This year, our six theatres have seen some unforgettable times. From show-stopping performances to exciting announcements, it’s been a year full of highlights. Here’s a look at the top 10 standout moments at LW Theatres that have made this year one to remember!
Pure imagination
With its last two London runs selling out, there was no surprise that My Neighbour Totoro was to return; this time, playing house at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. In a production that will no doubt captivate audiences, the beloved classic is poised to cast its spell once more with its timeless tale of friendship, wonder, and the magic of childhood.
A monumental milestone
Saturday 8 June marked a whopping 15,000 performances for The Phantom of The Opera. A beloved musical for many decades, the show’s legacy boasts hauntingly beautiful set designs, and a story that weaves love, mystery, and tragedy into an unforgettable tapestry. And it shows no signs of slowing down.
Could this be the magic, at last?
Before Hello, Dolly! took over (read on to find out more) the legendary Barry Manilow graced The London Palladium stage for a residency that rivalled Vegas. The key stats: 14 performances, thousands of Fanilows and unlimited memories; this was a masterclass in music. A lesson in live entertainment.
Going the distance
No longer a myth, a stage adaptation of Disney’s Hercules was announced to open at Theatre Royal Drury Lane for summer 2025. A new production, the classic tale is set to be a wise-cracking, column-shaking, underworld-rocking ride of adventure, self-discovery, and love. In tunics.
A smash-hit summer
Reuniting with Director Dominic Cooke, Imelda Staunton was back where she belongs in Hello, Dolly! The production was matchmaking with every superlative in the dictionary, earning rave reviews across the board. A theatrical summer fling, the show played The London Palladium for a limited season.
Everybody’s talking about Jamie
Hot off the heels from Strand-sweeping with Sunset Boulevard and star-crossed loving with Romeo and Juliet, it was announced that director Jamie Lloyd was bringing The Tempest and Much Ado About Nothing to Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The star-studded plays mark the first time Shakespeare’s works was at the theatre since 1957.
Heart of Gold
The long-awaited return of Shawn Mendes reached fever pitch with an August gig at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Hand in hand with the news of his 5th studio album, Shawn, the singer-songwriter gave fans an insight into the stories behind the songs. Why, why, why would we want to watch anything else?
I guess that’s why they call it the blues
It was September of this year when three bald, blue men took over The London Palladium via one big bluevolution. In a show that was multi-instrumental, multi-sensory and multi-wonder, the show had to be seen to be believed. Blue Man Group defied genre, and proved why they’ve been entertaining audiences for decades.
Dinner and a show
Not just for the festive season, the LW elves worked behind the scenes all year round. Highlights include working with Preevue to integrate ‘view from seat’ in the booking process, a partnership with Cathay Pacific and the launch of Pre-Theatre Dining at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
The truth is, I never left you
The news of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita making a triumphant return to the West End was a welcome surprise, with weeks to spare until the end of 2024. Scheduled for a summer season at The London Palladium next year, the new production also brings together producer Michael Harrison and director Jamie Lloyd to the creative team.
Take a trip down memory lane and read the top 10 LW Theatres moments of 2023 here.
