REVIEW · SHOW

London: Burlesque Cabaret Show in the West End

4.2 · 127 reviews 2 hours From $40 Operated by House of Burlesque · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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London knows how to put on a scandalous evening. This two-hour West End show brings Miss Tempest Rose, billed as the Burlesque Queen, together with performers from The House of Burlesque for a playful night of cabaret, glamour, comedy, and spectacle. I like the strong sense of occasion, and I like that the early 6:30pm finish leaves you free for dinner or more nightlife.

The price is about $40 per person, which feels fair for a live West End performance, though drinks and food cost extra. My main caution is seating: one booking placed a customer behind a pillar with a poor view, so your exact seat can matter more than the low ticket price suggests. Bring your passport or ID card, dress properly, and check the final venue before setting out.

Key points to know before you book

London: Burlesque Cabaret Show in the West End - Key points to know before you book

  • Miss Tempest Rose leads the show: The advertised host and star gives the evening a clear central personality.
  • The performance runs in the round: You are part of a cabaret setting rather than watching a conventional stage show from a distant auditorium.
  • The doors open at 6pm: Arriving early gives you time to find the venue and catch the special Happy Hour offers.
  • The current venue is QT in Covent Garden: Find QT at 66 Great Queen Street, with the entrance to the left of the Middle Eight Hotel’s main door.
  • One date has a different address: Saturday 7 February takes place at Jack Solomons, 41 Great Windmill Street in Soho.
  • The evening is for adults: Children under 18 are not admitted, and you should carry official photo identification.

What kind of London night is this?

London: Burlesque Cabaret Show in the West End - What kind of London night is this?

This is not a large musical, a formal theatre production, or a standard nightclub act. It is a compact cabaret show built around burlesque performers, theatrical costumes, comic flair, and the charged atmosphere of a West End night out.

The appeal is the attitude. Burlesque plays with glamour and performance, but it also has a wink. The advertised style points toward a British cabaret tradition that is knowingly theatrical, a little mischievous, and comfortable with queer and subversive performance.

You should expect the mood to matter almost as much as the acts. The show invites you to dress for the occasion, sit close to the action, and treat the evening as a celebration rather than a quick attraction you squeeze between sightseeing stops.

The House of Burlesque presents the event with Miss Tempest Rose at its center. Her billing as the Burlesque Queen tells you the tone to expect: polished, charismatic, and larger than life. The exact lineup may vary, so I would not book this expecting a fixed cast list beyond the advertised lead and company.

Arriving at 6pm for the West End setting

London: Burlesque Cabaret Show in the West End - Arriving at 6pm for the West End setting

The current meeting point is QT, at 66 Great Queen Street in Covent Garden. The entrance is on the left as you face the main door of the Middle Eight Hotel. This detail matters because the venue name and the hotel entrance can be easy to confuse, especially in the evening.

Show doors open at 6pm, with the performance beginning at 6:30pm. I would arrive close to opening time rather than cutting it fine. You will have to locate the entrance, show your identification, and settle into a setting where the best sightline may not be identical from every seat.

The early opening also brings a special Happy Hour period. Drinks are not included in the ticket, but the offer gives you a chance to start the evening at a lower cost if you want a beverage before the curtain. Check the current deal at the door, since the precise drinks and prices are not specified.

The West End location works well for a planned night out. After the show ends at about 8:15pm, you can have dinner, visit a bar, or continue exploring Central London without waiting for a late performance to finish.

For Saturday 7 February, do not go to Covent Garden. That date uses Jack Solomons at 41 Great Windmill Street in Soho. The show times and other details remain the same, but the neighborhood changes. Check the location confirmation sent during the week of your show before you leave for the venue.

The performance from 6:30pm to 8:15pm

London: Burlesque Cabaret Show in the West End - The performance from 6:30pm to 8:15pm

The main show lasts about one hour and 45 minutes, although the activity is described as two hours overall. The advertised format is a live cabaret presented in the round, which means the performance surrounds the audience rather than relying on one straight-ahead stage view.

That format can be a real strength. Cabaret feels more immediate when the performers are close, and the in-the-round setup suits burlesque’s direct connection between performer and audience. Costumes, gestures, comic timing, and personality all become part of the show’s appeal.

