Well it’s safe to say that this year has been…memorable. But we shouldn’t forget all the great things that happened. Read on to see our top 10 moments of 2021.
A Right Royal Welcome
Following a £60 million transformation, Theatre Royal Drury Lane finally opened its doors, with Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall being some of the first to visit the all-day destination. Not just a theatre, the building now boasts stylish bars, including the Cecil Beaton for cocktails, the hidden oasis that is The Garden and Afternoon Tea in the Grand Saloon that’s fit for royalty. And if you wanted to know all there is to know about The Lane, the theatre tours were on hand to spills all the theatre’s secrets.
Going Back to Extraordinary
The cast were warming up, the seats were being filled and the lights were switching on. After an unimaginable year, the shows in our theatres were back up and running over the summer and fans around the West End were delighted. Whilst we have ways to go, nothing compared to the sounds of those standing ovations.
For The First Time In Forever
Adding the cherry on top of the refurbishment of Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Frozen the Musical provided the entertainment to the reshaped and remodelled auditorium. A demonstration of incredible special effects, stunning costumes and jaw-dropping scenery, the show took audiences into the world of Arendelle.
Some Serious…Entertainment!
Stepping back in time to September of this year, where the street outside the Adelphi Theatre was lined with DeLoreans, marking the triumphant opening of Back to the Future: The Musical. The film’s creators, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale were in attendance as well as the original Doc himself, Christopher Lloyd and THE Huey Lewis. Great Scott!
The Residency of Ricky Gervais
The comedy legend took to The London Palladium stage for a mammoth 15 sold out shows, proving why he’s still at the top of the entertainment game. If you missed out on SuperNature, worry not, the special will be available to watch on Netflix. Watch this space…
The Phantom Lives On
This year marked a whopping 35 years of The Phantom of the Opera. A show full of spectacle and splendour (quite fitting for its home, Her Majesty’s Theatre), Phantom has won countless awards and has been seen by millions of people worldwide. Here’s to another 35!
A Decade of Revolting Children
Can you believe it’s been ten years of Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge Theatre? Based on the Roald Dahl classic, the multi-award winning show from the minds of Dennis Kelly (book) and Tim Minchin (lyrics) continues to astound and inspire, all because of a girl who dared to dream and take charge of her destiny.
The Belle of the Ball
At the Gillian Lynne Theatre, we were shown around Belleville, the picturesque town where the new musical from Andrew Lloyd Webber, Emerald Fennell and David Zippel is based. We got to know the headstrong Cinderella and since she graced the stage, the show has hosted a special performance in aid of the Malala Foundation plus got nominated for a Grammy. Not so bad, Cinderella.
Panto’s Back (Oh Yes It Is)
A year after The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge saw the show, Pantoland at The Palladium returned like a shimmering phoenix rising from the ashes of the year that passed. The usual suspects were back for all the mischief, fun and laughter plus the greatest entertainer on earth, Donny Osmond, also joined this year’s bill.
Hello, it’s Adele
What links England’s own Gareth Southgate, A-lister Samuel L Jackson and acting veteran, Emma Thompson? They were all at The London Palladium to see An Audience with Adele. Broadcasted on ITV in December, the musical icon showcased new tracks from her hotly anticipated album, 30, as well as a flurry of fan favourites.
