West End Live 2018

Who he?

Kinky Boots are always good value at WEL and their performance put a smile on my face.

So today was fun!

Warning- Crowds are crazy busy. So you queue for ages for tow entrances and you nearly get in you snake though a roped off are before bag searched.

I was actually in this area when it started and consequently missed Everybody's Talking About Jame and saw everything up to Mamma Mia! and was (literally) fighting to get out during little Shop of Horrors.

Appreciate its at this point that all the main shows have performed and have then left in order to prepare for their matinee. But it still took me (for what seemed like) 10 minutes to get out and at this point and there were still loads of people queuing to get in.

(I think-well they mentioned something to this effect) they were working on the principle of one coming out, one coming it.

(In truth) I think they've outgrown the location. I remember when it used to be in Leicester Square but now I'm not too sure it's fit for purpose.

I mean security is good (great in fact) and the stage size is good, it's just the crowds. My feet are sore (nay throbbing) and I'm 48. I don't know how you would expect a less abled or much older person to stand all that time. They also had a guy visibly signing throughout.

All the usual stalls were there, however much more spread out. BTW, they're selling West End Live merchandise now- a T-sh*t, Tote Bag, Keyring and fridge magnet at a merchandise stall and by walking round.

Although it got grey and this with clouds, thank God it didn't rain.

As referred to by Mr Wallacio in his above post, previously this was sponsored by MasterCard and Heart FM. Now its sponsored by Magic FM and Ruthie Henshall was the co-host for the first half and then came on as Momma Morton in Chicago.

As usual and as expected, the performances were top notch and busting with energy.

As I saw, I missed Everybody's Talking About James, but Aladdin was good with several songs sung, as was Motown

Wicked- just one sone. Alice Fern singing Defying Gravity as a one-hander (no Glinda).

Kinky Boots- the understudy was on as Charlie- Soul of a Man and the full ensemble for the finale of the show Raise You Up.

One song only- Naughty- from Matilda

At least three songs for Bat out of Hell- I distinctly reneger Bat Out of Hell and Anything For Love. (I think) You Took The Word's Right Out Of My Mouth.

Phantom of the Opera- Wishing You Were Here Again and The Phantom of the Opera. Whereas previously either side of the stage were flanked by large melted candle waxed candelabras. Today there were projections.

Les Miserables- still as popular as ever and a croud pleaser. The first song was Stars, Bring Him Home and the full cast is costume for One Day More.

Tina-The Musical. Sounded really good, not in costume but enthusiastic.

Strictly Ballroom- Will Young and the full cast is costume. I've seen the show and think this has a lot of heart is a slow burner but not too sure how well it came across. It just didn't seem to flow. it was like there was (a bit) of a dead patch here and there. The flamenco dancer and the guy with the Spanish guitar got a big cheer from the crowd.

Dreamgirls- all in full costume and dancing was slick however there did appear to be one or two sound issues. They sang a song with the male ensemble- sorry, forgot what it was and Listen. But how could they not sing And I Am Telling You?

Chicago- No Cuba Gooding Jnr but they sang All That Jazz, When You're Good To Mamma, and Roxie

Mamma Mia!- As expected, in full costume, full of energy. Waterloo, (I Want To Know) The Name of The Game and Dancing Queen- F**k me I LOVE ABBA!

It was at this point I started my fight just to get out to meet my sister and her friend who too, could not get in.

For me, the two stand out performances were Kinky Boots and Les Miserables.

I caught the last hour, got there just in time to see Suzie Mathers smash her I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical song. I'm going back tomorrow, a bit worried about the queue as I saw people say they queued and didn't even get in for the start but hoping it'll be a bit less busy tomorrow 😬

No idea mate. It was merely a thought.

All I know is that when I left the had to stop people coming in and it took me ages just to get out.

My sister turned up with a friend and both too could not get in.

I’ve never attended a West End Live before but was in London as I was going to see Heathers in the afternoon so I thought I’d swing by to see what was going on. I never had any intention of staying long anyway as I had to get over to the Other Palace but I was amazed at how busy it was when I got there. I didn’t bother trying to actual get in and just stood round the corner listening to Les Mis perform. It’s great to see such a huge interest in London theatre.

I have been every year from the start in Leicester Square to its move to Trafalgar Square. Last time I was in the VIP area which was great as could sit all day but this us the first time I've not been as I know I just can't stand for that length of time anymore.
I doubt it would move locations mainly due to the fact it's in the middle of the west end which is partly the point and logistically makrs sense as most of the casts can actually walk there.
Victim of its own success.

Heading there today. Hoping it will be a bit less busy

I agree - I was thinking about seeing Six at the Edinburgh Fringe this year but that performance put me right off, it was dreadful. Good to know I don't need to waste a slot on it though!

I think it's harsh to judge on those WEL performances. Both Six and LSOH haven't even started rehearsals yet and most of all WEL is really quite bad for sound and mixing.

You're right Andy, WEL definitely always bad for sound so not the best to judge performances on, but I just watched Little Shop that was in a different league of bad. And I thought the same when they sang at the Magic Radio musicals concert at the Albert Hall a few weeks ago so I *really* hope they sort it out during rehearsals! Six I thought wasn't that bad!