#LondonIsOpen: Sadiq Khan and Theresa May support London Theatre

This week the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan launched a new campaign called #LondonIsOpen to highlight to the rest of the UK, and indeed the world, that the capital city is open for business and remains the cultural hub of the country. The campaign follows the views expressed by many Londoners following the referendum vote to leave the EU, which has left a divided nation and a period of uncertainty.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Khan said "London is the best city in the world. It is creative, international, entrepreneurial and full of opportunities. I'm incredibly proud to be Mayor of a city that's so comfortable with its diversity and so optimistic about its future. We don't simply tolerate each other's differences, we celebrate them. Many people from all over the globe live and work here, contributing to every aspect of life in our city. We now need to make sure that people across London, and the globe, hear that #LondonIsOpen. I urge everyone to get involved with this simple but powerful campaign to send a positive message to the world."

The #LondonIsOpen campaign was immediately backed by new Prime Minister Theresa May and former Mayor Boris Johnson as well as celebrities including Jude Law. In an interview with the Evening Standard, May echoed her support by saying:

"I have been very clear that Brexit means Brexit and that we are going to make a success of it, both for our capital city as well as the rest of the country. This is a unique opportunity to take advantage of international trade and business and strengthen our ties across the world culturally as well as financially. Furthermore, small business is the lifeblood of our city and I will do everything I can to maximise opportunities for everyone, not just the privileged few."

A number of London's theatres including the Bush Theatre and the Old Vic have joined in on the hashtag by tweeting photos of the their venues with the doors widely open.

The London theatre industry continues to thrive, with record numbers attending plays, musicals, dance, opera and live music across the city, with a wide variety of options available for audiences to enjoy. To highlight the #LondonIsOpen campaign, we look at a number of new productions in non-traditional theatre spaces, that prove #LondonIsOpen across the entire city.

Blanc de Blanc

The London premiere of a sizzling new circus show from the creative team behind worldwide smash hits LIMBO and Cantina and the masterminds behind Madonna's Rebel Heart Tour runs at London's Hippodrome in the heart of Leicester Square. Described as "an intoxicating blend of vintage glamour, high-end spectacle and titillating acts to infatuate, illuminate and delight", this is a highly unique performance that comes direct from the Sydney Opera House.

The London Hippodrome is an exciting venue in the historic building by Leicester Square tube station, attached to the Casino. The venue suits the intimate performance nature and is a perfect and unique location for an original night out in London. Read More...

Vamos Cuba

This summer, the historic Sadler's Wells Theatre in Angel Islington is throwing its doors open to celebrate the fire, passion and heat of Cuba. Featuring moves from the acclaimed Cuban choreographers Nilda Guerra and Macarela, Vamos Cuba is set in the crazy chaos of Havana airport, where families are parted, lovers reunited, and time flies when you're having fun. In a place of new beginnings and old romances, where reality calls and dreams take flight, we experience the joys and vibrancy of Cuban life with all the passion and humour that embodies the Cuban spirit.

The venue is also hosting a brand new Rumba Rum Bar and offering audiences the opportunity to stay late for a post-show salsa class to celebrate the best of Cuban culture that is guaranteed to bring some (more!) heat to your summer. Read more...

The Game's Afoot

For those who prefer their theatre be as immersive as possible, the team behind Alice's Adventures Underground, The Olivier Award-winning Les Enfant Terribles theatre company bring their new Sherlock Holmes inspired performance to Madame Tussauds in central London. The experience offers you the chance to become Baker Street's famous detective, traveling back to Victorian London to solve an exciting murder mystery before the time expires. Complete with hidden clues, suspects and fantastic surprises, your sleuthing skills are put to the test in an exciting original performance.

Don't miss your chance to enjoy one of London's most famous attractions turned into an exclusive new performance space! Read more...

Barbu

The London Wonderground is back for another summer season at The Spiegeltent in Jubilee Gardens. Barbu is performed by one of the world's greatest circus companies, Canada's Cirque Alfonse, and takes edge-of-your-seat, off-the-wall entertainment to a whole new level. Coming to London following its critically acclaimed premiere at the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe, this exciting new circus show features a heart-thumping musical score where circus and mayhem collide in an adventure filled with almighty skills and muscular torsos.

The London Wonderground is one of the summer's must-do activities for both Londoners and visitors and includes a mix of performances that suits all ages and tastes. Read more...

Wherever you visit this summer, make sure you support #LondonIsOpen by discovering one of these unique new venues.