Magic Radio West End Christmas 🎭❄️: See the pictures here
We kicked off the Christmas season in style!
A cast of West End stars joined us for an unforgettable evening of musical performances from the most iconic and best loved stage shows, alongside a chorus of Christmas classics.
Hosted by our very own Magic Musicals presenter Lucie Jones and theatre star David Hunter, and backed by a world-class band, Magic Radio West End Christmas brought a touch of festive magic to the London Palladium on 15th November.
We were dazzled by sensational performances from an ensemble cast including award-winning West End actress Zoe Birkett, 2025 Olivier Award Nominee Lauren Drew, West End and Broadway performer John Owen-Jones, acclaimed singer and actress, Sydnie Christmas, plus our very special guest - and Britain’s leading musical theatre star Michael Ball, as took to the stage with musical theatre hits and their favourite Christmas songs.
See the pictures here:
Who performed at Magic Radio's West End Christmas?
Lucie Jones
From The X Factor finalist to West End leading lady, Lucie Jones has carved out an extraordinary career on stage and beyond. She has dazzled audiences in iconic roles such as Elphaba in Wicked, Jenna in Waitress, Elle Woods in Legally Blonde and Fantine in Les Misérables. Alongside her theatre credits, Lucie proudly represented the UK at the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest, toured the world as a solo artist, and is now a familiar voice to many as a presenter on Magic Musicals. With her powerhouse vocals and magnetic presence, Lucie is one of the most exciting stars of British musical theatre today.
David Hunter
A versatile actor, singer and songwriter, David Hunter has become a West End favourite thanks to his leading roles in Waitress (Dr. Pomatter), Kinky Boots (Charlie Price), Once (Guy) and The Time Traveller's Wife (Henry). On screen, his credits include Nativity 3, Holby City and Doctors, as well as reaching the semi-finals of ITV's Superstar. Away from the spotlight, David is also making waves as a writer, with his original musical Stuck set for a special West End concert performance this December. Known for his warmth, humour and unforgettable performances, David continues to captivate audiences both on stage and beyond.
Zoe Birkett
Bursting onto the scene as a finalist on the very first series of Pop Idol, Zoë Birkett has since become one of the most dynamic performers in UK musical theatre. Her impressive West End credits include leading roles in The Bodyguard, Thriller Live, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Rock of Ages. She has also toured internationally, headlined solo concerts, and is renowned for her powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence. Whether belting anthems or bringing heart to dramatic roles, Zoë continues to thrill audiences wherever she performs.
Lauren Drew
Known for her powerhouse voice and commanding stage presence, Lauren Drew has quickly established herself as one of the brightest talents in British musical theatre. She has starred in hit productions including Six (as Catherine of Aragon), Legally Blonde, Heathers and Kinky Boots, alongside standout performances in The Voice UK, where she reached the semi-finals. Lauren's versatility as both an actor and vocalist has made her a sought-after performer on stage and in concert, with fans praising her ability to deliver both soaring vocals and heartfelt storytelling in equal measure.
John Owen-Jones
John Owen-Jones is a West End and Broadway performer best known for his award-winning performances as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables and as The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera.
John has performed extensively in theatre in the West End and around the UK in shows such as La Cage Aux Folles, Much Ado About Nothing and The Pirates of Penzance, Sweeney Todd, Showboat, and A Little Night Music at the National Theatre with Dame Judi Dench. He has appeared twice at the BBC Proms in the Park concerts, twice on The Royal Variety Show, toured the UK in concert with Katherine Jenkins and has been a special guest in concert with Collabro, Michael Ball, Alfie Boe and Bryn Terfel.
In 2022, John created the role of "Phil Hollinghurst", the blue-eyed, silver fox baking judge in Great British Bake Off - The Musical by Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary, which garnered him a WhatsOnStage Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. John returned to the London stage in 2025 in the European premiere of hit Broadway musical The Great Gatsby.
John has released seven solo albums which he also produced. 'Hallelujah' EP (2006) 'John Owen-Jones' (2009), 'Unmasked' (2011) 'Rise' (2015) 'Bring Him Home' – a compilation album (2017) 'Spotlight' - featuring The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra (2019), and 'The Christmas Album' (2021). His next album "Voyager" will be released in 2025.
