WEST END LIVE 2023 - what was it like? | full recap, highlights + tips vlog!

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thumbnail photo credit: Danny Kaan (@danny_with_a_camera)
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OHMYGOD HEY!
This weekend, Aeron and I headed down to Trafalgar Square in London for WEST END LIVE 2023.
This annual free performance featured almost all of the musicals in the West End including Frozen, The Lion King, Les Misérables, Hamilton, Six, Matilda, and more as well as various upcoming, regional and off-West End shows!
Check out today's new vlog for a recap of what happened on the Saturday as well as some tips about what to expect if you're planning to attend next year!
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#london #theatre #westendlive

[@williamstollery8326]

I feel like part of the reason the queue was SO big on Saturday was because almost EVERY big show was on Saturday morning. We didn’t have Matilda or Guys & Dolls, but off the top of my head those were the only two. By having it SO heavily weighted towards Saturday Morning meant that everyone wanted to be there THEN (and basically only then). Having a weird schedule definitely didn't help with the popularity and the queue.

[@fraulein_sally]

Yes I said the same thing! Also on Sunday there was way less people. Like I saw people coming for heathers and going. The scheduling last year made more sense

[@faraaimeemusic]

Matilda was on the Saturday 19:39

[@andrewhamilton8158]

back to the future, wwry and 42nd street were also on the sunday

[@thebionicbi2280]

I was there Saturday as well with my partner. We left around 1:15 during Oklahoma because I nearly passed out from the heat. We are still recovering from getting sun poisoning. I use a wheelchair, so we used the disabled entrance. We got there at 9:30am and was able to get in without a problem at 10:30am. When you got inside the event, you could not leave your seat (in the disabled seating area) to go get food, use the toilets, find shade/cool down, ect. If you left your seat (not the event), you were not let back into the seating area. I know this because after we got to our seats, I went to use the toilets before WEL started and I was not going to be let back into the disabled area. We had left some stuff at our seats, so after some back and forth we were eventually able to get back in. I dont know if this changed at some point during the day, but that was my experience. While the general admission people could just go to another area to watch the event, there was no other area in the venue for anyone in a wheelchair to see. The wall area all had the banners on them so you could not see through them, even to see the big screens. In the heat we had Saturday, I do also have a problem with the disabled area not being covered. The VIP/Sponsor area was the only covered seating area. Im not sure of an exact number, but I think the disabled seating area had maybe 30 seats in it. From what I saw when I was there, there was far less people in the VIP/sponsor area than the disabled seating area. I really hope they make some changes to the event next year. It may be unpopular opinion, but im all for moving the event somewhere bigger and/or making it a ticketed event if it makes it safer for everyone.

[@itspatherb]

“Good for them, It doesn’t last. I’ve seen the sequel” is literally a mood I never knew I needed hahaha 😂

[@elenicashell7165]

I love the idea of you giving commentary to West End LIVE acts like Eurovision every year - some classic lines from you in this video!

[@MsJaytee1975]

If access to an event is only possible through queuing for a lengthy period then it’s immediately become inaccessible to many people, theatre is already fairly inaccessible, it seems relatively easy to solve it here.

[@callsmemoonlighttoo5612]

I do wish they’d maybe do a ticketed system that is still free but make it more accessible!

[@tashaallunsdisneyadventure8635]

We also were that Saturday. Queues were crazy but we did get in fine. Very special event this year. But I have to give the biggest shout out to those BSL signers. They not only sign but act throughout the song. So many times throughout the day I was watching them more than the performers. I am so pleased this event has the amazing signers each year. And to be there all day in the heat! Incredible

[@sophieharris2932]

Can I ask what time you started queueing and what time you got in?

[@tashaallunsdisneyadventure8635]

@@sophieharris2932 Hi there started queueing at 7am which we were at the Haymarket theatre. We got in before the show began and had a descent view.

[@sophieharris2932]

@@tashaallunsdisneyadventure8635 amazing, thank you!

