Britain · SHOW
The 15 best shows you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Join the Necrobus at York Station for a 75-minute English-language comedy horror tour. A creepy conductor, often performing as John Doe or Edgar Crank, and driver Bob guide you past Clifford’s Tower, York Minster, and Dick Turpin’s grave. Expect theatrical storytelling, ghost tales, jokes, and a classic 1960s Routemaster bus.
“Very funny, good for entertainment value fun for something off the cuff to do”
Spend an evening at Viva Blackpool with host Leye D Johns, resident showgirls, vocalists, comedy, hit songs from the 80s, 90s, and today, plus show numbers, lasers, and a giant LED screen. Your ticket includes reserved seating and table service, while food and drinks cost extra.
“The Viva show was simply fabulous. Food was superb and show non- stop entertainment. So lovely to be able to have a photo with the entertainers after ad a memento of s fabulous evening. The meet the singers was also a lovely experience afterwards. We originally booked another show which was cancelled but we definitely think we had a better deal seeing your show instead as it was so vibrant, really funny and made our evening very special.”
Spend an evening at Bristol’s Smoke & Mirrors, where a house magician mixes close-up tricks with adult comedy in an intimate pub theatre. Arrive early for table seating and pre-show magic, then settle in for an 8:45 pm performance lasting about 85 minutes. The show is for ages 18 and up and may include audience participation, swearing, smoke, and strobe lighting.
“Absolutely without doubt the best comedy/magic show I’ve been too & my partner proposed so a night we won’t ever forget.”
Start outside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre for a 1.4km circular walk through Stratford-upon-Avon. Your English-speaking guide covers 1,400 years of local history, Shakespeare’s birthplace and schoolroom, the Guild Chapel, Tudor buildings, old taverns, and the River Avon. Guides including Kate, Marcus, Dwayne, and Chris bring the route to life with stories, humor, and useful local context.
“Even though the weather was quite bad we had lots of fun with our tour guide Kate. She told us many great stories and could answer any questions we had. Would recommend!”
Spend Saturday evening at Smoke & Mirrors in central Bristol, where two house magicians combine close-up magic, stage illusions, comedy, and live music. Doors begin around 6:30 pm for the 7 pm show. Expect audience participation, assigned seating, drinks and food at your own cost, and a small theater limited to 44 people.
“More comedy than magic as each trick had a 10 min build up. Entertaining but the audience will determine how good a show you get.”
Spend Friday evening at Bristol’s Smoke & Mirrors, where a close-up magician greets you before two resident comedy magicians take the stage for 90 minutes. The intimate 40-seat theatre brings the action close, with audience participation, food, drinks, and a 7:45 pm seating before the 8 pm show. The experience is for ages 18 and over.
“Fantastic location, a small theatre and pub. Pizzas were really good - the thin authentic version! Show was great, really funny and the ‘magic’ was amazing. Will be back again!”
Spend an early evening with Miss Tempest Rose and The House of Burlesque at a two-hour cabaret in London’s West End. Expect burlesque divas, queer performance, glamour, comedy, and a show in the round. Dress in cocktail wear, vintage style, or a sharp suit, then stay on for Happy Hour after the performance.
“seating behind a pillar and was unable to watch the full show. this should be disclosed upon booking. quality of the show was very average for a West End one.”
Join magician Russ Brown at the central Blackpool House of Secrets for a 90-minute family show mixing close-up magic, illusions, stage tricks, comedy, and audience participation. The intimate venue helps children and adults feel part of the action. Start time is 7:00pm, with drinks available at the bar and free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.
“This was a small up close magic show, which involved some comedy & great magic tricks. Everybody was made very welcome & part of the show”
You’ll join a Royal Observatory astronomer for a 30-minute show in London’s only operational planetarium. Expect real spacecraft images, advanced CGI, and choices such as Sky Tonight, We Are Guardians, Audio Universe, and Starstruck. The show is wheelchair accessible, but children under 7 cannot attend.
“Super experience - a bit funny, a bit magical and a lot awesome! Recommend to anyone, any age”
Follow Beyond Paradise through Looe, Cornwall, the real Shipton Abbott. Your local guide leads a 90-minute small-group walk past the Guildhall police station, fish market, featured shops, The Sail Loft, East Looe River, and East Looe Beach. George the Guide’s photo collection helps you match the show to the town around you.
“A very interesting experience and excellent knowledgeable tour guide . Also a nice steady walk at a reasonable pace”
Head to Infernos Clapham for Forbidden Nights, an upbeat male revue featured on Britain’s Got Talent. Choose a standing or reserved-seat ticket, enjoy sensual dance numbers and playful uniforms, then meet the cast for photos before joining the nightclub after-party until 3am. It suits adults celebrating a hen party, birthday, or lively night out.
Head to Big Belly Bar and Comedy Club between Upper Ground and Stamford Street for a two-hour English-language show. You’ll see a mixed bill of four to six comedians, from newer acts testing fresh material to seasoned comics and occasional unannounced celebrity guests. Drinks and food are available to buy, but the ticket covers entry only.
“Great comics and set up, good venue to get drinks before, during and after the show and good food options available”
Join award-winning magician Russ Brown at his House of Secrets venue in Blackpool for a close-up family magic show. You sit near the stage, watch tricks performed within easy view, and may be invited to help with the illusions. The English-language performance suits children, teenagers, and adults, with drinks available from the bar.
“Excellent entertainment for adults & children. Very intimate venu so felt very involved. Wasn’t expecting something as professional for the price.”
Spend about three hours at Viva Blackpool with a reserved seat for a high-energy musical revue featuring songs from Les Miserables, Wicked, Moulin Rouge, Six, Oliver, and more. The 7:30 pm show suits families, couples, and friends, with food, drinks, table service, and possible cast photos available to purchase or enjoy on site.
“Had a great experience at Viva. I was greeted by the lovely Tom who addressed me by name and took me to my table for the evening. I had booked a lowest price table with a possible restricted view of the stage, however, Tom offered me an uRead more”
Spend two hours at Smoke & Mirrors Comedy Magic Theatre in Bristol for a lively show by two magicians, with comedy, audience participation, a 9-inch pizza to share, and Prosecco during the interval. The English-language performance is for adults aged 18 and over and takes place in an intimate 1920s-style theatre.
“It was such a great night the show was really funny so pleased we decided to do this. I really love magic and the crowd participation was good fun too.”
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