Sydnie Christmas
An acclaimed singer and actress, Sydnie Christmas captured the nation's heart as the first female singer to win Britain's Got Talent. Her debut album My Way soared to No.1 on the iTunes chart, showcasing her distinctive blend of power, emotion, and authenticity. Following her triumph, Sydnie starred as Cruella De Vil in Disney's 101 Dalmatians: The Musical at the Eventim Apollo. In a remarkable year, she has starred at the Royal Variety Performance, performed two sold-out headline shows at Sony Hall in New York and appeared at David Foster's 75th birthday concert at the Hollywood Bowl alongside Andrea Bocelli, Jennifer Hudson, and Josh Groban. Having previously appeared in Lazarus and Starlight Express, Sydnie is now recording her debut originals album, due for release in spring 2026.
Michael Ball
Britain's leading musical theatre star, Michael Ball is a double Olivier Award-winning, Grammy nominated, multi-platinum recording artist and a hugely popular radio and TV presenter. For over 40 years he has been at the top of his game, starring in musical theatre productions in the West End and on Broadway, winning critical acclaim, a devoted following and awards for his stage work and recording career.
Michael's theatre credits include Edna Turnblad in Hairspray (ENO/Coliseum), Javert in Les Misérables – The Staged Concert (Gielgud Theatre & UK / Australia Arena Tour) Anatoly in Chess (ENO/Coliseum), Mack in Mack and Mabel (Chichester/UK Tour), Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd (West End) for which he won the Olivier Award for 'Best Actor in a Musical', Edna Turnblad in Hairspray (Original West End Cast) for which he won the Olivier Award for 'Best Actor in a Musical', Kismet (English National Opera), Patience (New York City Opera), The Woman in White (West End/Broadway), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (West End), Passion, The Phantom of the Opera, Aspects of Love (West End/Broadway) and creating the role of. Marius in Les Misérables (Original West End Cast). His television credits include the Victoria Wood BBC TV film, That Day We Sang, opposite his Sweeney Todd co-star, Imelda Staunton.
Michael has a successful radio broadcasting career which includes his own show on BBC Radio 2 on Sundays. He is also a popular TV presenter - he has hosted The Michael Ball Show on ITV1, his first TV travelogue, Wonderful Wales on Channel 5 and most recently an Easter Sunday special for the BBC.
He regularly tours the UK as a concert artist and has sold millions of albums over the last 40 years; he's performed in Australia, China, USA, Japan and, in 2007, made his BBC Proms debut: An Evening with Michael Ball at the Royal Albert Hall which marked the first time a musical theatre star had been given a solo concert at the Proms.
In 2016 he released Together, a collaborative effort with close friend and singer Alfie Boe, that featured performances of classic songs. The album became the UK's best-selling album of 2016 and beat the likes of Little Mix and The Rolling Stones to the Christmas No.1 spot. Ball & Boe then released Together Again which brought the pair yet another No.1 album in 2017, and Back Together which landed them the No.2 spot in the Official Albums Chart. In 2020, Michael and Alfie released their first festive album Together at Christmas featuring both old favourites and originals. Their 5th album, 'Together in Vegas', entered the UK album chart at No.3 in October 2022.
Thanks to their latest album release 'Together at Home', which gave the pair their 4th UK Number 1, they have now sold over 1.6 million albums in the UK, received two Classic Brit Awards, sold out three headline arena tours and presented three ITV Specials!
During the various U.K. lockdowns, Michael started to pen new material - the result was We Are More Than One. Released in 2021 it was an album more personal than ever before. After learning how to write and record remotely, every track had an inspiring story to tell.
His debut novel, 'The Empire' - published in Autumn 2022, became a Sunday Times Bestseller. Following that, he released his first ever memoir titled 'Different Aspects', completed a hugely successful 13 date solo sold out theatre tour of the UK and has recently released his second novel, titled 'A Backstage Betrayal'.
When was Magic Radio’s West End Christmas?
Saturday 15th November.
Where did the show take place?
Magic Radio West End Christmas returned to the iconic London Palladium.
Read more:
Magic at the Musicals returns for 2025