Wednesday 11 June 2014

West End LIVE descends on Cardinal Place Roof Garden with FREE outdoor musicals























Celebrate the Great British Summer with performances by The Pajama Game, Billy Elliot and Wicked
On Wednesday 18th June stars from award-winning musicals will take over Land Securities’ stunning roof garden at Cardinal Place for a FREE lunchtime performance. The audience will get the chance to sing along to much-loved local musicals Billy Elliot and Wicked as well as the newest musical on the West End block, The Pajama Game, which is already attracting rave reviews. Also on stage will be the Big Dance plus British singer and actress Julie Atherton, a regular performer at St James Theatre, and The Dreamers, who will be performing their WW1 Centenary Anthem.

Hosted by entertainment presenter Lisa Vickery, the lunchtime show will give shoppers, tourists and local workers a sneak preview ahead of the tenth anniversary of West End LIVE in association with MasterCard – which will see musical magic descend on the capital on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June. The event, organised by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre, showcases the quality and diversity of entertainment available in the iconic setting of Trafalgar Square and features free performances from many of the capital’s most famous West End shows.

Cardinal Place and Land Securities are delighted to be sponsoring West End LIVE for a ninth year, and to host this free kick-off event. This performance will take place on the roof garden at Cardinal Place, in the heart of Victoria, which is fast transforming into one of London’s most exciting neighbourhoods to shop, eat, work and live. Home to three theatres, Victoria is a thriving part of London’s famous theatreland – a perfect location for the launch of the world’s biggest free festival of musical theatre.

The event will support Mencap, Land Securities national charity for the year, the UK’s leading charity which supports people with learning difficulties, by collecting donations on the day.
Councillor Robert Davis, Deputy Leader of Westminster City Council, who created West End LIVE ten years ago, said: “London is home to some of the world’s top musical talent and West End LIVE is a wonderful opportunity to give everyone a taste of what’s on offer. This is a very special year, as it marks the tenth anniversary of West End LIVE, and we’re still the only festival in the world which brings together the best in musical theatre and more for free in one place. Come and join us at Cardinal Place on 18th June for a great time with friends and family.”

Ben Ridgwell, Portfolio Director at Land Securities, said: “We are delighted to once again be supporting West End LIVE, and very much look forward to welcoming the musical stars to Cardinal Place. The preview is a brilliant opportunity to showcase the best shows in town and it’s fitting it should take place here in Victoria, which is home to three excellent theatres. Land Securities has an ongoing commitment to support London’s culture, and we hope local shoppers, families and workers alike enjoy this free lunchtime performance”.

Those who develop a taste for open-air performances will be excited to hear about Land Securities’ Great British Summer series, which makes Centre Court accessible to all with free outdoor Wimbledon screenings at Cardinal Place in Victoria, New Street Square in Holborn, One New Change in St Paul’s and Wapping’s Thomas More Square. As part of the Great British Summer series, each location is serving up free screenings of the world famous tennis championships on screens installed in specially customised retro caravans. For information on the screenings, please visit: greatbritishsummer14.com

Where: Cardinal Place Roof Garden, 76-98 Victoria Street, London SW1
When: Wednesday 18th June 2014, 12:30 – 13:30
Transport: Nearest tubes: Victoria, Westminster and St James’s Park. Buses: 11, 24, 148, 211, 88