Musical stars' anti-war protest

Performers from Les Miserables took part

Stars of London's musicals joined forces to voice their opposition to possible war in Iraq by taking part in a musical protest.

About 70 performers currently appearing in West End productions took to the London stage to sing a rendition of Seasons of Love from the musical Rent.

The stars gathered at the Criterion Theatre to show their support for the anti-war campaigners because they will be working during the peace rally in London on Saturday.

The event, organised by Jason Gardiner who appears in Rent, was part of Artists Against War's campaign against conflict with Iraq.

Performers from shows including Les Miserable, Chicago, Lion King, Taboo and Rent took part in the protest.

Mr Gardiner said: "The song celebrates all aspects of life. "

Peaceful message

He said that most, if not all, of the people he had spoken to as he prepared the protest were against war.

"We are pro-life. We are sending a peaceful message of love."

He added: "We were upset that we could not support the march on Saturday, and that's why we got together for the song."

Artists Against War has organised a number of events to co-incide with the anti-war march, including a film screening of Ken Loach's film Dirty Pretty Things and a comedy night featuring Mark Thomas and Jeremy Hardy.

Leading poets will have their say at a mass reading at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London on Friday.

There will also be an exhibition of anti-war art at the end of the march on Saturday.