13
Jan,2026
Picture this: it’s 8 p.m. on a Friday in London. You’re wearing your favorite heels, your best friend just texted you a selfie with glitter on her cheek, and you’ve got three venues booked before midnight. No dinner reservations. No sit-down cocktails. Just glitter, gasps, and a whole lot of laughter. This isn’t a party-it’s a cabaret crawl.
Why a Cabaret Crawl Beats a Regular Night Out
Most girls’ nights in London mean bars, brunch, or a club with loud bass and no real connection. But if you want something that sticks-with stories you’ll tell for years-you need theatre that doesn’t stay on stage. Cabaret isn’t just singing and dancing. It’s intimacy. It’s danger. It’s a performer leaning over your table, whispering a line just for you, then laughing as the whole room erupts. And doing three of them in one night? That’s the magic of a cabaret crawl.Unlike traditional theatre, immersive cabaret pulls you into the world. You’re not watching from the dark. You’re part of the scene-sipping champagne while a burlesque dancer struts past your chair, or dodging a flamboyant host who drags you into a game of truth or dare mid-song. It’s unpredictable. It’s messy. And it’s unforgettable.
Where to Start: The First Stop - The Box London
Your crawl kicks off at The Box London in Soho. This isn’t a venue. It’s a sensory explosion. Think velvet booths, candlelit corridors, and performers who move like they own the air. The show, “Secret Cinema: The Box,” blends burlesque, magic, and live music with no clear script. You never know if the next act will be a saxophone solo from the ceiling or a stripper handing out shots with a wink.Arrive at 7:30 p.m. and grab a seat near the center. You’ll want to be close when the host, usually a charismatic figure in a feathered mask, picks someone to join him on stage. Last month, a group of four friends from Manchester got pulled up for a duet with a drag queen singing “I Will Survive” in full glitter. They’re still posting about it. Don’t be shy. Say yes when they ask.
Stay for two acts-about 75 minutes. Then, head out. The next stop is just a 10-minute walk away.
Second Stop: The Gilded Balloon at the Voodoo Rooms
A short stroll down Wardour Street leads you to The Gilded Balloon, tucked inside the Voodoo Rooms in Soho. This is where the vibe shifts. Less opulent, more punk. Think jazz vocals over a distorted bassline, a comedian doing stand-up while juggling flaming torches, and a singer in a leather corset belting out a cover of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” with a ukulele.What makes this spot special? The performers aren’t just entertaining-they’re reacting to you. If you laugh too loud, the singer might throw a rose at your lap. If you look bored, the magician will make your phone disappear and return it with a lipstick kiss on the screen. It’s interactive, chaotic, and totally British.
Order the “Gilded Spritz”-a pink, sparkling cocktail with edible glitter. It’s the unofficial drink of the crawl. And yes, it stains your teeth. That’s the point.
Third Stop: The Pheasantry - Where the Night Gets Wild
By 10:30 p.m., you’re at The Pheasantry in Chelsea. This place used to be a 19th-century aristocrat’s townhouse. Now, it’s a labyrinth of velvet curtains, hidden rooms, and performers who live in the building. The show here, “Curiosities,” is a rotating cast of underground artists-ventriloquists with dark puppets, contortionists in fog, and a poet who recites love letters to strangers.What sets The Pheasantry apart? You don’t just watch-you explore. There are three rooms. One has a bed where a performer sleeps while singing lullabies. Another is a library where books whisper secrets when you open them. The third? A mirror room where your reflection starts dancing before you do.
Book ahead. This place sells out fast. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch the midnight encore-a 10-minute silent disco where everyone dances in their seats while headphones play a mix of 90s pop and show tunes. No one talks. Everyone smiles.
What to Wear (And What Not To)
This isn’t a black-tie gala. But it’s not jeans and a hoodie either. Think “glamorous chaos.”- Do wear: statement earrings, a bold lip, heels you can walk in, and a coat you don’t mind losing glitter on.
- Don’t wear: flip-flops, full formal gowns (you’ll sweat), or anything you’re scared to get spilled on.
