Joining the vibrant, jam-packed season of shows that celebrate our 140th birthday, prepare for a dynamic array of one-night-only comedy and music shows. Our 2025 ONE NIGHT STANDS offer one-night-only performances that spark connection, ignite dialogue, and shine a light on the stories that shape Stratford East.   

Opening the new year on THU 16 JAN is AMPERSANDS: RAYMOND ANTROBUS & JOE CARRICK-VARTY. This night of poetry and music features Joe Carrick-Varty and harpist Olivia Jageurs performing their piece, More Sky originally commissioned for Ledbury Poetry Festival, which combines a sequence of short prose poems with Jageurs’ haunting composition. The piece will be followed by a reading by Raymond Antrobus, from his ambitious new collection Signs, Music. 

Written and performed by Palestinian actor and comedian Alaa Shehada, THE HORSE OF JENIN will tell a story on FRI 17 JAN 2025 about a boy growing up in occupied Jenin, but like every child in the world, all he wants is to play and have fun. It is a story about the resilience that imagination brings.      

Embark on a journey through the BOLLYWOOD TIME MACHINE and dance through the dynamic decades from the groovy 60’s to the contemporary hits of today. Immerse yourself in an evening filled with laughter, dance, and timeless melodies on FRI 24 JAN 2025. 

JAMES ROWLAND: LEARNING TO FLY & PIECE OF WORK tells two stories in an evening of theatre, comedy and music. LEARNING TO FLY is a tale of a remarkable friendship he made as a lonely, unhappy teenager with the scary older lady who lived in the spooky house on his street. PIECE OF WORK is inspired by James returning home after his first stint away, when he received a letter that changed his life. His tour then became a search: for the person who sent it, for a sense of home, and to try and save a life. These two stories come to Stratford East in one night on WED 16 ARP 2025. 

AN EVENING WITH STRATFORD EAST SINGERS returns to our stage on SAT 26 APR 2025. Our community choir have been featured on the BBC’s The One Show, ITV’s The X-Factor and were placed second runner-up in the original series of The Naked Choir, hosted by Gareth Malone. The incredible group of talented singers, led by Creative Director Byron Gold, will provide an evening of soul stirring numbers from UK garage, musical theatre, dance, classic RnB as well as some original material.  

Finally, get ready to boogie the night away at AHH... FREAK OUT! on SAT 24 MAY 2025 with non-stop, chart-topping disco hits alongside a world-class band. Step into a glittering time machine and journey back to the dazzling 1970s for a night of music and fun.   

Come and enjoy what is on offer at the theatre in this milestone 140th year to celebrate with us and enjoy fantastic entertainment right here in the heart of East London.