I love this little spot on the Southbank between HMS Belfast and Tower Bridge. It's a modern day…read moreamphitheatre where they host a lot of independent events. I've been to the London Penguin Walk: Where we broke the world record for the number of people in penguin suits. Water Stories: a photography exhibition and most recently The Globes Complete Walk of Shakespeare films. Such a lovely place to have events.

The Scoop is a unique space: a little amphitheatre basically carved into the sidewalk. They…read moreroutinely put on free theatre, and that's what drew me here. Right now they are playing a 4.5-hour long adaptation of Wagner's "The Ring of the Nibelung" cycle. The original is a very intense, 15-hour-long German operatic epic that is performed over four nights. This is a much more digestible and family-friendly version of that, and it was done very well -- good writing, pacing, acting, production, all the more impressive because it's outdoor theatre where you inherently have less control of the environment. It's a very well-designed space. Acoustically, its below-street-level placement is an advantage because most of the noise from the street is drowned out, but it's not a very loud area anyway because there are no pubs/bars/restaurants in the immediate vicinity - you'll just occasionally be interrupted by an airplane overhead. The theatre can accommodate quite a lot of people, but the seats are stacked high enough as they go back, so that your view is never obscured by the person in front of you. They let you bring food and drinks (just no glass bottles) into the theatre, so pack a picnic and a few beers! It's not protected at all from the elements though, so if it rains you're kind of screwed. Also, at night it gets chilly, so bring a blanket and layers to put on.

I was lucky enough to attend a KT Tunstall gig here as she launched her last album and was…read moreimpressed. It looks as if it is awaiting demolition, in fact we weren't sure we had the right place at first, but it is more than capable of hosting a top night. Wilton's oozes history and according to the website it is the world's oldest surviving grand music hall. The decor appears to be left exactly as it was whenever it was functioning full time and the run down tired look is actually part of its charm and character. It feels like you have broken into an abandoned auditorium and that you are experiencing something a little special and off the radar. The old wooden balcony may creak a bit but there's no chance of falling through. The stone walls are impressive too. It reminds me of the entrance to the Dragon's Den. Sadly Theo and the gang weren't there to give me any money so I had to settle with buying a drink instead. The staff here were very friendly and enthusiastic about the place and I can see why. The stage is quite low down and there weren't any barriers creating a void between you and the act. In fact people were practically on the stage. The acoustics were awesome too which really enhanced the acoustic songs which were performed that night. I loved my visit to Wilton's and if the opportunity to visit again arises I shall jump at the chance to go.

Super charming and unique venue and great shows. We love the bar too. So happy this has reopened…read morepost pandemic.

I was able to attend a series of lectures at the Unicorn Theatre and found it was one of the better…read morevenues in London. Let's face it, there are only a few things needed for a professional location. You want good comfortable seating, a good sound system (rare these days it seems), internet access, a decent temperature, and a location that allows everyone room to stay comfortable and mingle easily. Yep, the Unicorn Theatre ticks all those boxes.

We have seen many productions over the years here which the family have enjoyed immensely.The…read moreproductions here are always unique and stimualting.We are looking forward to their Christmas production "Baddies the Musical". The Unicorn Theatre For Young People produces and commisions plays for young people from 2-21 years of age.It's artisitic director is the inspired Puni Morell who came from the National Theatre. This December Unicorn is celebrating ten years in it's custom-built, RIBA Award-winning building on Tooley Street. The founder of the Unicorn Caryl Jenner believed that theatre for young people should be non-compromising and of the very highest quality her vision lives on at the Unicorn.

Loved seeing guys and dolls at this location! What a fun immersive way to see a musical! Would…read moredefinitely come back and see another show here again the talent is really good!