[@ArrowOdenn]

West End Live has definitely outgrown Trafalgar Square - which feels bizarre to say as its such a huge space! Not sure where it could be moved to, with Westminster funding it.

[@JamesE88]

I’d really love for them to move to a larger venue, but I understand the practicalities and limitations. Many of the cast’s perform in full costume and makeup and walk from their theatre's so another location would mean additional transportation costs.

[@joannefalconer1361]

We travel from North Scotland for WEL, we make sure to get to the queue at 5:30/6am but even this year on the staurday when we arrived at 6am, we were queuing around the street until they opened the second barrier and we were still pretty far back. There seemed to be alot of queue jumpers this year as well, with a group of 2 turning into a group of 20 which caused alot of drama in the lines and alot of angry people who had been there since 3am! Apart from that I had another fabulous time, although it did seem incredibly busy more so than usual. Sunday was alot quieter this year and we managed to get right to the front and get in and out from our front row space with no issues. Perhaps a ticketing system should be introduced to make it easier and safer for people, I think some changes will be introduced next year as alot of complaints were made!

[@PS-DLMA]

Trooping The Colour same weekend as West End Live - what a lively weekend

[@seanmcgcostumes]

I heard the first note of the LIZZIE set and got *so* excited! I hope you review it here on KZbin! I saw one of the first productions of it after the original here in the US and have seen 3 more productions since then. That's so exciting that it's getting a major production over there! It still hasn't gotten that here, but it's one of my favorite shows. It's so clever and brilliant.

[@VictoriaJane]

Would love to attend this one year, thank you for sharing x

[@mariafrias2500]

Looks fun!

[@katiechambers1319]

That’s crazy! I went in 2019 and arrived like as it was starting and had decent spots. Glad it has grown so much but that’s insane!

[@IloveHeartlandX]

It was my first time going this year and I had a great time. I'd heard about the mad queues from people online beforehand so I arrived at 8.45 and the queue was already in Leicester Square at that point! It took far less time to get in than I thought it would though, we were in by 10.45. I was quite far back but I generally got an okay view. I feel you on the sunburn, I somehow managed to get a sunburn on my collarbone despite the area that got burned being fully covered (or at least I thought it was!). Looking forward to seeing what your fave performances were. I actually booked to see Moulin Rouge again this week because Jamie Muscato was so amazing! I only stayed until about 2.45 or so (whenever Six finished!) as pretty much everything I wanted to see was on before then and by that point my feet were really sore. It was also really cool to get to see the flypast!

[@mrschurchill2998]

Absolutely agree… Mazz is the QUEEN!

[@amnesiacapothecary]

God I love Jamie Muscato

[@loredosol]

Sad I didn't go, so wanted to go to (they will setting up the stage when I was in London), so only able to experience it through videos posted online. Great way to watch old favourites while discovering something new. Fantastic atmosphere. But have to agree that changes need to be made it has gotten to big/popular for its current location (sad to see people being turned away). I think changing to a larger venue is the sensible option, make it ticketed (still make tickets free but with small booking fee with a option for paying a little extra for VIP tickets for separate area closer to the stage and with separate entrance, have morning/afternoon tickets) to control numbers and limit queues. But I don't see them changing anytime soon due to Westminster council funding the event. Will have to try and make it next year so I can experience it for myself.

[@cameronclarkhull]

Nice to see Disney splash out on west end live with the red arrows 😂

[@KristinaEmilyOfficial]

I thought it was my relaxed planning (which tbf is partially to blame) but yesss the queue this year was insane! I was queuing for 2 hours 🥲 still managed to get in for Jersey Boys and the rest so was pretty pleased about that but gutted I missed the earlier shows! Love West End Live! 😍

[@Kerberos.Cosplay]

Your comment about Choir of Man selling alot of tickets was very true hhha! We went to the Sunday performance and it was a packed house and such a great atmosphere, mostly made of people from WEL

[@IshScout]

"It doesn't last I've seen the sequel" OUCH but yet so so true hehe. My favorite moment you did see may be that club mix of Heart of Stone cause I was not expecting it to go that hard. Best thing you didn't see Death Note The Musical because I've been waiting since the 2014 demos to hear that music in English again & would loooove for them to make a new cast recording from the upcoming concert performance.