It also creates a practical weakness. A pillar or awkward seat can block part of your view. One customer specifically reported being seated behind a pillar and unable to watch the full performance. That is a serious concern, particularly in a show where visual details are central.

I would ask about sightlines when you arrive, if there is any chance to do so. The booking information does not promise a particular seat or explain which positions have obstructions. If you are attending for a birthday, anniversary, or special celebration, arrive early and politely raise the issue before the performance starts.

The content is intended for adults and may include burlesque themes, revealing costumes, and performance styles that are not suited to children. The age rule is clear: nobody under 18 should attend. That makes this a better pick for an adults-only night than for a mixed-age family itinerary.

Miss Tempest Rose and The House of Burlesque

London: Burlesque Cabaret Show in the West End - Miss Tempest Rose and The House of Burlesque

The show’s main draw is its cast. Miss Tempest Rose is presented as the Burlesque Queen, while The House of Burlesque supplies the wider group of performers and cabaret talent.

That combination gives the night a useful balance. A named central performer offers recognition and focus, while a company format allows for a broader range of stage personalities. You are not simply paying to enter a themed bar and hope something happens. The ticket covers a live performance with a clear theatrical identity.

The show is also connected to London’s queer and subversive cabaret scene. That context matters. Burlesque has long used costume, gender play, humor, exaggeration, and glamour to question what polished entertainment is supposed to look like. The experience is likely to suit you if you enjoy performance that is playful and knowingly provocative.

Still, I would keep expectations in proportion. The overall rating is 4.2 from 127 bookings, with several very positive scores praising the fun, funny atmosphere and calling the show fabulous. There is also a sharp negative opinion describing the quality as average for a West End production. That split suggests an entertaining cabaret night, but not necessarily a lavish, large-scale theatre spectacle.

The best way to judge its value is to ask what you want. If you want personality, costumes, comedy, and a party mood, the format should appeal. If you want a highly polished musical with elaborate scenery and a long dramatic story, this is probably the wrong ticket.

A different kind of day out entirely:

What to wear for a glamorous evening

London: Burlesque Cabaret Show in the West End - What to wear for a glamorous evening

The dress code is part of the experience. Sportswear, scruffy clothes, and tacky fancy dress are discouraged. You do not need to turn up in a full costume, but the organizers clearly want the room to feel stylish.

Good choices include cocktail clothing, a refined suit, a striking tie, vintage-inspired pieces, seamed stockings, dandy-style accessories, and a little sparkle. Think theatrical evening wear rather than novelty party clothing.

I like this approach because it helps create a shared mood without forcing every person into the same costume. You can make an effort at your own level. A dark suit with an interesting tie works. So does a smart dress, vintage detail, polished shoes, or one glittering accessory.

Dress comfortably enough to sit through the performance. This is not the place to wear sports clothes simply because you are coming straight from a day of sightseeing. If you are carrying a large backpack or bulky coat, keep in mind that a small cabaret venue may not offer the same storage space as a major theatre.

Your clothing can also affect your enjoyment. The room is designed around glamour and presentation, so arriving dressed for the evening makes the event feel more special. You will not look out of place if you dress up.

Is $40 good value?

At about $40 per person, the ticket is priced like an accessible West End evening rather than a luxury theatre production. The inclusion is the live cabaret show only. Food and drinks are separate, so your real cost will rise if you use Happy Hour and stay afterward.

I think the ticket offers decent value for the right occasion. You are paying for a live cast, a central London location, a two-hour slot, and the atmosphere of a dedicated burlesque event. For a date night or birthday, the setting may feel more memorable than an ordinary pub visit.

The value is less certain if you mainly want a long show. The performance itself runs from 6:30pm to about 8:15pm, not a full evening of entertainment. You should plan a meal or another activity afterward rather than treating the ticket as your entire night.

The seating concern also affects the calculation. A low price does not feel like good value if a pillar blocks the stage. Since the booking details do not explain possible obstructed views, I would ask about the seating arrangement when you arrive and keep your expectations realistic.

The score of 4.2 suggests the experience works well for many people, but it is not a guaranteed triumph for every audience. I would book it for the style and atmosphere, not because you expect a major West End production with the same polish as a famous musical.

Planning dinner and the rest of your night

London: Burlesque Cabaret Show in the West End - Planning dinner and the rest of your night

The early finish is one of the event’s most useful features. The show ends at about 8:15pm, leaving you enough time for dinner or another Central London plan.

