In this lecture we trace the story of Covent Garden as the entertainment centre of London. We examine  the origins of two legendary theatres that gave birth to modern West End theatre and meet the stars that shaped the buildings and starred at the theatres: David Garrick, Richard Brinsley Sheridan and Augustus Harris. We travel the centuries to encounter the trailblazing women who took Covent Garden by storm including Nell Gwynne, Mrs Siddons and Adelina Patti.   We also look at how street entertainment has played a vital part in keeping Covent Garden alive & how despite frequent fires, riots and financial ruin, time and again, the show MUST go on.