Located in the shadows of the world famous Tower Bridge (which crosses the Thames in Central…read moreLondon), the Bridge Theatre is hosting an excellent production of Guys and Dolls through a large part of 2024. My wife discovered that this London production of 'Guys and Dolls' had an interactive part, where as part of the audience, one can be on stage at the same time as the performers. The 'standing' tickets actually cost less than the sitting areas (£39.50), so we bought them directly on the Bridge Theatre site a couple months before. We took the Tube from Leicester Square, via St Pancras station, getting off at the London Bridge station. It was about a 15 minute walk to the theater from there. The theater has a beautiful view of the Bridge, definitely iconic. We were allowed inside, about 90 minutes before the start. The ground level has a large bar, and definite sitting areas (though far less seating than there are audience members). There is a coat check in the back, and for folks standing, it is required that you check your coats and bags for the safety of everyone. They try to keep the theater as cold as possible for the benefit of the hard working actors. We were allowed inside the stage about 30 minutes before the 7:30 start time. They had recreated 1939 New York, with various hawkers of wares, interacting directly with the audience. You can wander around the stage, and buy things like pretzels, hot dogs, cheap prop hats, bottled water. and programs. We bought a hat and a hot dog (each £5). There were also cafe tables set-up, which early arrivals could use to sit down and rest/prepare. A little before 7:30, workers came around to clear out the tables, and put us in places. This is when I realized that the cement floor was actually a series of hydraulic lifts, capable of going as high as 5 feet in some places. The play started exactly on time. Words can't really describe the experience as the play. From our vantage point, the closet thing I could imagine would be to have standing room, pit seats for a rock concert. It was unique for me, not ever participating in such a thing...it was crazy being that close to the performers, sometimes being less than 3 feet away. The acoustics were different...initially dialogue was hard to understand, but your ears/brain gets used to it. Plus, the story isn't that complicated. One thing to note is that there is a burlesque show during the intermission...it states that its appropriate for 9 and over, but many parts of it would definitely be PG-13 (at least in the States) for being that close. Different parts of the floor would constantly go up and down, and "policeman" were constantly doing crowd control, moving people here and there. You really can't stay in one place (unless you decide to use the outside walls as a prop), and depending on your luck, you can be right below where the performers are acting. It was a long play, with a 20 minute intermission. The most recognizable song was "Luck be a Lady, Tonight", song by the male lead right after intermission. The whole thing lasted over 3 hours, and even included a afterparty where some performers partied with the audience. It's a long time to be standing, so make sure you bring your comfortable shoes. But if you can do it (and don't mind a little jostling), this is absolutely the way to go. And it really makes you appreciate the talent and dediciation (and athleticism) of the actors. I would do this again in a heartbeat (for a different play).

Carnivale, a new venue for Eastend Cabaret is ideally suited to this type of event. This was…read moreanother BB&VV double-act a little more comedic than the last EeC I went to, BB played her uke a little more and VV's is coming to the fore a little more. BB's rendition of Memories was spectacular, she has a wonderful voice, mellow, melodic and powerful, VV's heavily customised Miss Otis Regrets was also quite perfect. This really is entertainment at it's best and as you are only paying for your drinks, you owe it to yourself to see this act. I'm an unashamed fan and if you give it. Try I'm sure you will be.

Two of the loveliest performers on the circuit…read more I was lucky enough to perform with East End Cabaret just after they'd come back from their tour of Melbourne. We met at the station, were bundled into a taxi and driven to some cricket club in the middle of nowhere. Despite the shabby backdrop, they shone as true professionals. Even though it was a tough room and a tough audience they didn't falter once - getting some drunk guy on stage. You never know what to expect, but one thing is certain, you will have a laugh. Brilliant musicians, great comics and always a delight to watch perform. Catch them sooner rather than later, their profile is increasing month on month, year on year, and it will only be a matter of time before their name is up in lights everywhere.

It is a privilege to have this historic boozer and venue on our doorstep. The Halfmoon, Putney,…read morehas hosted live music full time since 1963. From The Rolling Stones to Kasabian, Kate Bush to Natasha Bedingfield, the venue has seen them all and is steeped in a rich musical heritage. Every photo on the wall means the artist in it has played the venue. Its like a "Who's who?" of British music aristocracy. Its a Young's pub too, so the beers good. Also check out the fabulous juke box which features classic albums and the best contemporary tracks, including the informed staff's picks. Perhaps best of all though are the cool, friendly and helpful staff themselves. Top marks to Kirk and Gareth for keeping the standards of both drinks and music so high.

It's a theatre specifically for young people they run professional classes for young people and…read moreperform for young people (0-17) Small theatre but fun, performances are good. Friendly service, you won't leave empty handed sometimes at the end they gave out CD's with sound tracks from the performance. Has a basic look but its eye catching at the same time. If you're a young person interested in theatre or a student trying to build up a profile on acting this is a great place to start and you should definitely look this place up. They even do work placements.

A fantastic little pub in the heart of Soho, with great character, lovely features and a laid back…read moreatmosphere. Whilst looking a tad grimy from the outside, this is a wonderful hidden haven I'm happy to have discovered. I loved the cut glass light fittings, furnishing details, and the comfy traditional 'old world' feel. A great place to have a few drinks and a chat with friends, although I expect it gets a bit busy pre/post show time. Think traditional pub, great if you're not looking for anything 'gourmet or craft', although had a few drinks options a bit of variety (whereas I just went for a good old fashioned G&T).

Long held in local lore, The George holds its ramshackle head high in a list of London's top night…read morespots. To say that its scene and crowd are consistent is somewhat misleading, as it attracts a wide array of people who unite most readily for their contrariness and less for their style or their adherence to any particular scene or movement, a feature that makes this place refreshingly un-London. There is, however, a definite punk edge, evinced by the Barcelona pin-faces who pile onto the side patio for cigarettes any time of year, and the general sway of the musical acts booked in most nights (expect to pay a small cover if you arrive after eight). Drinks are somewhat on the expensive side, but long waits at the bar are virtually unheard of, saved by staff that may seem surly but are rather delightfully low-key. Non-locals need not be put off by night transit: both Commercial Road and Whitechapel High Street are surprisingly well-served by the system. All in all a reliable place to grab a drink and feel both at home and away at once.