WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL PRESS RELEASE JERRY SPRINGER TO PERFORM AT WORLD'S LARGEST FREE ENTERTAINMENT FESTIVAL West End LIVE, the world’s largest free theatre festival, will return to the heart of London this summer for another fantastic showcase of the very best of the West End’s entertainment. Highlights will include performances by talk-show host Jerry Springer in his debut West End role as razzmatazz lawyer Billy Flynn in the hit show Chicago and the BBC’s I’d Do Anything winner Jodie Prenger, who will perform as Nancy in the classic show Oliver! Crowds can also expect great performances from Hairspray, Jersey Boys, Wicked, We Will Rock You, Dirty Dancing, Avenue Q, Thriller Live, Stomp, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert, La Cage Aux Folles, Carousel, Been so Long, Too Close to the Sun and Sister Act. All these and many more will take to a giant open air stage in Leicester Square to wow audiences. As well as watching a series of stellar stage performances, visitors will be able to take part in a host of activities at the event, which is organised by Westminster City Council and promises to be fun for all the family. Children will be able to enjoy watching TV favourites Bob The Builder, Barney, Fireman Sam and Angelina Ballerina in a sneak preview of The Little Big Club Live in Concert. The show is currently touring Hong Kong and is not due to hit the UK stage until next year. Children can also visit the Postman Pat marquee to see another much-loved screen favourite. Cllr Robert Davis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Special Events, said: "We’ve already got a host of excellent shows lined up for this year’s event including established stage favourites such as Chicago and Avenue Q as well as exciting new performances from Thriller and Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. "West End LIVE is a spectacular event and it’s free, so all the family can come along and enjoy the shows and soak up the atmosphere even if they are on a budget." Nica Burns, president of the Society of London Theatre, said: "London has the best theatre in the world. No city can rival the breadth and variety of outstanding entertainment that can be enjoyed daily in London. West End Live gives everyone the chance to enjoy a weekend of fantastic free entertainment showcasing just some of our fabulous shows and the opportunity to take part in a range of fun activities. "Beat the recession blues by joining us in celebrating the success of an industry we can all be proud of - and which contributes £1.8 billion to the capital’s economy whilst bringing untold pleasure to millions of people. A big thank you to Westminster City Council for hosting this fantastic event." More than 150,000 people are expected to attend this year’s West End LIVE in Leicester Square on June 20 and June 21. For more information visit www.westendlive.co.uk or contact Jenny Legg at Westminster City Council's press office on 0207 641 2259.