Culture-lovers thinking of booking a theatre break to London and taking in a show should listen to the advice of the public and check out Oliver!, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Wicked.

The three West End musicals emerged as the big winners at this year's Theatregoers' Choice Awards, the only major award scheme voted for by members of the public, rather than critics or industry insiders.

As well as the Best New Musical, Priscilla took away the prizes for Best Set, Best Choreography and Best Supporting Actor.

At the same time, the stars of Oliver! were recognised for their performances, with Rowan Atkinson and Jodie Prenger picking up awards for their portrayals of Fagin and Nancy, respectively.

However, it was Wicked that landed what many would consider to be the biggest prize of the night, the award for Best Musical, with the show's executive producer Michael McCabe telling the Official London Theatre Guide that there has never been a better time for musical-lovers to book a theatre break to the West End.

"It has been an incredible year for West End theatre and the productions that made the shortlist for this special award are proof of the diversity and quality that have helped maintain London as the world leader for live entertainment," he said.

Wicked was first performed in San Francisco in 2003 and has become a Broadway, as well as a West End, smash.

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Posted by Rob Stanworth