Whether on stage or behind the scenes, many London musicals owe part of their success to the involvement of famous personalities. From writing the music to treading the boards, celebrities are queuing up to be part of the magic of London’s West End! Take a look at who has contributed to the most popular London musicals.

The Lion King

With an illustrious career spanning more than three decades, Elton John is one of the top selling musicians of all time, having sold over 200 million records worldwide. He first became involved in The Lion King in the early 1990s when he wrote the music for the soundtrack to the Disney animated film. The story was adapted for the stage in 1997, and the London musical version of The Lion King opened in 1999. This fabulous musical is renowned for its uplifting score, and the award-winning album has produced two hit singles, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, and The Circle of Life.

Billy Elliot

Following his success with The Lion King, Elton John went on to compose the music for the smash-hit London musical Billy Elliot, which opened in the West End in 2005. The toe-tapping score has helped this inspirational London musical to win four Laurence Olivier awards, including Best New Musical. The soul-searching track Electricity reached number four for Elton John in the UK singles chart.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Jason Donovan first appeared in a London musical in 1991, playing the title role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium. He’s now back, sporting an even more outrageous costume as Tick in the fantastically camp Priscilla Queen of the Desert. This dazzling London musical has won the hearts of audiences and critics alike. Featuring a string of dance-floor classics and incredible outfits, the show follows the colourful and comic adventures of a performing trio.

We Will Rock You

Having firmly established himself as a novelist and stand-up comedian, Ben Elton has achieved huge success as writer of the hit London musical We Will Rock You. This futuristic musical, which was created in collaboration with Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor, opened at London’s Dominion Theatre in 2002 and features 32 classic Queen hits. The show has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world, and has sold almost 5 million tickets in London alone.

All the Fun of the Fair

Just opened in London’s West End, All the Fun of the Fair is inspired by David Essex’s first album. This hot new London musical follows the trials and tribulations of a fairground widower and his rebellious son. The star of the show is David Essex himself, and the score includes some of his greatest hits alongside some brand new songs. Having first shot to fame in the London musical Godspell in 1971, this is a welcome return to the stage for David Essex, who has attracted a huge fan base over his remarkable career.

Oliver!

Best known as one half of the prolific comedy duo Smith and Jones, Griff Rhys Jones is currently appearing as Fagin in the classic London musical Oliver!. No stranger to the London stage, Jones has already played leading roles in a number of West End shows and has won two Olivier awards. Jones leads an incredible cast and orchestra of more than 100 in this dazzling production.

Author Bio: Find out more about London Musicals

Category: Entertainment
Keywords: musicals, theatre, west end, entertainment, london