[@epicemuchilz]

I just love being one of the tiny people inside your camera.

[@emergingmuses]

This was amazing. I watched ALL the clips posted from the event. Tim Minchin closing the show, what a treat!

[@victoriamaisey2179]

My last memory of Westend live was the first year it was at Trafalgar square. Got in reasonably early. Popped out to grab a coffee. Popped back in again. Seems unlikely I could go again unless ticketed. Alas not sure I would enjoy standing all day now!

[@Amy-zq5kn]

on Sunday I was fully prepared to have to watch Heathers from outside on the screens, showed up at 11.45 and walked straight in! I think they just need to distribute the "big" shows better and maybe over 2 weekends

[@robinhoodcentral]

The queues were INSANE on the Saturday. I got there at around 6:45 and they were queuing us back past the national gallery, then they opened the other two queue lines and we were still in the third queue lane (Compared to last year where we got there at 7:30 and were in the first queue line). Our priority was never the front though, we want the fountains each year (Just to sit down). But even for the toilets the back ones the queue went back past the PIMMS truck then the queue for the ice cream took another half hour. They've said they can't move it (in it's current format) as it needs to be close to the theatres but I think they'll at least introduce a ticket system next year (Even if it's a free ticket system). Still an AMAZING day and we got to see the fly over as well :D Also very exhausted on the Sunday haha

[@TheTravellingGeek]

4.50am got in the queue. The atmosphere was amazing. Got talking to people. My highlights where Choir of Man, Six and The Little Big Things

[@annaskellington1]

Yesss as a person that doesn't even have a passport to go to London, I LIVE through these videos hahaha

[@ashleygirvin1740]

I went to West End Live on Saturday. Husband and I made it there for 9:30AM and the queue was so long - we were by Leiceister Square when we queued, but eventually made it in! Husband decided to go home early because he was getting a headache from the base - but I stayed until the end. I managed to get into the main venue by about 1PM. I think next year we are going to arrive much earlier - we are thinking about 6 or 7AM. The screens were a nice touch while waiting to get into the main venue! We also missed Frozen and The Lion King, but managed to catch Wicked on the screen. I also managed to get a nice spot by one of the fountains on the right.

[@eyecu382]

Goodness, when I went with my daughter about 10 years ago or so, we only queued about half way around Trafalgar Square, and the crowds weren't massive, I remember it as being a really calm day and if I remember rightly we went to see Once in the evening. I don't think I could do with those crowds now. xx

[@disneylandbelle]

Been going 8 yrs we travel from Yorkshire and put in a lot of planning make a weekend of it see some shows Fri/sat queued ftom7 sat and sun 8 had great fun I'm also aged 60 lol

[@beckyhaycock5772]

I agree to ticketing the event but my fear is that won’t stop the overnights/early morning queues. Just because you have guaranteed entry, people still want the barrier and therefore will still go ridiculously early to get said barrier view!

[@sarak.1742]

Absolutely true but there will be less people because they'll will know the ticket guarantees them entry. You used to get be able to be at the front if you came at 6am, now you have to come at 6am just to make it in on time 😂

[@CGguy24293]

Great video, I thought I recognised you was a little shy to come and say hi, I am the guy with the red hat in the video.

[@isobelryan818]

My old drama teacher was in Roles We'll Never Play. He was the first singer

[@kathleenewing3673]

That's mass chaos. Also, I saw Jon Robyns as KG3.

[@PotterPrincessz]

I joined the end of the queue at 9am on Saturday and I was like 4 mins around the corner from Leicester Square - when I got in there was already not that much space left

[@joseph.westbury]

I got there at 7.30 on Saturday and i was much further back in the queue than last time, but on Sunday i got there at 8 and I was really near the front.

