Photo Flash: Cast of HALF A SIXPENCE Surprises Sir Cameron Mackintosh on Birthday

Sir Cameron Mackintosh's 70th birthday began with a 'Flash Bang Wallop' as the cast of HALF A SIXPENCE surprised him with an impromptu performance as he inspected works at the Noël Coward Theatre, ahead of their first performance later this month. Check out the photos below!

For nearly 45 years Cameron Mackintosh has been producing more musicals than anyone else in history, including the three longest running musicals of all time, "LES MISERABLES", "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Cats". "Mary Poppins", his co-production with Disney, is now also dispersing its magic globally with smash hit productions having just opened in Australia and Holland, with further productions soon to open in Germany and Japan. "Miss Saigon", another of his massive hits, continues to spawn around the world. As well as new musicals, Cameron enjoys producing new versions of such classics as "Oliver!" which has just enjoyed another record-breaking run at London's legendary Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.
Other original international productions include "Little Shop of Horrors", "Side By Side By Sondheim", "Follies", "Martin Guerre" and "The Witches of Eastwick".
"LES MISERABLES" is now the longest running musical in the world having just celebrated 25 years in the West End. Last October, to celebrate the 25th anniversary, Cameron presented a spectacular star-studded concert at The O2 in London, which was also broadcast live to cinemas around the world. That triumphant performance is now a best selling DVD. For the first time in theatrical history three different productions of the same musical were staged at the same time in one city - the Concert, the acclaimed New 25th Anniversary Production at London's Barbican Theatre and the original production, at the Queen's Theatre, London. The New Production is now a huge hit in Madrid and in North America, with other productions due to open across the globe over the next three years.
Cameron is currently preparing the film versions of "LES MISERABLES" and "My Fair Lady" and is working on the new version of the great Broadway musical "Barnum".
Cameron owns seven historic theatres in London's West End - Prince of Wales, Gielgud, Queen's, Wyndham's, Noel Coward, Novello and Prince Edward. He is also co-owner of Music Theatre International, the world's largest theatre library.

Some of Cameron's awards include; In 1995 his Company received the Queen's Award for Export Achievement and he was knighted in the 1996 New Year's Honours for his services to British theatre. He is president of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and in 1990 he endowed the Chair of Contemporary Theatre for a Visiting Professor (currently Trevor Nunn) at St Catherine's College, Oxford, where he is also an Honorary Fellow and member of the Court of Benefactors. In 2006 he received the National Enjoy England Award for Excellence for his Outstanding Contribution to Tourism.

Check out photos from the special celebration below!