The London Palladium has hosted the world’s biggest stars over the course of its history. Today, like all theatres across the UK, it is dark. On Thursday, September 17, Magic Radio will bring together over 70 leading figures from across musical theatre at the venue, united for the first time, to shine a spotlight on theatre at a time when its very existence is under threat.

The day – produced by Magic together with TBI Media – will result in a special three-hour show airing on Wednesday 23rd September on Magic Radio and Magic at the Musicals.

In addition to interviews throughout the day, the stage will feature West End stars recording exclusive ‘live’ performances from supporting musicals including MAMMA MIA!; Dreamgirls; Disney’s: The Lion King; &Juliet and more. 11 performances in all will be recorded, uniquely with a live, 23-piece orchestra, comprising some of the West End’s finest musicians, together with members of the London Musical Theatre Orchestra, under Musical Director Jon Ranger (all required safety and hygiene measures will be met).

These are all musicians and performers who have been directly financially effected by the impact of the COVID crisis on theatres, and – with invaluable support from the Audio Content Fund – Magic are ensuring all performers are being paid to be a part of this day of support for the industry. Additionally, students from Mountview, who are the future of the industry, will be forming a 16-strong chorus, supporting the performances.

Nicole Raquel Dennis (Dreamgirls and Dear Evan Hansen) will be talking to the performers to hear what it’s like to be back on stage again. Ruthie Henshall will be conducting interviews with some of the industry ‘leading lights’ including Judy Craymer (producer of Mamma Mia); Rebecca Kane Burton (CEO LW Theatres); and Sonia Friedman (multi-award-winning producer of shows including Dreamgirls, Harry Potter, Book Of Mormon) who will give a voice to the leading creatives, producers, composers, artists and musicians who are currently facing financial hardship.

John Owen Jones will host round tables with creatives from both on-stage and behind the curtain including Trevor Dion Nicholas, (Aladdin and Hamilton); Kenny Wax (producer of SIX The Musical); and a host of others.

With curtains down, box offices closed, and theatres empty, the coronavirus is a serious situation for the sector and will have far-reaching effects on the arts – a usually booming industry for the UK. Attracting both Brits and tourists alike, in 2018 UK theatres sold in excess of 34 million tickets, generating £1.28 billion in revenue.

Whilst a small handful of indoor theatres have now reopened, it is unlikely that most West End theatres will be able to open their doors for full-scale musical and theatre productions this year as these are economically unviable with social distancing practices in place.

Commenting on the show, Sheena Mason, Deputy Content Director Magic Network said: “The coronavirus has had devastating effects for many in the UK and has been particularly tough on the arts and entertainment industry. Musical theatre has a very special place in our hearts at Magic and our theatre-based station Magic at the Musicals, so we are thrilled to hold this event to help the industry, highlight the struggles that it has experienced during this time, and show the importance of the arts to our country. It’s incredible to see everyone – both on and off stage and from all productions – come together for our special event.”

Julian Bird, Chief Executive, Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre, added: “We are delighted that SOLT’s ongoing relationship with Magic Radio, encompassing the Olivier Awards, West End Live and Magic at the Musicals, continue with the major new programme from the London Palladium celebrating the excellence of the UK’s world-leading theatre industry – with performances, interview and insights into the world of musical theatre, it promises to be an entertaining and informative show.

Magic with the Musicals will air at 7pm on Wednesday, September 23 on Magic Radio and Magic at the Musicals. Listen on radio, online, on the Magic app or on smart speaker.

This event is being made possible by the Audio Content Fund and the generous support of partners including LW Theatres, Delta Live, LMTO and Spiritland (audio).

The list of confirmed performers and interviewees for Magic with the Musicals includes:

Ruthie Henshall

John Owen Jones

Nicole Raquel Dennis (representing Dreamgirls)

Lucie Jones (representing Waitress)

Lee Mead

Cassidy Janson (Representing &Juliet)

Tyrone Huntley and the Soul Girls (representing the Regents Park production of Jesus Christ Superstar)

Trevor Dion Nicholas, (Aladdin and Hamilton)

Jarneia Richard- Noel (Representing SIX)

Courtney Bowman (Representing SIX)

Natalie Paris (Representing SIX)

Alexia McIntosh (Representing SIX)

Sophie Isaacs (Representing SIX)

Danielle Steers (Representing SIX)

Gugwana Dlamini (Representing Disney’s The Lion King)

Mazz Murray (representing MAMMA MIA!)

Judy Craymer (Producer of MAMMA MIA!)

Sonia Friedman (Producer of Dreamgirls, Harry Potter, Book Of Mormon)

Julian Bird Olivier Awards & CEO of The Society Of London Theatre

Michael Harrison (producer of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; The Bodyguard)

Rebecca Kane Burton (CEO of LW Theatres)

Michael Lynas (MD of ATG)

Kenny Wax (Producer of SIX the Musical)

Michael Rose (Producer Sleepless In Seattle)

Kate Griffiths – Make up artist.

Drew McOnie – Choreographer

Catherine Zuber – costume designer

Gabriella Slade – Costume Designer

Kelly Devine – Choreographer

Neil Austin – Lighting Designer

Richard Beadle (Musical Director)

– ENDS –

For Further Press Information on Magic Radio, please contact:

Cat Martin (née Macdonald) – Communications Director Bauer Media
M: 07932 746363

Odelia Yu, Senior Commercial Comms Exec

M: 07718 124791

About Magic Radio Network

Magic Radio entertains listeners across the UK on Digital Radio, with the perfect mix of music and entertainment to lift your day. Home to Magic Radio Breakfast with Ronan Keating and Harriet Scott, the station is also host to sell-out events including Magic at the Musicals and the Magic of Christmas.

You can listen to Magic Radio in London on 105.4FM and nationally via the Magic App, Smart Speaker, at magic.co.uk, on Sky Channel 0180, Freeview Channel 715, Virgin Media 928 and as a music TV channel on The Box Plus Network. 

The Magic Radio Network, with a total reach of 4.2million, includes digital stations, Mellow Magic playing timeless relaxing classics, and Magic Chilled creating a contemporary music escape featuring fresh laid-back hits. A host of presenters including West End favourites, Ruthie Henshall and Jonathan Bailey can be found playing the best of the west and beyond  on Magic at the Musicals, while Magic Soul plays the best of Soul and Motown, with singer Lemar on Weekend Breakfast and finally newly launched Magic Radio at the Movies plays the best of the movie soundtracks.  All these services are available on DAB Digital Radio, online, smart speaker and via mobile apps. To find out more about the Magic Radio Network’s different stations, music, events and presenters, head to www.magic.co.uk