MAYFLOWER Theatre is presenting the best of the West End and Broadway with a series of musicals and plays on a big screen in its auditorium this September.

Productions are set to include The King and I, An American in Paris, 42nd Street, Kinky Boots, The SpongeBob Musical : Live on Stage! and The Wind in the Willows and will be screened from September 9 to 20.

As the theatre is unable to present live shows due to government guidance, and as a not for profit organisation looking to maximise opportunities, the space is being used for socially distanced screenings for musical lovers of all ages.

Audiences will be able to enjoy their favourite shows on the big screen in the atmosphere of a real theatre.

Mayflower Theatre Chief Executive Michael Ockwell said: “I am delighted to be able to bring audiences back into our venue for this film series, what better way to enjoy filmed versions of great musicals than to sit in our fabulous auditorium. Whilst we are unable to present our usual offering to full audiences, this innovative use of our space for musical films takes us back to our heritage with our venue being used for both live shows and films. With a venue of our size the socially distanced audience can safely enjoy a unique experience”.

The series will get under way with toe-tapping Tony Award winning American hit 42nd Street and also includes children's favourites such as The Wind in the Willows and Hetty Feather.

Tim Rice and Stuart Brayson's epic musical From Here to Eternity will also be screened alongside the West End production of John Logan’s award winning play Red.

A Riverdance 25th anniversary special will be screened on September 18.

Stage2View, a new venture between Austin Shaw, Joshua Andrews and Stuart Galbraith of Kilimanjaro, produces, finances and distributes high-end film captures of top West End and International stage productions.

Tickets are on sale now from mayflower.org.uk or 023 8071 1811.