And the show will go on ... at this theatre next week

Posted on 24 April 2011

The world's longest running show at St Martin's Theatre has been thrilling audiences from around the globe for 58 years and will no doubt be continuing at this theatre next week. The Mousetrap is a murder mystery written by Agatha Christie and it made its West End debut on 25 November 1952 at the New Ambassadors Theatre. It played there until 23 March 1974 when it moved next door to its current home, the St Martin's Theatre, on 25 March 1974 where it has been running ever since. After more than 24,000 performances it still manages to entertain and thrill audiences who flock from every corner of the globe to see it.

London's West End is home to many of the world's greatest and longest running shows and next on the list for London's West End is Les Miserables. Opening on 8 October 1985, it played its 10,000th performance in January 2010 at the Queens Theatre. Les Miserables has been seen by over 57 million people in 42 countries, 219 cities and sung in 21 different languages. Adapted from Victor Hugo's novel, Les Miserables is the epic tale of a man's life journey through 18th century France and his struggle to live through the injustice and revolution of the time. It is full of passion and courage and has been acclaimed the world over.

The Phantom of the Opera is trailing very close behind Les Miserables, opening on 9 October 1986 it firmly holds its place as the West End's third longest running show currently in its 24th year. The opulent Her Majesty's Theatre plays host to this spine chilling musical featuring grand sets, vibrant costumes and excellent special effects. Adapted for the stage by Andrew Lloyd Webber, this musical extravaganza has grossed over £1.7 billion worldwide and has been seen in 24 countries and played to over 80 million people.

And then there's the Piccadilly Theatre and the electrifyin' hit Grease. Next Saturday the 30th of April the curtains will fall for the last time, saying good bye to this iconic show. Grease was the longest running show in the venues history, seen by over 1.25 million people and playing over 1300 performances. However it's not all bad news, Grease will then begin its UK tour visiting seven lucky cities. So when that curtain falls on Saturday 30 April for the last time in the Piccadilly Theatre, the sign will sadly say "Grease will not be at this theatre next week".