’t have to be too early to not miss anything – don’t rush, there are ways to see it even if you start of at the side, queues will die down in time. But if you want the front, then early is best.
- Be prepared with food and drink – if your planning on staying for the full run, then don’t rely on the festival to provide unless you want a hole in your bank account. Buying a few bits is ok, but if you want to save those pennies – for theatre trips! Then bring a picnic.
- You can come and go – your not restricted, you can come and go as much as you would like with no restrictions on entry. Just keep and eye on the queue. We popped out for an hour or so for some late lunch, then returned with no problems at all (However I did notice Security relaxing a bit as the second time around they weren’t to fussed in searching bags thoroughly!)
- Travel Light – don’t bring to much, if your getting food put it in a plastic bag that you can throw away later. Then bring a bag with all your essentials, you don’t want to be pulled down with heavy baggage!
- Enjoy yourself – enough said, sing your heart out and be a ‘Dancing Queen’ I know I was!