- Pro tip: Bring a small clutch. You’ll need it for your phone, lipstick, and the free ticket to the after-party you’ll get from the host at The Pheasantry.
Some people go all out with feather boas or vintage gloves. Others keep it simple and let the lights do the talking. Either way, you’ll fit in.
How to Plan the Crawl (Without the Stress)
Planning this isn’t hard-but it needs structure.- Book tickets in advance. All three venues require reservations. No walk-ins. Use their official websites-don’t trust third-party sellers.
- Start at 7:30 p.m. That gives you 90 minutes at The Box, 60 at Gilded Balloon, and 90 at The Pheasantry-with 15-minute walks in between.
- Arrange transport. Uber is reliable, but the area is walkable. Wear comfy shoes for the next day.
- Set a budget. Tickets range from £25 to £45 per show. Cocktails are £12-£16. Total for the night? Around £150 per person. Worth every penny.
- Bring a group of 3-6. Too few, and you’ll feel awkward. Too many, and you’ll split up. Four is the sweet spot.
What Happens After the Crawl?
The night doesn’t end at The Pheasantry. Around 1 a.m., the staff will hand out little cards with a secret address. It’s a hidden speakeasy called “The Velvet Rabbit,” tucked behind a bookshelf in a nearby alley. No sign. Just a red door. You need the card to get in.Inside, it’s dim, cozy, and quiet. A pianist plays old jazz standards. Someone’s making hot chocolate with cinnamon. And the performers from the three shows? They’re there, too. No masks. No costumes. Just real people, laughing, telling stories, and asking you what your favorite moment was.
This is the real magic. The shows are wild. But the after-party? That’s where friendships turn into legends.
Why This Isn’t Just a Night Out-It’s a Ritual
You don’t just go on a cabaret crawl. You enter it. You let go. You laugh until your stomach hurts. You dance with strangers who become friends by the end of the night. You leave with glitter in your hair, a new inside joke, and a feeling you haven’t had since you were 17-alive, unfiltered, and completely free.This is what London does better than any other city. It doesn’t just give you entertainment. It gives you transformation. And for a few hours, you’re not just a woman out for drinks. You’re a character in your own story.
Do I need to be a theatre fan to enjoy a cabaret crawl?
No. Most people on these crawls have never seen a live show before. You don’t need to know the difference between burlesque and vaudeville. You just need to be open to surprises. The shows are designed to be felt, not analyzed. If you can laugh, gasp, or blush-you’re already in.
Is it safe for solo travelers or small groups?
Absolutely. These venues are popular with women’s groups, and security is tight. Staff are trained to spot discomfort and will step in if someone feels uneasy. Solo travelers often end up sitting with others at the table. By the end of the night, you’ll have new friends.
Are these shows appropriate for all ages?
No. These are strictly 18+. Shows include nudity, adult humor, and suggestive themes. The Box and The Pheasantry enforce ID checks. If you’re under 18, skip it. There are plenty of family-friendly immersive shows in London-but this crawl isn’t one of them.
What if I get too drunk?
You’re not expected to be sober, but you’re expected to be respectful. Staff will cut you off if you’re disruptive. The goal isn’t to party hard-it’s to be present. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a breath outside. There’s always a quiet corner. No one will judge you for stepping out.
Can I take photos during the shows?
Phones are allowed-but only for photos, not videos. Flash is banned. Some performers will pose for pictures after the show. But during the performance, silence and stillness are part of the magic. If you’re snapping away, you’re missing the moment.
What to Do Next
If you loved this crawl, try these next:- Book a private cabaret dinner at La Clique-a rotating cast of acrobats and comedians serving three-course meals.
- Join the monthly Glitter Society meetup for cabaret lovers. They organize surprise pop-up shows in abandoned warehouses.
- Try a daytime immersive theatre experience like “The Nightingale” at the Southbank Centre-perfect for a rainy Sunday.
London’s cabaret scene isn’t just entertainment. It’s a living art form. And this crawl? It’s your invitation to step inside.
