11 Shows in London to Plan a Day Around

1.London Vintage Bus Tour: Live Comedy Sightseeing Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 217 reviews · from $48Our pick

Ride an open-top 1960s Routemaster for a 75-minute London sightseeing show led by Lord Larksford and his butler, Cheeksworth. Expect city views, historical anecdotes, comic skits and lively banter in English, with a route that can change for traffic or road closures. The tour starts near Trafalgar Square and is not suitable for wheelchair users.

“We had professional and hilarious guides on our tour today — my face hurt from smiling and laughing by the end of the ~75 min tour! This bus has surround sound audio, so it’s easy to hear the guides. And the two stellar guides that are improv experts a d in character the entire time. The tour is littered with interesting facts and entertaining jokes. Would especially recommend for groups with varying levels of interest in the sights as this tour is so much more than the sights of London — it’s a show!!”

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2.Burlesque Cabaret Show in the West End

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 127 reviews · 2 hours · from $40

Spend an early evening with Miss Tempest Rose and The House of Burlesque at a live cabaret show in London’s West End. Expect burlesque divas, cabaret performers and a spectacle staged in the round. Doors open at 6 pm, with happy-hour deals available then. Dress for the occasion, and check your confirmed venue before setting out.

“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”

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3.Royal Observatory Planetarium Show Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 89 reviews · from $16

Spend 30 minutes in the Peter Harrison Planetarium for a live show led by a Royal Observatory astronomer. Depending on the day’s program, you may map the night sky, explore satellites, or travel through the life of a star using telescope images and CGI. The ticket covers the planetarium, not entry to the Royal Observatory itself.

“Incredible, eye opening and extremely fascinating I loved every minute of it”

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4.Forbidden Nights Male Strip Show and After-Party

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 82 reviews · 3 hours · from $33

At Infernos Nightclub in Clapham, Forbidden Nights brings you an upbeat male revue with sensual dances and performers in uniform. Doors open from 7pm, with the show starting at 8pm. Afterward, you can meet the cast for photos and stay for the nightclub after-party. Tickets include either standing or reserved seating, depending on the option you choose.

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5.International Stand Up Comedy Show in Covent Garden

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 67 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $24

Spend about two hours at Comedy Carnival Covent Garden, an international stand-up showcase held Friday and Saturday nights. Expect award-winning acts, TV performers, Edinburgh Comedy Award nominees and a mix of international and British comedians. Doors and happy hour start at 7:30pm; the show begins at 8:30pm. A late bar stays open until 11pm.

“Note: the show starts at 20h30 and not 19h30. I guess the show is rather for local people than international public.”

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6.The Tina Turner Musical & 2-Course Pre-Show Meal

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 17 reviews · from $133

Start with a two-course meal at Gaucho Covent Garden, choosing a main and either a starter or dessert from the seasonal set menu. Then walk about five minutes to the Aldwych Theatre for TINA: The Tina Turner Musical, with seats in the Stalls or Dress Circle. The package costs $133.35 per person and lasts about 4.5 hours.

“Great Dinner! Daniel was a great Server! Great Theatre Experience!”

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7.Matilda the Musical & 2-Course Pre-Show Meal

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 8 reviews · 5 hours · from $131

Start with a two-course pre-theatre meal at Gaucho Covent Garden from 5pm, then walk about five minutes to the Cambridge Theatre for Matilda at 7pm. Your ticket is for a best-available seat in the Stalls or Royal Circle. The package lasts about five hours and suits children aged six and up.

“Fantastic really great food and fabulous seats! Had a really great day!!”

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8.Bottomless Brunch Comedy – The Ding Dong Gong Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 6 reviews · 4 hours · from $74Top rated

At Big Belly Bar & Comedy Club on the Southbank, start at 1pm with wood-fired pizza and 90 minutes of bottomless drinks, then watch the Ding Dong Gong Show at 3pm. New comics get five minutes to win over the audience. Expect a rough-edged, unpredictable show with strong language and adult humour. Ages 18 and over only.

“funny comedians , host was great. food and drinks were nice. would Deffo go back”

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9.A Night of Theatrics! Cabaret Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 6 reviews · from $39

Spend two hours at the Phoenix Arts Club for a changing West End cabaret and variety show, with musical theatre, comedy, burlesque and aerial acts. From February 2025, dining options include a seasonal three-course dinner or cocktails with vegan mezze. The show is for ages 18 and up; smart casual dress is expected.

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10.Boat Show Comedy Club New Material Night

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 5 reviews · 3 hours · from $12Best value

Spend an evening at London’s Boat Show Comedy Club, where a mixed bill pairs up-and-coming UK comedians with established circuit and TV names. Arrive for the top-deck city views, take your pre-allocated seat for the 8pm show, then stay aboard to dance until 2am. Food, drinks, and transport are extra.

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11.Boat Show Comedy Club Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 5 reviews · from $24

Head to the Tattersall Castle for a 3.5-hour comedy-club evening with a changing line-up of UK circuit acts and established names. Doors open at 7:30pm, with the show starting at 8pm. Your ticket includes the comedy show and entry to the after-show nightclub, which runs until 2am. Food, drinks, and transport are extra.

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