Individual Unit (5) (West End Research)

DEFINTION:
"The western section of central London, England, noted for its fashionable districts and its shops and theatres. It includes Mayfair and Hyde Park." - http://www.thefreedictionary.com/West+End

FIRST THEATRES:
"London's first playhouse was built at a location known as the Shoreditch in 1576 and carried the name of 'The Theatre'. Prior to this plays had been performed in courtyards, Inn yards and even in people homes. In 1663 the first West End theatre opened, the mini venue played host to the earliest stars such as Neil Gwyn and Charles Hart. Tragically the theatre burnt down due to a fire in 1672." - http://www.theatrehistory.com/british/londons_vibrant_west_end.html
"The history of the London West End has been inextricably linked to the theatre for hundreds of years. From the opening of the first West End venue in Drury Lane in 1663, locals and visitors to the burgeoning capital flocked in their droves to the West End to be entertained and enthralled by the various shows on offer. - http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/london-west-end/

THEATRES:

 https://www.londontoolkit.com/theatre/london_theatre_breaks.htm

LONGEST RUNNING MUSICALS:

Les Misérables – opened 08/10/1985 at the Barbican, now at the Queen's Theatre – 30th year

The Phantom of the Opera – opened 09/10/1986 at Her Majesty's Theatre – 29th year

Blood Brothers – opened 27/08/1988 at the Albery Theatre, later transferring to the Phoenix Theatre and closed on 10/11/2012 – 24 years

Cats – opened 11/05/1981 at the New London Theatre and closed on 11/05/2002 on its 21st anniversary

Mamma Mia! – opened 06/04/1999 at the Prince Edward Theatre, moving later to the Prince of Wales Theatre and now playing at the Novello Theatre – 17th year - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_End_theatre