Theaters (theatres) – All our local tips

With catchy tunes and big skirts, the musical Hairspray has been seen by over a million people since it opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre at London’s West End. The story of Hairspray is set in Baltimore, Maryland, circa 1960, when the segregration between whites and blacks were still very much a reality in that point in history. It shows how music unites people of all race and colour and the production cast belts out “You Can Stop The Beat”.Sadly, the beat is going to stop for this West End musical. After over 1,000 performances and with famous names like Michael Ball and Phill Jupitus who played the role of Edna Turnblad, Hairspray will stage its last show at the Shaftesbury Theatre on the 28th of March 2010. After its run in London, the show will tour to other UK cities including Cardiff and Edinburgh.For ticket information, visit the Shaftesbury Theatre box office.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Hairspray | Theaters, Festivals & events | Grand Circle ticket £ 22.50
210 Shaftesbury Avenue | Central | +442073795399
Tue – Wed & Fri 19:30, Thu & Sat – Sun 15:00 & 19:30

Roll up roll up, La Clique is back in town! On the 20th November, it returned to London to play at the Roundhouse in Camden for 8 weeks only. La Clique is a sassy combination of unique performances such as circus sideshow, burlesque, comedy, song and dance.

Most of the acts are solo performances – ranging from a contortionist manipulating his body through a tennis racket to a tribute to the late Freddy Mercury – which is a stand-up comedy and signing routine performed by Mario Queen of the Circus.

Therefore strictly no corny show fillers, however defiantly not a family show. There is a fair bit of nudity and the ‘hide-the-handkerchief’ certainly has an adult spin on it – so best leave the kids at home! One of the most wacky and entertaining shows you’ll ever see – you can buy your tickets directly from La Clique’s website.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Clique | Art & culture, Theaters | From £ 25.00
Chalk Farm Road | North-West | +448444828008
Sun 18:00, Mon – Thu 20:00, Fri – Sat 22:30

The Tricycle has been running since 1980 and despite being in the northwest, far from the glamorous West End theatre hub, it has become one of London’s most adored and respected theatres. Ten years ago a one-screen cinema was added on and in 2001 the Creative Space was built for educational workshops.

The theatre’s directors try to present work which reflects the cultural diversity of its neighborhood Kilburn, a heavily immigrant area and has put on plays by Irish, African-Caribbean and Asian writers.

The venue also puts on events such as the Obama Inauguration Party, where they will screen the ceremony live in the cinema with American beer, pretzels and cheerleaders.

The cinema kiosk serves ice cream and candy and it has a bar/café which has a simple menu of pasta, sandwiches and jacket potatoes. There is a separate eating area which doubles as an exhibition space. On Mondays cinema tickets are only £5.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
The Tricycle | Art & culture, Bars, Cinemas, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Theaters
269 Kilburn High Road | North-West | +442073281000
Box office Mon – Sat 10:00 – 21:00, Sun 14:00 – 21:00
Café & bar Mon – Sun 12:00 – 23:00 (12:00 – 20:00 for food)

Every Wednesday night, the West End Comedy Club showcases some of the best stand-up comedians currently on the pro-amateur comedy circuit in London, including previews of Edinburgh Festival shows! Yes, you get to see them first all for just 5 of your good English pounds ladies and gentlemen!

Located in a quiet side street near Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, a secret band of those in the know gather on the very top floor of The Comedy Pub in what can only be described as a penthouse suite of mirth, a pigeon loft of feathers to tickle your fancy. Oo-er as Kenneth Williams would say. See the Facebook page for details of upcoming acts.

Hosted by the MC, Mr Paul Late, who describes himself as the “bastard son of Harry Hill“, this is a fantastic opportunity to catch acts before they get famous, win comedy awards, and then only appear at hideously more expensive comedy clubs before prostituting themselves to TV comedy news and general knowledge quizzes, followed by a drug-addled death in middle-age. That’s showbusiness folks!

Remember that with any stand-up comedy, some material may offend, especially the curtains, that material is absolutely disgusting.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
West End Comedy Club | Bars, Theaters, Festivals & events | Ticket £ 5.00
7 Oxendon Street | Central
Wed 20:30 – 23:00