Covent Garden is a practical base for an evening meal, although the exact restaurant choice is up to you. Soho works well for the alternative Jack Solomons date, with its own concentration of bars, restaurants, and nightlife.

Do not assume food is part of your booking. The ticket covers the live performance only. If you want dinner, reserve separately, and allow enough time to reach the venue before the 6:30pm start.

Staying after the show is permitted. The event information also points to Happy Hour deals when the doors open, so you may decide to begin with a drink, watch the performance, and continue afterward. Since drinks are not included, set a spending limit before the evening starts if you are watching your budget.

This timing suits you if you want a staged event without losing the whole night. It is less suitable if you prefer a late-night show or want to spend several hours in one venue.

Identification, age rules, and practical cautions

London: Burlesque Cabaret Show in the West End - Identification, age rules, and practical cautions

Bring your passport or ID card. This is not optional advice to ignore. One recent booking ended badly because a member of the party did not have an identity card, and the group was asked to leave. The complaint also described the handling of the situation as rude.

The practical lesson is simple: carry valid official identification for everyone in your group, especially if anyone could be close to the venue’s age limit. The show is not suitable for children under 18.

The activity is non-refundable, so make sure your date, location, and group plans are correct before paying. The venue can change for the specified Saturday 7 February date, and the final confirmation is sent during the week of the performance.

If you have questions about the address or booking, the organizer provides [email protected]. I would use that contact before the day of the show if you need clarification about the venue or arrival arrangements.

Who will enjoy this cabaret most?

London: Burlesque Cabaret Show in the West End - Who will enjoy this cabaret most?

I would recommend this show to adults who enjoy:

  • Live performance with glamour and humor
  • Burlesque, cabaret, and queer performance culture
  • Dressing up for a special night
  • A short early-evening event in Central London
  • A flexible night that continues with dinner or drinks

It should suit couples, friends, birthday groups, and anyone seeking something different from a standard West End production. The fun atmosphere receives the strongest praise, with several top scores describing the show as funny, positive, and worth repeating.

I would be more cautious if you are sensitive to obstructed views, expect a major theatrical production, or dislike adult cabaret. I would also skip it if you want every cost included in the ticket, since food and drinks are separate.

Should you book the London Burlesque Cabaret Show?

Book it if you want an affordable, dress-up-friendly night built around performers rather than scenery. Miss Tempest Rose, The House of Burlesque, the in-the-round format, and the West End setting give the event a clear personality.

Go in knowing what you are buying. This is a two-hour cabaret outing, not a full-scale musical. Carry photo ID, avoid sportswear, check the venue confirmation, arrive for the 6pm doors, and ask about your sightline if the seating appears awkward.

For about $40, I think it is a sensible pick for an adults-only celebration, especially if you plan dinner afterward. I would not make it the centerpiece of a once-in-a-lifetime London theatre night, but it can be a lively and memorable change from the usual sightseeing routine.

FAQ

Where does the London Burlesque Cabaret Show take place?

The current venue is QT, 66 Great Queen Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5BX. The entrance is on the left as you face the main door of the Middle Eight Hotel.

Is there a different venue on Saturday 7 February?

Yes. On Saturday 7 February only, the show takes place at Jack Solomons, 41 Great Windmill Street, London W1D 7NB, in Soho. The times and other details remain the same.

What time do the doors open?

Show doors open at 6pm.

What time does the performance start and finish?

The performance begins at 6:30pm and runs until about 8:15pm. The full activity duration is listed as two hours.

Are food and drinks included?

No. The ticket includes the live cabaret show only. Food and drinks are separate purchases.

Can I stay after the show?

Yes. All attendees are welcome to stay afterward. Happy Hour deals are available when the doors open, though the specific offers are not provided.

What should I wear?

Dress in glamorous attire such as cocktail wear, a refined suit, vintage-inspired clothing, dandy-style accessories, or sparkly pieces. Sportswear, scruffy clothes, and tacky fancy dress are discouraged.

Do I need identification?

Yes. Bring a passport or ID card. The show is for adults aged 18 and over.

Can I cancel my booking for a refund?

No. The activity is non-refundable, so check your date, venue, and plans carefully before booking.

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