Duchess of Cambridge attends a musical in the West End
The Duchess of Cambridge was gifted a pair of tap shoes after she joined a host of stars for the opening of the musical 42nd Street in London last night.
Kate, 35, was in the audience to see Sheena Easton's hotly anticipated West End debut at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in her role as Royal Patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).
The Duchess, who looked stunning in a crimson £1,105 Marchesa Notte tulle gown teamed with a jewelled belt, maroon heels and a clutch bag, was invited on stage following the performance, where she was presented with the shimmering shoes by the show's co-producer Lord Michael Grade.
The stage show, which stars the Grammy award-winning singer Easton, is helping to raise money for the charity supported by the Duchess, which is need of funds to help pay for a new hospice in Norfolk called The Nook.
The Duchess, who wore her hair loose and accessorised with Kate Spade earrings, has been stepping out in a series of conservative ensembles of late - and last night was no exception with the royal flashing just a hint of ankle while a mesh overlay kept her décolletage covered up.
Scottish star Easton plays Dorothy Brock in the show, which is a tribute to the world of musical theatre and has returned to the West End after more than 30 years.
Emmerdale actor Tom Lister plays Julian Marsh, while theatre star Clare Halse plays Peggy Sawyer.
The show, which features classic songs We're In The Money, Keep Young And Beautiful, I Only Have Eyes For You and Lullaby Of Broadway, has returned to the theatre where it made its first UK run from 1984 to 1989, starring a then-unknown Catherine Zeta-Jones.
The Tony Award-winning musical follows young Peggy's arrival in New York from small-town America as she joins the chorus line of Broadway's newest show and tries to get her big break.
The new production, which features a cast of more than 50 high-kicking performers, will run until October 14 2017.
Other VIP guests in the audience last night included Morgan Freeman, Judy Murray, Bonnie Langford, Chris Moyles and Pete Waterman. Former WAG Lizzie Cundy, as well as Strictly stars Neil and Katya Jones, were also spotted on the red carpet.
Ahead of the show Kate was greeted by the show's co-producer Lord Michael Grade, as well as director and author Mark Bramble and 12-year-old Ollie Duell, from Cambridge, who suffers from a complex bowel and stomach condition and has benefited from the services of EACH.
Starstruck Ollie, who presented Kate with a programme, said: 'I feel very good about meeting Kate Middleton. She's very pretty and I want to talk to her about the hospice and how I like going there. I also want to tell her about Pokémon.'
Tony Award-winning musical 42nd Street debuted in New York in 1980 and has been recreated in theatres all over the world over the years.
The new production is directed by the show's author Mark Bramble, and includes songs such as We’re In The Money, Lullaby of Broadway, Dames, I Only Have Eyes For You, and 42nd Street.
The musical has played to great global acclaim for almost 40 years and its popularity is seen as a tribute to Gower Champion, the legendary director and choreographer of the original Tony Award-winning production.
Kate, who was seated in the Royal Box last night, became the Royal Patron for EACH five years ago and has attended several official engagements over the years.
The charity supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions.
The Duchess is famously passionate about supporting children's hospices and chose EACH as one of her first four royal patronages after becoming an HRH.
