Top 10 LW Theatres Moments of 2023
Posted 28th December 2023
Photo credit: Getty Images
Reflect on a remarkable year brimming with unforgettable moments at LW Theatres. Explore our curated megamix of highlights as we recount the top 10 moments of 2023. Immerse yourself in the memories that made LW Theatres the focal point of extraordinary entertainment and joy throughout the past year. Revisit the magic and excitement that defined our unforgettable journey in 2023.
Standing tall
Following a flurry of Olivier nominations, including the win for Best New Musical, it was announced that Standing at the Sky’s Edge would make its move to the West End, at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. With songs by singer-songwriter, Richard Hawley, and book by Chris Bush, the tale of modern Britain arrives in February 2024.
From Her, to His
In May, the theatre that sits on the corner of Haymarket underwent its most recent change, with the new name of His Majesty’s Theatre. Now a representation of our new reigning monarch, His Majesty King Charles III, the theatre continues to host its long-standing production of The Phantom of the Opera.
The beat goes on
With no chance of changing pace, LW Theatres played host to over 324 Concerts & Events. Full of live entertainment and a bunch of familiar faces to boot, it was rare for the six theatres to have a day off. And we wouldn’t want to, when there were the likes of Ricky Gervais, Priscilla Presley, Darren Criss (pictured) and Alexis Ffrench to name a few.
A Royal Affair
To mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, Andrew Lloyd Webber composed a new anthem. Entitled Make a Joyful Noise, the anthem includes words adapted from Psalm 98 and was performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and The Choir of Westminster Abbey.
Because, because, because
In what was a welcome return, The Wizard of Oz flew back to The London Palladium for its summer season. Hot off the (red sparkly) heels from a stint at the Curve Theatre, the new production starred Jason Manford, Ashley Banjo, Louis Gaunt, Georgina Onuorah and Gary Wilmot in the titular role.
They got rhythm
Bursting onto the stage in June with a perfect shuffle ball change was the smash-hit, sold-out Chichester Festival Theatre Production of Crazy For You. Incapable of leaving audiences without a spring in their step, the show also made appearances this year on our TV screens, most notably at The Royal Variety Performance.
Strike a pose, there’s nothing to it
Vogue showed us how to do Fashion Week when it took over Theatre Royal Drury Lane for Vogue World: London . The evening boasted a who’s who of names including Annie Lennox, Stormzy, James McAvoy, FKA Twigs and more. Plus, nothing could’ve ended the night better than The Supers (Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington Burns and Linda Evangelista) strutting their way through the auditorium.
Hit the ground running
In October of this year, LW Theatres put together a team of 44 runners to take part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon, in aid of our charitable partnership with War Child. Over £23,500 was raised for the charity to support children caught up in conflict zones.
Food for thought
Nestled next to The Lane, Jamie Oliver Catherine St is the newest addition to the culinary delights of Covent Garden. In a space that’s cosy, decorated by Art Deco touches and with a menu that’s stacked in signature dishes from Jamie’s childhood and cheffing career, the restaurant opened its doors in November.
Well, hello there!
Back where she belongs, Imelda Staunton was announced to star in The London Palladium’s 2024 summer show, Hello, Dolly! The brand new production of the iconic musical is set to re-unite Imelda with Director Dominic Cooke following the critically acclaimed Follies at the National Theatre.
Take a trip down memory lane and read the top 10 LW Theatres moments of 2022 here.