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Duncan James performing a scene from Chicago, the West End smash show, at the free theatre extravaganza in Leicester Square |
Crowds flock to free theatre
RECORD crowds flooded Leicester Square this weekend for London’s biggest free theatre extravaganza.
More than 150,000 crammed into the historic square for West End Live featuring performances by the casts of top West End shows including the Lord of the Rings, Wicked, Avenue Q, Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia, the Sound of Music and Chicago starring former boy-band member Duncan James.
Stiltwalkers mingled with magicians and Bollywood dancers, while TV presenter Debbie King introduced hip-hop troupe Zoo Nation and the London Gay Men’s Chorus.
The BBC’s Doctor Who exhibition was joined by the displays from the National Gallery and comic superstore Forbidden Planet and the Cartoon Museum.
Film lovers had their pictures taken alongside famous on-screen iconic cars including James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 and Mr Bean’s Mini, while the cast from Stomp used everyday items, such as pots, pans, bin lids to create their own unique brand of theatre.
The West End has the highest concentration of theatres of anywhere in the world.
Theatreland attracts about 12 million visitors each year and contributes £1 billion to the UK economy. |
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