BGT: Simon Cowell shows his support for theatres with a star-studded West End showcase

Simon Cowell is set to throw his support behind the struggling theatre industry with a star-studded West End performance in the Britain’s Got Talent final.

The performance – which will air live this weekend – will feature stage stars including Michael Ball, Matt Lucas and even Amanda Holden herself, performing songs from iconic musicals such as Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera.

The theatre industry has been one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many venues still closed after being forced to shut their doors in March.

Sensational: Simon Cowell will throw his support behind the struggling theatre industry with a star-studded West End performance in the Britain’s Got Talent final (Mary Poppins pictured)

After seven months of total shutdown, 60 performers have come together to conjure up the dazzling lights of the West End including Michael Ball, Matt Lucas, Carrie Hope Fletcher, John Owen-Jones, Shan Ako, Killian Donnelly, Zizi Strallen and Charlie Stemp. 

This special performance coincides with Les Misérables 35th birthday and The Phantom of the Opera’s 34th birthday.

Cameron Mackintosh said: ‘Britain’s theatrical talent is the best in the world so it is a wonderful opportunity after seven months of enforced lockdown to be invited by Britain’s Got Talent to showcase three of my greatest British musical hits with their fabulous West End casts all bursting to perform again and remind audiences what an unforgettable thrill it is to enjoy the exhilaration of a live show. 

‘Several years ago, Susan Boyle Dreamed her Dream and set the world alight and we are both eager and anxious to be told when we can fully reopen again next year so that we can all properly get on with our lives and celebrate the world beating talents of our amazing culture.’

Amazing: The performance will feature stage stars including Michael Ball, Matt Lucas and even Amanda Holden herself, performing songs from iconic musicals (Les Miserables pictured)

Amazing: The performance will feature stage stars including Michael Ball, Matt Lucas and even Amanda Holden herself, performing songs from iconic musicals (Les Miserables pictured)

BGT’s grand finale will air on Saturday, with 10 acts battling it out for the £250,000 prize and the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Show. 

The series, which resumed filming last month, is set to come to a thrilling end with five acts voted through by the judges so far being confirmed to star in the final. 

Five acts put through by the public vote across the series will go up against variety act Steve Royle, dancing duo Aaron and Jasmine, magician Magical Bones comedy singer and performer, Jon Courtenay; and stand-up comedian, Nabil Abdulrashid.

Theatre: This special performance coincides with Les Misérables 35th birthday and The Phantom of the Opera’s 34th birthday (Phantom of the Opera pictured)

Theatre: This special performance coincides with Les Misérables 35th birthday and The Phantom of the Opera’s 34th birthday (Phantom of the Opera pictured)

Funnyman: Comedian Nabil Abdulrashid is among the five acts already confirmed to appear in Saturday's final, after being put through by the judging panel

Funnyman: Comedian Nabil Abdulrashid is among the five acts already confirmed to appear in Saturday’s final, after being put through by the judging panel

Steve, 52, from Chorley, Manchester wowed the judges with his juggling and stand-up comedy during the semi-finals and was voted through to Saturday’s show. 

Aaron, 28, and Jasmine, 32, also gained a coveted place after performing a unique mix of modern Latin and ballroom dancing with impressive acrobatic tricks.

The dancing duo will go head-to-head with Magical Bones, a 38-year-old magician who combines magic with break dancing in his act.  

Exciting: The series is set to come to a thrilling end with five acts voted through by the judges, along with five more to be confirmed this weekend (pictured Aaron and Jasmine)

Exciting: The series is set to come to a thrilling end with five acts voted through by the judges, along with five more to be confirmed this weekend (pictured Aaron and Jasmine)

Genius: The dancing duo will go head-to-head with Magical Bones, a 38-year-old magician who combines magic with break dancing in his act

Genius: The dancing duo will go head-to-head with Magical Bones, a 38-year-old magician who combines magic with break dancing in his act

His semi-final incorporated the story of Henry Box Brown and he brought the judges to tears when he made his girlfriend and two-year-old son appear on stage.

Comedian Jon Courtenay, 46, from Manchester won Ant and Dec’s golden buzzer during auditions after performing an original comedy song about his life so far, and what brought him to audition on BGT. 

His semi-final performance made the judges both laugh and cry, with an emotional yet hilarious song.

Entertainer: Comedian Jon Courtenay, 46, from Manchester won Ant and Dec’s golden buzzer during auditions after performing an original comedy song about his life so far

Entertainer: Comedian Jon Courtenay, 46, from Manchester won Ant and Dec’s golden buzzer during auditions after performing an original comedy song about his life so far

Last week, the judges put through Nabil Abdulrashid, a 35-year-old stand-up comedian from South London who won Alesha’s golden buzzer during auditions. 

His style of comedy won the judges over with a ‘brave and edgy’ performance addressing race and religion.  

The remaining public vote acts will be revealed on Saturday with all ten acts pre-recording their performances the night before for safety reasons.  .  

Tune in to the final of Britain’s Got Talent on Saturday at 7.30pm on ITV.

Finalist: Steve, 52, from Chorley, Manchester wowed the judges with his juggling and stand-up comedy during the semi-finals and was voted through to Saturday's show

Finalist: Steve, 52, from Chorley, Manchester wowed the judges with his juggling and stand-up comedy during the semi-finals and was voted through to Saturday’s show