[@25971yqop]

Loving the commentary of the mexican wave 😂👌

[@Sienjam]

How do you know when this is on? I always miss it and never know how to find out when it’s on

[@Randomner2562]

The first year or two of west end live I just happened to be in London on the weekend of the event. I was able to pop in and out and have a mooch around without any fuss, but that could absolutely not be done now! I do think it needs to be ticketed, but the tickets should be free or simply an admin fee. The national lottery big night of musicals cost £2 per ticket and it was one of the best nights.

[@kpwxx]

Yes, it's wild! I remember one year I didn't know it was a thing and just happened across it and popped in to watch. I agree like free advanced tickets could be a good solution. But then at the same time, that dropping in and out, finding a cool event and going in, is very cool and at low demand times this can still happen now. It would also be a shame to ticket and then not let people in at times when there are less ticket holders there, but if they did a hybrid letting people in without at less busy times idk how they'd stop there being a big queue of "just in case" people anyway.

[@allisonbergh4429]

It’s nice to hear people singing along with the singalongs - the official clips on KZbin are miked such that you can’t tell anyone is singing and the performers just look a bit silly 😅 Gah what I wouldn’t give to see Tim do “Playing Nancy” live 😭 or the GHD revival, for that matter. But being a fan of Tim’s has already completely changed my life, so I mustn’t be greedy. (Besides, I’m moving to Australia in two months, so hopefully that will lead to increased chances of random wild Tim appearances 🤞🏻)

[@BellePullman]

I feel old - I remember when the event was packed into Leicester Square and we were all thinking "But there's Trafalgar Square just down the hill here, that would be so much space, it would be perfect!" From there, it can only really go to Hyde Park surely? Am I right in thinking that the stage stays up and is used for something else next weekend? I wonder if West End Live could move to the weekend before another event in Hyde Park and ahem, "share" the facilities setup? Not quite as convenient for sure, but a lot more backstage space options. I feel you on the sunburn there, got badly burned one time at West End Live with a satchel back strap mark across my shoulder for the rest of the summer!

[@VeronikaHer]

I got there just around 10:00. Found the end of the queue all the way past the Palace Theatre. But once the queue started moving, it just went. Only missed the Disney performances and then watched everything on the screen in the queue. Got in around Oklahoma performing and got a lovely spot at the picnic tables by the side with a screen there. It was a very fun day. Some performances were... Meh, but mostly great. Also got tickets for Oklahoma, which was fun. Can't see any other venue happening as long as they want to include current musicals. Those people can't travel to West End live and still make it for their matinee... 😞

[@ninarafaelasotoyaponteres1606]

Does any one know who's youtube can I watch the whole tony awards. I miss watching it. Help me 😢😢😢

[@natashakingston8302]

Ive still not gone to Westend Live yet. Its always around my birthday aswell. Do you need tickets or is it a free event? Are there access points for people with disabilities? Both myself and my husband are wheelchair users.

[@davidnicholson6406]

I has to be done 😊

[@sarak.1742]

I get that it's handy to get to Trafalgar from most theatres but Hyde Park really isn't that very far... Bigger venue means more stalls etc, so more chances for them to make money. Plus probably easier and safer to have people queue round the park instead of blocking the sidewalks from Trafalgar to Holborn.

[@emmermayonegg]

Choir of Man was pretty lovely last year as well, still haven’t booked it though haha

[@emmermayonegg]

Also I lost my magnet during the “Turn Around” drag section last year 😂

[@cameronclarkhull]

It's brilliant. Only 80 minutes long but worth the price of admission

[@tbam73]

I guess they did Cabaret on Sunday. I was hoping to get your take on Maude Apatow

[@gillyuk1013]

The queue for Saturday has been the same for a number of years and it's pretty clear they have zero intention of doing anything about it. I've been going since it was in Leicester Sq but it's just not feasible anymore which is such a shame.

[@tananario]

It’s on KZbin.

[@amycarcaterra8177]

Thanks for all of this i appreicate it. why not have it at Hyde Park?

