How to Plan a Show-Centric Night Out in London for Girls

21 Dec,2025

BY : Sashi Locke 0 Comments

Planning a show-centric night out in London for girls isn’t just about buying tickets. It’s about creating a night that feels like a movie - the right venue, the perfect pre-show drink, the post-show buzz, and zero stress. London’s entertainment scene is massive, but with a little planning, you can turn a regular evening into something unforgettable.

Start with the Show

The show is the heart of the night. London has more than 40 West End theatres, dozens of comedy clubs, and intimate live music venues. Don’t just pick the first thing that pops up on Google. Think about what kind of energy you want.

If you want laughter that makes your stomach hurt, head to The Comedy Store in Soho. It’s been running since 1979 and still books top UK comedians like Lee Mack and Romesh Ranganathan. Tickets start at £20, and the vibe is casual - no need to dress up.

For something more glamorous, book a musical. Wicked, The Lion King, or Hamilton are always strong choices. You can snag last-minute deals at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square, where tickets are often 30-50% off. Just show up an hour before the show, and you might walk out with a front-row seat for half the price.

Love live music? Check out O2 Academy Brixton for bigger acts or Jazz Café in Camden for soul, funk, and jazz. Both have great sound systems and a crowd that’s there to have fun, not just scroll on their phones.

Timing Matters

Don’t book a 7:30 PM show and expect to have time to eat, drink, and get there without rushing. London traffic is unpredictable, and the Tube gets packed after 6 PM.

Best strategy: Aim for an 8:30 PM show. That gives you:

6:30 PM - Meet up for drinks or a quick bite
7:30 PM - Walk to the venue (most West End theatres are within 15 minutes of each other)
8:15 PM - Get seated, order a cocktail
8:30 PM - Show starts

Shows usually end between 10:30 PM and 11:30 PM. That’s perfect - late enough to feel like a real night out, early enough to still catch a train or Uber home without feeling exhausted.

Pre-Show Drinks: Where to Go

Skip the hotel bar. London has bars that match the vibe of the show you’re about to see.

Going to a musical? Head to The Ivy Asia near Covent Garden. It’s bright, lively, and has cocktails named after famous musicals. Try the Phantom of the Opera - gin, lychee, and rosewater. It’s Instagram-worthy without being pretentious.

Comedy night? Bar 22 in Soho is your spot. It’s small, loud, and full of people who’ve just seen the show or are about to. Their London Fog (earl grey tea, vodka, honey, lemon) is a crowd favorite.

Music show? Walk to Camden Head before Jazz Café. It’s a proper pub with craft beers, live acoustic sets on weekends, and a back garden that feels like a secret. Order a pint of Camden Hells and chat with strangers - that’s the London way.

Friends entering O2 Academy Brixton for a live music show, bathed in colorful stage lights.

Post-Show Vibes

Don’t just call it a night after the curtain drops. London’s best nights end with a late-night snack or a quiet drink.

After a musical? Walk to 24-hour Nando’s in Piccadilly. Yes, really. It’s the go-to for theatre crowds. Juicy chicken, chips, and a side of shared laughter - it’s the perfect unwind.

After comedy? Bar Termini in Soho opens until 2 AM. It’s tiny, has a marble bar, and serves the best espresso martinis in the city. No one’s in a rush. You can sit for an hour, replay the funniest bits, and still make it home before 3 AM.

After a gig? El Camino in Shoreditch does late-night Mexican. Think loaded nachos, margaritas, and a playlist that keeps the energy going. It’s open until 2 AM on weekends, and the vibe is pure joy.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Night

Here’s what actually works when you’re planning this kind of night:

Book tickets in advance - Even if you’re going for a last-minute deal, check availability first. Popular shows sell out fast.
Wear comfortable shoes - You’ll walk 5-8 miles in one night. No one wants blisters after Les Mis.
Use the Night Tube - On Fridays and Saturdays, the Piccadilly, Central, Victoria, Jubilee, and Northern lines run all night. It’s cheaper than Uber and safer than you think.
Split the bill - Apps like Splitwise make it easy. No one wants to argue over who paid for the third round.
Check the dress code - Most theatres are casual. But if you’re going to a high-end cabaret like Forbidden Broadway at the Criterion, a little glam helps.

Women at Bar Termini sharing laughter over espresso martinis after a comedy show at night.

What to Avoid

Here’s what ruins a girls’ night out in London - and how to dodge it:

Trying to do too much - Don’t try to hit a show, then a club, then a rooftop bar. Pick one vibe and own it.
Going to a show without checking reviews - Some West End shows are overhyped. Look up recent reviews on WhatsOnStage or The Stage. If people say the sound is bad or the acting is flat, skip it.
Forgetting the weather - London rain is real. Always carry a compact umbrella. Or just wear a coat you don’t mind getting wet.
Waiting until the last minute to book - Popular shows like Wicked or Les Mis sell out weeks ahead. Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance if you want good seats.

Alternative Ideas If Shows Are Sold Out

Don’t panic if your first choice is gone. London’s nightlife doesn’t stop at theatres.

Immersive theatre - Try Secret Cinema or Then This Happened. You’re not just watching - you’re part of the story. Dress up, interact with actors, and leave feeling like you starred in your own film.
Stand-up at The Stand - A smaller, cozier comedy club in Edinburgh-style venues. Often cheaper and more personal than The Comedy Store.
Live jazz at Ronnie Scott’s - Open since 1959. It’s iconic. Book ahead, but the music? Worth every pound.
Drag brunch at The Pheasant - Held on Sundays, but sometimes they do Friday night shows. Think glitter, lip-sync battles, and bottomless mimosas.

What’s the best time to book tickets for a London show?

Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance for popular shows like Hamilton or Wicked. For midweek performances or less popular shows, you can wait until a week ahead. Last-minute deals are available at TKTS in Leicester Square, but only if you’re flexible on seating.

Is it safe for girls to go out in London at night?

Yes, especially in areas like Soho, Covent Garden, and Camden, which are packed with people on weekend nights. Stick to well-lit streets, use the Night Tube, and avoid walking alone through quiet parks. Most venues have security staff, and taxis or Ubers are easy to find.

How much should we budget for a show-centric night out?

A solid budget is £80-£150 per person. That includes a £40-£90 theatre ticket, £15-£25 for pre-show drinks, £20-£30 for dinner or snacks, and £10-£20 for transport or post-show drinks. You can go cheaper with TKTS deals and pub food, or splurge on a VIP theatre experience.

Can we go to a show alone if our friends can’t make it?

Absolutely. Many women go to shows solo in London. It’s common, especially in theatres where people sit alone and don’t talk during the performance. You’ll likely sit next to someone else who’s also there alone - and you might end up having a great chat during the interval.

Are there any shows that are especially good for first-timers?

Yes. The Lion King is perfect - it’s visually stunning, the story is easy to follow, and the music is unforgettable. For comedy, try The Comedy Store’s open mic night - it’s cheap, fun, and you never know who might pop up on stage. For music, Jazz Café offers intimate sets with a welcoming crowd.

Final Thought

A show-centric night out in London isn’t about checking off a list. It’s about the shared gasps during a musical number, the laughter that echoes down the street after a stand-up set, the way the city lights look when you’re walking back to the Tube, buzzing from the energy. It’s the kind of night you remember not because it was perfect - but because it felt real. Plan smart, stay flexible, and let the night surprise you.