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West End stars show #LondonIsOpen

First Published 27 July 2016, Last Updated 4 August 2016

World renowned shows and global stars from across London’s West End have joined forces with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, in support of his campaign to show the world that the capital remains open to creativity and talent.

Khan himself today trod the boards with the cast of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory at the oldest theatre in London, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, along with Jonathan Slinger, who stars as Willy Wonka, and the President of the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and show producer Caro Newling.

This morning, 38 shows from across London’s theatres simultaneously released exclusive photos of their casts gathered on stage to lend their support to the Mayor’s #LondonIsOpen campaign, in turn demonstrating the industry’s collective support towards a London united, full of creativity and open for business.

Amongst the star names taking part were Rebel Wilson and the cast of Guys And Dolls, Pixie Lott and the Breakfast At Tiffany’s cast, Michael Crawford and the cast of The Go-Between, Martin Shaw with the cast of Hobson’s Choice, Beverley Knight and performers from The Bodyguard, Jenny Seagrove and Gillian Wright with the cast of How The Other Half Loves, and the cast of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child.

The #LondonIsOpen logo will also be visible across Theatreland this summer with the hashtag beamed inside and outside of venues and shows, such as at performances of The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time, Impossible, The Play That Goes Wrong, The Railway Children, In The Heights and Guys And Dolls, as well as outside at TKTS in Leicester Square and the Young Vic.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said of the campaign: “Few if any other cities can rival London for arts and culture, and our West End shows are an enormous draw for visitors and talent from around the world. Together, we are sending the message, loud and clear, that London is open. We are open to the world’s performers, to businesses, to people and ideas, and I encourage everyone to join us in getting behind the campaign and remind the world that London is the greatest city on earth.”

Caro Newling, President of Society of London Theatre, said: “London theatre has never been so vibrant; attracting audiences with the finest writers, directors, actors and producers from all over the world. The industry’s spirit of inclusiveness and cultural collaboration provides audiences with a truly unmatched experience and our message from all of the capital’s auditoriums and stage doors is, London Is Open. ”

Shows’ images in support of the initiative can be viewed in our gallery above. #LondonIsOpen will be promoted at other major events and leading visitor attractions across the capital this summer.

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