[@yoogrldude]

To answer your question about the sunburn; can’t tell on the face, but there’s some around the back of your neck which has me wincing in empathy

[@Bunvert]

I was there in the queue from 6:20am and ended up in the 3rd barrier line - I did hear the people at the very front had absolutely been sleeping out there since 10pm the previous night which is absolutely nuts to me... I think the real issue was having all the performances on the Saturday and also a severe underestimation of just how big West End Live has actually got now... Sunday was (so I heard from the steward) about half the size of the Saturday Queue.... Do really agree something needs to be done in terms of venue, but at the same time I can't really see where else they could move it to that's large or easily accessible enough for the shows to make their way to. Also very glad it wasn't just me thinking the plane trails were very french - though that's perhaps because I wound up watching them sandwiched amongst some of the Les Mis cast. :')

[@Sabrinajaine]

I wish they'd move to a bigger venue and/or get a ticketing system in place, the queue system last year was so bad it put me off going this year. It's a great event but not worth queuing till 5am for for me personally!

[@Teleringelfon]

They could move it to Hyde Park. Thanks for taking us along! 😊

[@VeronikaHer]

Waaaay too far from West End. Most of the performers need to go straight back to the theatres (back to work) after their performance...

[@zahracj253]

@@VeronikaHer They just need to put up screens maybe. Not the same, but if they set up stalls and activities it would help draw people to Hyde Park or Leicester Square or somewhere else nearby.

[@VeronikaHer]

@@zahracj253 I really like that idea. But think people would still opt in for queueing and having a chance to see it live than chilling in Hydepark 😖 plus the discounted tickets are a massive reason people go into Trafalgar Square as well.

[@user-lk5sf7kg7u]

I spoke to the people at the front - they'd arrived at around 1am. There are security guards overnight so they're perfectly safe and it's a very safe area of London. I don't think it's any different to sleeping outside Wimbledon - it's great fun, you make friends with like-minded people and it's actually all part of the fun.

[@susanpolastaples9688]

I hope Grace Mouat has a new show. Her voice is amazing, Then Here & Now looks interesting.

[@emmaweiks]

what are they singing at 10:24 i swear i know it but i cant place it and its driving me crazy

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

You'll be Back from Hamilton!

[@brendanpilkington1446]

For capacity they could host west end live at Hyde Park?

[@PS-DLMA]

Your commentary re Raoul is highlight

[@beabravo6759]

Just do it in the Park? Or in a big venue such as The O2 or Wembley or sth?

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Lots more money involved - I would love for this to get an upgrade and become West End Fest but it would likely stop being free and become more logistically challenging for musicals to perform at on the same day as shows!

[@beabravo6759]

@@MickeyJoTheatre West End Fest in the Park sounds fine by me!

[@mariasaberi1384]

Does anybody know what's become of Hadley Fraser? He seems to have disappeared.

[@kassidyj97]

Since nobody else is talking about it... THAT REMIX FOR HEART OF STONE WAS INSANE

[@danielrobinson7350]

Gave the opposite opinion in a post below, so people are talking about it. All personal preference I suppose, just prefer that song done simply.

[@TheOneTimeLady_]

You’re not the only one that got sunburned :/ I’m peeling

[@tananario]

There’s a West End Live KZbin channel.

[@sep.s]

People sleeping on the streets> this has been a trend with concerts as well as some fans are determined to be at the front behind the barrier. Jasmine Zade did a really good video breaking down the situation last year, particularly in reference for Harry Styles concerts: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bF69hX2LgrCFos0 Personally I’d love to see the event be a lottery next year as that seems to be the fairest way of doing things, unless they can get a venue like Hyde Park.

[@IvyroseGullwhacker]

As someone who works in the live events industry...the whole structure of this event sounds like hell 😅 Especially because Brits are not built for heat! I hope, given the popularity of the event, they change it to ticketed admission with a capacity limit, create areas where people can cool down temporarily, etc. People will still camp for spots at barricade, but some basic event management would go a long way to improve things.

