Britain · SHOW
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 shows worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
See York from the eerie Necrobus, a classic 1960s Routemaster, during a 75-minute English-language comedy horror tour. A theatrical conductor, sometimes appearing as John Doe or Edgar Crank, links Clifford’s Tower, York Minster, and Dick Turpin’s grave with dark stories and jokes.
“A fun way to learn about area. It was well done with humor and touch of fright. Very good guides, they did excellent job”
Join an English-speaking guide such as Kate, Marcus, or Dwayne for a 90-minute, 1.4-kilometre circular walk from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. See Shakespeare’s birthplace, schoolroom, New Place, burial church, Tudor buildings, old taverns, and the Guild Chapel.
“Excellent tour guide from Kate. Very knowledgeable and made it a very interesting journey around the town.”
Ride a 1960s open-top Routemaster through central London with Lord Larksford and Cheeksworth. This 75-minute English-language show mixes major sights, historical facts, improv, dark comedy, and live banter. It begins near Trafalgar Square and returns to the same meeting point.
“The tour was absolutely amazing! I just moved to London and it was a great way to learn the layout of the city with a personal tour guide on the bus.”
Join Miss Tempest Rose and The House of Burlesque for a 2-hour early evening cabaret in London’s West End. Expect burlesque divas, queer cabaret energy, glamour, and a show in the round. Dress up, arrive for the 6pm happy hour, and plan dinner afterward.
“uno schifo ci hanno cacciato via e in modo maleducato perche mia nipote non aveva con sé la carta d identità maleducati fino alla fine”
Enter the 120-seat Peter Harrison Planetarium for a 30-minute live show led by a Royal Observatory astronomer. Depending on the day’s program, see the night sky, satellites, star birth, or the Solar System through spacecraft images, CGI, and expert commentary.
“Unfortunately, the show was cancelled (or changed). But the Observatory Planetarium staff was so kind to admit us for free for another show. and it was excellent experience. very interesting and educational for my 11 old son.”
Head to Infernos Clapham for a three-hour Forbidden Nights male revue, with dancers, audience sing-alongs, a possible stage pass for a birthday girl or hen, cast photos, and entry to the nightclub after-party until 3:00 AM.
Spend two hours at Big Belly Bar and Comedy Club in South Bank, where four to six English-speaking comedians mix new material with tested routines. Buy drinks at the bar, enjoy food options, and keep an eye out for an unannounced celebrity comic.
“Great comics and set up, good venue to get drinks before, during and after the show and good food options available”
Join Russ Brown at Blackpool’s Russ Brown’s House of Secrets for a close-up family magic show in a small venue where every seat faces the stage. Expect audience participation, comedy, illusions, and balloon shapes for children, with drinks available from the bar.
“Lovely cosy venue, fabulous atmosphere and helpful team, very accommodating & thoughtful to children’s needs, keeping them well informed about sound and dimmed lighting etc. a lovely experience of fun & laughter highly recommended for all ages.”
Spend two hours at Smoke & Mirrors Comedy Magic Theatre in Bristol, where two live magicians mix jokes, audience interaction, and close-up style tricks in a cozy 1920s theater. Your ticket includes a 9-inch pizza to share and a glass of Prosecco. The show is for adults 18 and over.
“Great entertainment and live interactions on stage. Pizza and Prosecco was perfect. Definitely a must do if visiting Bristol”
Spend three hours beside Blackpool Tower with the Viva cast performing ABBA’s biggest hits. Your reserved seat includes table service, while food and drinks are available to buy before and during the show. Expect singing, dancing, costumes, and plenty of chances to join in.
“Singing, dancing, costumes, everything you would expect from an ABBA tribute, done with real quality!!”
Spend about four hours at Haus of Cabaret Brighton for Cabaret Carousel, a theatrical mix of burlesque, drag, circus acts, and cabaret. Choose a dinner or brunch package, with selected options including unlimited prosecco or cocktails. Expect flashing lights, audience games, prizes, and adult entertainment.
“Five star show food was excellent drinks even better”
Spend four interactive hours at Blundells Supper Club with FunnyBoyz drag queens, musical Benidorm Bingo, comedy, Spin the Wheel, twerk-offs, lip sync battles, cabaret, a bingo ticket, popcorn and, on selected tickets, a glass of fizz.
“Amazing everyone was so nice and sweet and awesome loved it”
See Matt Andrews, Johnny O’Connor, Toby Beal, and Michael Cosgrove perform Frankie Valli and Four Seasons hits at Blackpool’s Viva venue. Host Leye D Johns adds comedy and quick changes, while lasers, a huge LED screen, and a full interval make this a complete evening show.
“I loved the sound system, it wasn't too loud or too quiet, it was also very clear. The facilities were excellent and not overpriced.”
Start with a two-course seasonal meal at Gaucho Covent Garden, choosing a starter or dessert with your main course. Then walk five minutes to Aldwych Theatre for TINA: The Tina Turner Musical, with seats in the Stalls or Dress Circle. Show times vary by day.
“Great Dinner! Daniel was a great Server! Great Theatre Experience!”
Spend three hours at Electrik Warehouse with the Forbidden Nights male revue, an upbeat show known from Britain’s Got Talent. You’ll have reserved stalls seating, a possible stage pass for a birthday girl or hen, cast photo time, and entry to the Level Nightclub after-party until 3:00 AM.
“This was a fantastic night. Would definitely recommend. My daughter was lucky enough to be taken on stage . The boys where all friendly and got the opportunity to get pictures either them after the show”
Pick a city, a castle or a long drive north.
