London is the birthplace of the multi-million pound musical spectacular. West End shows like Cats, Miss Saigon and Phantom of the Opera are unsurpassed successes. The latest extravaganza is Oliver!, which has already taken £10 million in advance bookings at the box office.
However, there are fears that such shows threaten new talent and kill off creative but less commercial productions.
Tonight, Janet Trewin asks whether the mega-musical is a monster hit or simply a monster?
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