[@bethanyjoyxo]

My friend is the alternate Christine! Wasn’t she amazing!!! 🥹🤍

[@joeevans5770]

Willing to bet money that aeron didn’t get as sunburnt as Mickey #teamwearahat (Paige is the alternate Christine)

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

How dare you! And also you are absolutely correct 😂

[@Showtunediva]

Get the aloe Vera out and feel better from that sunburn @MickeyJoTheatre.❤️

[@melondster7695]

@@MickeyJoTheatre I went on both days and brought a small umbrella (a decent one) which I highly recommend. On Saturday I was about 15-20ft from the barrier and at one point sat on the floor, umbrella slightly open and resting on my head(!) Akubra hat on, enjoying the shade. To be recommended. Mind you, having got to the Square at 8am and finding the end of the queue at the start of Coventry St, did quite well. But, by the end of Roles I had enough of the heat and went home. Gutted I not only missed Lizzie, but didn't know Tim Minchin would be performing.

[@alwaysbeurfav]

this was actually one of my least favourite west end lives.. it’s good that they’re changing and having a range of songs for their sets but not everyone’s a die hard theatre fan so it’s nice to hear songs most people know e.g defying gravity / ex wives / hopelessly devoted. Ofc as theatre fans we want the best songs from all the musicals but it’s meant to be inclusive for everyone

[@daviddelara7158]

One thing I have always wanted to know - is the event accessible for people with disabilities

[@danielrobinson7350]

Not that keen on that arrangement of Heart of Stone. I suppose Six can’t always do the ex-wives/Six mashup, but there’s a reason that was picked for the Olivier’s performance. Think a few times recently at these sort of things (Big night of Musicals etc.) Six have done things that haven’t really worked. If they’re going to do Heart of Stone, they should have kept it simple like it is in the show and let the beauty of the song speak for itself (like Matilda did with My House on Sunday, where they just had Miss Honey in the centre of the stage on her own).

[@ShakaSingOfficial]

Miss Honey was absolutely amazing ❤

[@Vertigotheatre1]

They need to overhaul this whole event. Anybody watching the vids on KZbin would be immediately put off at the flat sounding mics, terrible levels etc. It's embarrassing

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

I mean it's not like they don't consistently have an ENORMOUS turnout - the soundboard audio on KZbin is dreadful but thousands of people will turn up again next year 😉

[@Vertigotheatre1]

@@MickeyJoTheatre Yeah, they will turn up for a free event or watch the awful clips on KZbin, but I can't see many people wanting to book tickets to the shows based of those performances.

[@Ilovethephantommovie]

i feel like poto in west end wont last for long. as a longtime ‘phan’, i didnt realize that it was still open in his majesties. hopefully it proves me wrong and phantom will last for another 35 years.

[@ArrowOdenn]

Not sure how you can be a longtime phan and not know that the show is still running ;) Not jut in the West End but all over the world. It's not like the ALW are shy about their marketing. And since ALW actually owns His Majesty's Theatre, they're not going to close the production if it's still making money.

[@Ilovethephantommovie]

@@ArrowOdenn sorry 😢

[@Ilovethephantommovie]

@@ArrowOdenn i focused mostly on the majestic. i knew the production would still be open in japan and korea. (as well as italy and prague, non-replica) but i thought they would be closing the two main productions. ( as the west end one changed about 2 years ago.) it only took me about a day after closing to realise it.

[@Ilovethephantommovie]

@@ArrowOdenn also, im a fan of the production, and though i still care about the theater and city its in, i care more about the production and the story.

[@doyouhearthepeoplesing2]

I dont get why westend live is even a thing it is totally not needed

[@Amatureb]

Many people can’t afford theatre tickets, so free live west end performances can be really great. Also it’s a good way to promote shows and for people to sing along to shows with the cast.

[@doyouhearthepeoplesing2]

@Amatureb any one can afford anything if they know how to budget and save