West End Live 2022: when is it, where is it, what is the lineup and do I have to buy tickets?

One of the biggest events on the West End calendar is just around the corner, with West End Live set to hit the streets of London again.

Featuring some of the best West End stars, around 400,000 people are expected to attend the spectacle over the two days it is held.

With demand in the event skyrocketing after the arts battled through covid, here’s how you can attend, and when the event is taking place.

When is West End Live?

The 2022 edition of West End Live will take place on Saturday, 25 June from 11am to 5pm and Sunday, 26 June 2022 from 12pm to 5pm.

Where does it take place?

The event usually takes place in Trafalgar Square, and that is no different this year. A huge stage will be erected in the heart of London, with fans gathered all around.

What is West End Live?

In a nutshell, West End Live is a free musical performance featuring the best the West End has to offer. On their official website, they say: “West End LIVE showcases free performances from top West End musicals, live in Trafalgar Square”.

It features some of the most sought after musicals on the West End such as ‘Dear Evan Hansen’, ‘Come From Away’ and more.

Do I need to book a ticket?

No, no tickets are required however due to some limitations on space, people are allowed entry based on a first come first served basis.

It is recommended that you queue as early as 6am on both days, to ensure you get entry and more importantly, a good view of the stage.

My Theatre Mates says: “Possibly my most valuable piece of knowledge that I can share with you is getting there early to avoid disappointment. The gates open at 10.15am and 10.30am, with the first performance at 11am, but crowds will start to turn up hours before.

“For my first time at West End Live I left home at 6am to get to the queue. I was pretty much at the front and had the best time, so avoid disappointment, know what time you want to get there for and make it happen. Be there or be square people!”

What is the lineup?

Featuring musicals currently in the West End, and musicals set to hit the famed corner of London soon, the 2022 lineup has been revealed.

The lineup is:

• & JULIET  
• BACK TO THE FUTURE THE MUSICAL  
• DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST   
• BONNIE & CLYDE THE MUSICAL   
• THE BOOK OF MORMON   
• THE CHOIR OF MAN    
• COME FROM AWAY    
• DEAR EVAN HANSEN    
• THE DRIFTERS GIRL    
• FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD THE MUSICAL   DISNEY’S FROZEN    
• GET UP, STAND UP! THE BOB MARLEY MUSICAL    
• GREASE THE MUSICAL    
• THE GREAT GATSBY   
• HAMILTON   
• HEATHERS THE MUSICAL   
• JERSEY BOYS  
• LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL  
• DISNEY’S THE LION KING   
• CHESS, KINKY BOOTS AND TREASON AT DRURY LANE  
• MAGIC MIKE LIVE    
• MAMMA MIA!  
• MARY POPPINS  
• THE RSC’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL  
• LES MISÉRABLES  
• MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL  
• MY FAIR LADY  
• ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES THE MUSICAL   
• THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA    
• PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL  
• SIX  
• SOUTH PACIFIC   
• TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL  
• WICKED

What performances should I keep an eye out for?

Dear Evan Hansen was made into a blockbuster film late 2021, starring Ben Platt who portrayed Evan on Broadway. Recently, after almost three years on the West End it was confirmed to be leaving the West End in October 2022, causing tickets to become scarce.

With this being most likely the last year of Dear Evan Hansen being present at West End Live, it’s one you’ll want to see.

Sam Tutty, who is Evan, also won an Olivier Award in 2020 for Best Actor in a Musical.