West End Live 2019

Here we are again. The yearly mass exodus to Trafalgar Square, for theatre fans everywhere and it looks like the busiest yet. This doesn't seem a fun way to spend a hot summer's day in London. I appreciate it's a fully free event but there just is not the room at Trafalgar anymore. Move it to a bigger park somewhere, however, the location has to be near all the West End theatres for all matinee shows. I would pay, say £5 maybe £10, to not feel like a battery farm chicken and be able to hear the performances, rather than have the noise pollution of Central London drowning them out. This is a yearly demonstration on how NOT to organise a large public event.

I'm kind of pleased I am not there now. Sounds even worse than last 2 years. They need to hand out free cold drinks. Def needs ticketing. Maybe X number tickets available online and X at the gate. Eventually they will charge for the tickets and anything else they can (then blame it on Brexit). I remember when you could come home with loads of free stuff in a goodie bag from both this and Ideal Home Show. Sadly, no more. Sorry Millennials, us ( only slightly) older people had it better. (Less off WE theatres though so maybe not).

Such a shame especially after the cluster**** of Kids Week again.Went last year on the Saturday and cried about a million times at the power of MT and my worry is that if little uns have been taken today by parents/guardians/carers and queued for three hours and didn’t get in,well it’s just counter-productive for the future.Sorry to be such a Debbie Downer as Abbie says on Dance Moms.

Joined the queue around half an hour ago and now close to the front. It is very very busy. I had a press pass last year but that had its own constraints. I’ll enjoy having a wander around during Thriller then find a spot for the new shows...then I’ll leave!

Sounds dreadful.

When I went last several years ago, the sound quality was poor and didn’t represent the show in the best light.

I’m glad I decided to not queue up for the main area. The side section by Canada House was a great way to watch WEL. Ok, it was via a big screen, but the area wasn’t crowded and was easy to get into and leave without any hassle. I got to see the shows I wanted so I’ll settle for that. If the queues are just as horrendous tomorrow, I’ll just come back here. I certainly agree with previous posts, I think there needs to be a serious discussion for next year about maybe relocating or ticketing options as this year was just plain crazy.

Think this will need a lot of reconsidering next year, as it's outsized it self!

Whilst Trafalgar sq is a lovely location , it simply cannot fit everyone into it! Whilst it will cost more money, I deffo think having it in Hyde Park would be feasible. Maybe even just on a Sunday when most shows aren't playing. Give them longer slots, and let it run into the evening. Make it a real festival! They could charge enough money just to break even, as they're not making money from it now I imagine!

Or just throw the stage up and make it an open event in Hyde Park? Imagine the running costs will be a lot higher in there.

Can't think of anymore options for this...

I’ve never been able to get (but have seen some of the performances on YouTube).

But surely the point of this is it’s a free event designed to promote and market the shows? Making it paid and ticketed would just capture the current fan base and defeat the object of this.

Hello, long time lurker here. Have come out of hiding during a pause at West End Live!

Agree with all the comments here, it’s really outgrown itself in Trafalgar Square. I come every year and it’s been getting busier and busier. Today I queued for about 90mins. When I joined the queue it was almost up at Piccadilly Circus. The organisation was messy and people had the opportunity to skip the queue which was frustrating. . Once into the barrier area it got better as we could see the large screen and hear the songs but the queue really slowed down as they alternatively opened each entrance.

Once you make it in it doesn’t feel too overcrowded though I do find it annoying when people set up chairs and picnic blankets etc right in the middle of main watching area and take up loads of space while you have to awkwardly stand around them.

After getting in I’ve really enjoyed it though, my favourites have been Jesus Christ Superstar and &Juliet so I can’t wait to see those when they open! It’s a really great opportunity to promote the west end. If only they sort out the queueing issues next year!

Yes, welcome to the board savvy26.

Well I was there today. Just a few thoughts.

For personal reasons, it was never my intention to stay all day.

I joined the queue at about 10am. This was in front if the Half-Priced Ticket Booth. This then snaked down towards the Nation Gallery, round the corner and back up again past The Book of Mormon in Piccadilly, all the way down Haymarket and then, eventually, into Trafalgar Square. This took over two hours and by time I got in Come From Away head just finished. That's how long got took and what I missed.

In fact outside the Book of Mormon, the cast of Everyone Loves Jamie crossed in front of us to go and perform. Towards Haymarket, the cast of Motown also walked past.

Although everyone- the crowd, presenters and performers- seemed to be in good spirits, I agree this has outgrown this space.

I also noticed a lot of stalls that are normally there, weren't this year. in fact from that point of view, it seemed pretty sparse.

Mamma Mia!- as colourful and as lively as ever.

It's quite remarkable (in a good way) that both The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables are still so popular.

Only fools and Horses I wasn't too fussed about.

Despite some sound issued, Waitress got a great reception and was very good.

Whilst I have no doubt this is no true reflection of the show- again, sound issues- I thought that Fiddler on the Roof was mess!

I can't go due to work but think I wouldn't have bothered anyway. It sounds like a nightmare.

Curious about this, anyone hear it?
www.instagram.com/carleystenson1/p/BzBVf3RluZP/?igshid=fz5wiv8o6u3x

What do people do for a toilet break? Also can you not just stand where the National Gallery is and not queue and just look down on the event from the raised pavement?