Theatre
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How the West End is reaching out to fans
Discover fun ways to connect with your favourite shows on social media.
Some of the West End’s most popular productions are keeping spirits raised by offering fans lots of fun activities through their social media channels.
From worldwide sing-alongs and hilarious sketches to goofy games and crazy challenges (anyone brave enough to try an earwax-flavoured jelly bean?), you’ll find inspiration below that’s sure to fill your mind with positivity during these times of social distancing.
SIX
We are all queen of our own domain, and SIX , the musical about the six wives of Henry VIII re-united as a super girl group, has given everyone the chance to show it.
They wanted to create the ultimate sing-along video with as many fans as possible lending their voices. Indeed nothing says girl power like thousands coming together to sing about how great their fellow queens are.
So in early April the Queendom asked for videos and fans responded, resulting in this amazing collaboration of the final chorus of SIX from every corner of the globe.
DEAR EVAN HANSEN
Never has there been a time when we’ve needed a song like You Will Be Found more.
With hundreds of DEAR EVAN HANSEN fans from 31 different countries coming together online to create a virtual choir, the sheer number of voices lends a whole new meaning to the lyrics as we all practice social distancing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Pj4f6C52Y/
As if that wasn’t enough, the original Evan Hansen, Ben Platt, along with the current Broadway and touring casts came together on The Late Late Show with James Corden with their own performance of collective compassion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Z5Lq4iQv3/
Wicked
Anyone in the mood for a bit of dressing up?
The West End production of Wicked has invited fans to transform themselves into their favourite character, such as rocking Oz inspired make-up or trying some nail art.
Whether you have something perfect in your wardrobe or you just want to have a laugh cobbling together whatever is available in your house, be sure to post a photo with the hastag #cOZplay – and you just might find yourself featured on their social channels.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_R29sRgEZw/
& Juliet
While the hit musical is on pause at Shaftesbury Theatre, the cast and crew of & Juliet are bringing fans #WestEndWednesday instead.
Arun Blair-Mangat, who plays May, kicked things off with a cover of I’ll Cover You from RENT.
https://twitter.com/julietmusical/status/1245369865080315905
Plus they’re doing confessionals, Q&As and much more so that we can have our fill of & Juliet greatness to tide us over until they can get back on stage.
On 23 April, in honour of William Shakespeare’s 456th birthday, Oliver Tompsett, who plays The Bard in the show, demonstrated how to party in isolation as well as stay safe, hydrated and full of biscuits.
https://twitter.com/julietmusical/status/1253209489097932801
Come From Away
This musical about the small Canadian community who welcomed in the world into their homes provides the perfect soundtrack for right now.
With productions all over the world, the people at Come From Away put together a video compiling the performances from the casts in the West End, Toronto, Broadway, Australia and on tour. Of course, the song Welcome To The Rock is a stirring number – and it’s made even more poignant with all five companies singing simultaneously.
Come From Away have also created some games to help you keep your mind sharp while at home. Test your knowledge about the musical with their crossword puzzle or try your hand at spotting fish.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_AGaFSj21o/
Riverdance
Marking a huge anniversary in 2020, the cast and crew of this incredible production can’t wait to bring their new 25th anniversary show to fans all over the world in 2021.
In the meantime, Riverdance have released a video featuring over 600 dancers and musicians from schools across Ireland that will make you want to jump off the sofa and start tapping your feet to the rhythm.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-eg_zhpeyw/
MAMMA MIA!
Although the setting may be a remote Greek island, this musical isn’t about isolation.
Focused on love, friendship and togetherness, being apart is not the name of the game in MAMMA MIA! – so to help make social distancing more fun they’ve created The Nine MAMMA MIA! Moods Of Isolation.
Take a look and see which one you are. We try to be Super Troupers, but sometimes S.O.S creeps in…
Only Fools And Horse The Musical
Coming from Peckham to the West End, you’d have to expect the cast of this musical based on the 1980s TV series of the same name to handle lockdown in their own unique way.
During this time of solitude, the wheelers and dealers of Only Fools And Horses The Musical led by Tom Bennett, Paul Whitehouse and Ryan Hutton put together a special performance of the beloved theme song. Get ready for lots of laughs along with a message of love for the NHS.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_C77E1nsCM/
Matilda The Musical
Although it doesn’t take a genius like Matilda Wormwood to tell us how important it is to practise good hygiene these days, the people at Matilda The Musical have found an amusing alternative to singing Happy Birthday while you wash your hands.
Since sometimes you can’t resist making a little bit of mischief, belt out the lyrics to Naughty (shown below) as you soap up and scrub carefully to prevent the spread of germs.
Disney’s The Lion King
Disney’s landmark musical is full of powerful life lessons. In The Lion King, young Simba has to learn about how all living things are connected while he searches for his destiny as king as well as find hope in moments of despair.
The West End production recently posted a video of the talented pupils of Hornsea Community Primary School sent in by their teacher Mrs Swinden. In it they’ve captured the show’s spirit perfectly with their heart-warming performance of Can You Feel The Love Tonight? from their own homes.
Harry Potter And The Cursed Child
Got a sweet tooth? What about a stomach of steel?
If you’re willing to risk your taste buds, Harry Potter And The Cursed Child has a jelly bean test for you: Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Bean Challenge.
See how the cast did with Bertie Bott’s Mini Challenge in the video below. (Spoiler: Some got lucky – think watermelon – while others drew flavours like earwax and rotten egg.)
https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-7QcMuFbSk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
TINA – The Tina Turner Musical
If there’s one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that NHS workers are the best.
Aisha Jawondo, who stars as Tina Turner in TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, performed a special version of the iconic singer’s hit The Best to honour frontline staff and raise our spirits.
Accompanied by Marco Gerace, who is also part of the show, you’ll be moved by this beautiful, soulful tribute.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_F20DIjv_D/
Discover more:
Feature: Our guide to streaming the best theatre at home
Feature: 8 of our favourite Olivier Award performances
Feature: The 15 best songs from musicals to work out to
Find more information about all your favourite theatrical productions in the West End and across the UK by heading to our Theatre Guide.
