Rachel Zegler performing in Evita at West End Live 2025 has been officially announced as one of the highlights for the event’s 20th anniversary, scheduled in Trafalgar Square, London, on June 21 and 22, 2025. Theatre fans can expect an extensive showcase with performances from classic and contemporary West End productions during this free, city-wide celebration.
Major Shows and Performers Announced for 2025
The Society of London Theatre and Westminster City Council confirmed a diverse list of shows and performers slated for West End Live 2025. Rachel Zegler will take the stage alongside the cast of Jamie Lloyd’s new adaptation of Evita, the beloved musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. This adds to a vibrant line-up that includes musicals like Hamilton, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!, Matilda the Musical, and more. The varied programme is designed to cater to theatre fans of all interests and ages.
Returning favourites such as Hadestown, The Book of Mormon, and Tina – The Tina Turner Musical will share the stage with new productions and groups, including 101 Dalmatians, Janie Dee’s Beautiful World Cabarets, National Youth Music Theatre, Ride the Cyclone, and This Is My Family. The event seeks to reflect the breadth and excitement of London’s theatre scene across the decades.
Special Concert to Mark Two Decades of West End Live
A special concert on Sunday afternoon will celebrate the 20-year history of West End Live. Produced in collaboration with Westway Music, this anniversary performance features a roster of notable theatre stars, among them Madalena Alberto, Aimie Atkinson, Cassidy Janson, Jenna Lee-James, Kayleigh McKnight, Lee Mead, Johndeep More, Natalie Paris, Tobias Turley, and Marisha Wallace. The concert will revisit memorable performances from a range of musicals that have shaped the history of the event, including Beautiful, Carousel, Dreamgirls, Frozen, Heathers, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, & Juliet, Once, Rent, and We Will Rock You.
Hosts Bring Energy and Diversity to the Stage
The free weekend event in Trafalgar Square will be hosted by a rotating line-up of presenters. On Saturday, theatre-goers can expect appearances from drag queen, singer, and actor Divina de Campo, known for RuPaul’s Drag Race and London theatre productions like The SpongeBob Musical and Chicago, alongside West End performer Hannah Lowther, who starred in Heathers and Six The Musical. Sunday’s programme will be guided by Pop Idol winner and West End performer Zoe Birkett, noted for her roles in Tina – The Tina Turner Musical and The Bodyguard, joined by West End star Oliver Tompsett, whose credits include A Knight’s Tale and & Juliet.
Exploring the Spirit and Organisation of West End Live
West End Live is one of London’s anticipated yearly events, consistently attracting thousands of theatre enthusiasts for a celebration of musical theatre. The 2025 festival will run from 11am to 5pm on Saturday and from noon to 5pm on Sunday, featuring open-air performances in the heart of the city at Trafalgar Square. This longstanding tradition has evolved in scope and accessibility, with this year’s edition seeing new partnerships with Nimbus Disability and the Access Card, leading to updates in viewing areas and entrance arrangements.
The organisation behind West End Live reflects a collaboration between Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre, with backing from the Mayor of London. Their combined efforts have helped the event grow in size and diversity since its start two decades ago. The London Palladium often serves as a reference point for theatre-goers during this period due to its historic significance in the West End.
Last year’s event, West End Live 2024, attracted considerable crowds and featured standout performances from shows such as The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, Hadestown, Mean Girls, and MJ the Musical, underscoring the ongoing popularity and relevance of the festival.
Anticipation Builds for a Landmark Theatre Celebration
The announcement of Rachel Zegler performing in Evita at West End Live 2025, alongside a diverse array of musical acts and star hosts, sets the stage for a memorable milestone year. With the involvement of theatre legends, beloved productions, and new creative partners, the 20th anniversary event is expected to draw even greater attention to London’s vibrant theatre community. Audiences are likely to experience a mix of nostalgia and anticipation as the festival both honours its history and looks ahead to future editions.
