West End Bares to return this year with live band for the first time

Now in its ninth year, and in a brand-new venue, the West End’s hottest annual fundraiser WEST END BARES announces WEST END BARES: TOP OFF THE POPS! at The Shaftesbury Theatre on October 28 with performances at 7pm and 9.30pm.

WEST END BARES: TOP OFF THE POPS celebrates the sexiest tracks from some of the world’s most iconic music artists.

For the first time the show will feature an incredible live band and sensational singers alongside all the flesh audiences have come to expect with more than 100 performers from the West End and beyond.

All monies raised will go to The Make A Difference Trust to fund HIV and AIDS projects that raise awareness, educate and provide care and support in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Fresh from her Tony Award-nominated Broadway debut, Eva Noblezada (Miss Saigon, Les Misérables) will open the show singing a brand-new song written for the occasion by returning favourites Mark Anderson and Luke Di Somma.

Eva said: “I am so damn excited for West End Bares: Top Off The Pops for MAD Trust. I had fun the first time I was a part of it in 2014 but I was such a baby.

“I want to bring my own fire to it now that I didn’t have back then. I cannot wait to get on that stage and perform with everyone. This year is something completely different too.

“It’s gonna blow the roof off the theatre, and we’re gonna be performing with a live band, with more flesh than ever before. We’re making something pretty special for the opening with a few surprises that I’ve been sworn to secrecy about but you really don’t want to miss it, see you there!”

Award-winning director and choreographer, Jerry Mitchell, creator of the original concept ‘Broadway Bares’, the inspiration behind West End Bares, said: “Music gets everybody in the mood and I can’t wait for the West End to turn it up and rock out for Bares in London this year with the sexiest tracks and the sexiest dancers.

“I never thought that what we started in Splash in New York in 1992 would be fast approaching its tenth birthday in London next year – FULLOUT! What we do together really does make a difference so get your tickets and get ready to party!”

For the fourth year in a row, WEST END BARES will be directed by David Grewcock with choreography from Tommy Wade-Smith (Book of Mormon, We Will Rock You), Racky Plews (American Idiot, Footloose, Knights of the Rose), Chris Whittaker (Seussical, Judy!, Top Hat), Matt Overfield (Motown the Musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Tommy), Callum Aylott  (Dreamgirls, The Illusionists, West Side Story), Matt Krazn (Chicago, Cats), Will Lucas (Wicked, Cats) and Joanna Goodwin (Sunset Boulevard, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Barnum) with more to be announced.

WEST END BARES benefits the Make A Difference Trust, a UK-based charity with a vision of a world free from HIV and AIDS. Since its first scintillating show in 2010, WEST END BARES has raised more than £250,000. 

Building on the legacy of 25 years of fundraising by the theatre industry, they continue to make the vision a reality having distributed more than £1.6 million in grants to support individuals experiencing hardship across the UK as well as more than £1 million to support projects with their UK and international partners.

WEST END BARES is based on the original concept BROADWAY BARES by Tony Award-winning Broadway and West End director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell. For further information about the Make A Difference Trust please visit here.

Tickets for WEST END BARES are now on sale and are priced at £25 – £80. They are available here or the Shaftesbury Theatre booking line 020 7379 5399 or in person at The Shaftesbury Theatre Box Office. Booking fees apply plus your phone company’s access charge.

VIP Tickets are available directly from MAD Trust by calling 020 7231 9719 and include access to the pre-show drinks reception, VIP entrance to the theatre with a drink on arrival, £10 of MAD money, the best seats in the house for the legendary Rotation and access to the exclusive after party. Booking fees apply.

WEST END BARES are proud to be partnering with 100 Wardour St for this year’s exclusive After Party where you can continue to celebrate with the cast of the show. 

Tickets cost £10 and are only available when you buy a ticket for the 7pm or 9.30pm show.  Once again, there is limited availability for the After Party and when the tickets are gone, they’re gone – so don’t miss out!

Watch the behind-the-scenes footage below: