Greater London Enterprise Awards 2019

22 | SME NEWS - Greater London Enterprise Awards 2019 Leicester Square Theatre is a magnificently restored theatre located in the heart of the West End designed to accommodate a variety of performing arts productions. In celebration of the theatre’s win in the 2019 Greater London Enterprise Awards we offer an overview of how far it has come since it first reopened its doors to the capital city’s discerning arts lovers. Since it was first created Leicester Square Theatre has boasted an illustrious history as a live music venue. As the ‘Cavern in the Town’ in the Sixties, Beat group The Small Faces had a regular residency. In the 1970s, as the Notre Dame Hall, The Rolling Stones played there along with The Who. This iconic venue also played a key part in the establishment as punk as a core genre of music, hosting some riotous early landmark gigs by The Sex Pistols. The Clash also previewed their “London Calling” material there in 1979 before recording the seminal album the following month. Having fallen into disrepair, Leicester Square Theatre was lovingly restored and reopened by Lesley Ackland and Martin Witts in August 2008. The establishment’s first show after its reintroduction to the London stage scene was a 12-week run of the late comedienne Joan Rivers. Following this exciting debut, Leicester Square Theatre soon established itself as one of London’s foremost comedy venues playing host to the major comedy talent of today including Bill Bailey, Michael McIntyre, Richard Herring, Micky Flanagan, Frankie Boyle, Sandra Bernhard, Bridget Christie, Jo Brand, Russell Howard and annual seasons with Stewart Lee. Leicester Square Theatre Best Performing Arts Theatre 2019 - Central London In addition, it has established a long-standing relationship with Scamp Theatre Company who delight children annually with the seasonal Stick Man and their summer productions of Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales and The Scarecrows’ Wedding. As music has been a key part of the theatre’s history, it was not long after its reopening before it started playing a vital role in the newly- reopened venue’s programming. Macy Gray, Boy George, Tommy Emmanuel, John Mayall, Michael Feinstien, Stacey Kent, Hazel O’Connor, David McAlmont, Ruby Turner and Tony Christie are just a handful of names that have played the theatre in the last few years. With its history of bringing new talent to critical acclaim, Leicester Square Theatre makes it a point to invite not only big-name entertainers, but also up-and-coming stars to perform on its majestic stage. As a result, patrons enjoy a varied programme of comedy, cabaret, dance, music and theatre. Throughout the years the establishment has developed and adapted its facilities in line with the ever-evolving requirements of its audience and performers. Today the 400 seat theatre boasts two bars perfectly positioned in the auditorium with newly-installed cinema style seating and an intimate bar downstairs. This focus on developing and adapting will remain central to Leicester Square Theatre’s ongoing success as the venue works to build upon its current success and welcome even more guests, stars and rising talent through its doors. Company: Leicester Square Theatre Contact: Johanna Rigg Website: https://www.leicestersquaretheatre.com