More Information
Age guidance: 18+ (Click here for Content Advisory Notes)
Running time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, with interval.
A RIGHT OLD ROYAL VARIETY NIGHT hosted by the brilliant Kiell Smith-Bynoe (Ghosts, Taskmaster).
Get ready for a spectacular Variety Night at Stratford East as we continue to celebrate our 140th anniversary with flare!
Whether you’re a longtime friend or new to the scene, we would love you to join us for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, as we bring back the magic of Stratford East’s iconic Variety Nights. From music to comedy to dance to drag, our Variety Night promises something for everyone and we’re excited to once again fill the stage with a mix of special guests and diverse selection of acts.
Grab your tickets, bring your loved ones and prepare for an evening packed with laughter, surprises, and unforgettable entertainment!
This joyous evening of comedy, music, drag, and wonderful guests marks not just the theatre’s milestone birthday, but pays tribute to its long and lively tradition of variety nights. From Joan Littlewood’s revolutionary work in the 1950s that redefined popular entertainment, to the many evenings of music hall, mischief and local talent that have graced its stage, Stratford East has always been a home for the bold and the brilliant.
A RIGHT OLD ROYAL VARIETY NIGHT brings together a dazzling line-up of performers in true Stratford East style, including:
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KIELL SMITH-BYNOE - Star of Taskmaster, Ghosts and The Great British Sewing Bee, this exceptional improviser and comedian will be hosting the night and announcing our fantastic line-up with charm and pizazz.
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TAMEKA EMPSON - This star of screen and stage will be reprising her role as Mrs Aphrodite from THE BIG LIFE and is our Queen for the night! She will be discussing the acts with you from her Royal Box and may even have a go Herself... We are very much looking forward to welcoming her back and hearing what she has to say!
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JEFF INNOCENT – This local legend and multi award winning comedian has attracted audiences with his contrast between his East End 'geezer’ appearance and demeanour, and his educated, philosophical delivery and culturally relevant subject matter. He's back to tread our boards once again!
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DESIREE BURCH - Desiree has firmly established herself as one of the break-out comic stars in the UK. She is the host and voice of Netflix’s smash reality hit Too Hot To Handle, star of Taskmaster Series 12, and has appeared on Live at the Apollo (BBC), Have I Got News For You (BBC), Qi (BBC), 8 Out of 10 Cats (Channel 4), Mock The Week (BBC2). She is going to be delivering funnies for us at the Variety Night and we cannot wait to have her!
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AMAZI - The FOUR TIME Guinness World Record holding hula-hooper with a twist draws from her roots to inspire her vibrant costumes and performance style. She has dazzled crowds with her performances including Glastonbury, Soho Houses, Mighty Hoopla, UK Black Pride and was the star of West End show Wonderville.
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SHAR COOTERIE - Drag Idol UK 2024 winner, Shar Cooterie will serve you up a little sweet, a little sour, a little sass and a lot of power. With comedy, vocals and personality on the menu, Shar hopes that you enjoy her unique flavour of honey roast glam. Queen of the Deli, the Drag Idol UK 2024 Champion and GURL Award Winner 2025 brings a big heart and a big voice.
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ALISON ARNOPP - This versatile and gifted performer brings us GIRL BOSS GOD - her irreverent and hilarious high-energy character where she processes her religious trauma through the lens of modern celebrity and reality TV. Expect devilishly catchy pop songs and shocking behind-the-scenes revelations.
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THE QUEENS - This dynamic, high-energy jazz fusion dance group blends classic jazz with contemporary influences, and every set is packed with rhythm, storytelling, and a whole lot of passion! They've been featured on Britain’s Got Talent, The Greatest Dancer (BBC), and proudly represented the UK at the World of Dance championship finals in LA.
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LUCIUS - Director of Secret Productions and The Secret Society of Cabaret, Luke is an aerial straps performer extraordinaire and will be bringing us one of his stunning solo acts.
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TEAM ANNAM - this Bharatanatyam dance group are gracing our stage with their beautiful Indian classical dance. Managed by Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer Chiinthu Sarvananthan, they are known for their large-scale dance dramas and recent accolades include winning the G.O.A.T. Dance Competition in 2024. This year, Team Annam opened the Hariharan Concert Live in London and performed at the world’s largest dance festival "Move It" in March.
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LOVESTUCK: A NEW COMEDY MUSICAL – From the creators of My Dad Wrote A Porno and music by triple-platinum singer-songwriter Bryn Christopher, get a glimpse into our new comedy musical coming to Stratford East this June as the cast perform a snippet from the show.
Come dressed to impress, raise a glass, and help us blow out the candles as we honour 140 years on the Stratford East stage.
General tickets are £23.50 and for £48.50 you can join us pre show for a right old drinks' reception (featuring an exclusive entertainer) where you can enjoy some bubbly, mingle with Stratford East's creatives and get yourself in the mood for what promises to be a great night out.
Presented by Stratford East and made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
(Lineup is subject to change).
Click here for details about companion/carer tickets
Members offer
20% off for Members & Friends when they book two or more shows at the same time.
Booking Enquiries
Our online booking system doesn’t allow customers to leave isolated seats. We do this in order to prevent gaps in the auditorium.
Please note that our boxes have a slightly restricted view. Seats marked with an ‘i’ on the seating plan have a restricted view.
If you require any help with your booking then please contact our Box Office by emailing tickets@stratfordeast.com or calling 020 8534 0310.
Hosted by Kiell Smith-Bynoe
Featuring:
Tameka Empson
Jeff Innocent
Desiree Burch
Amazi
Shar Cooterie
Alison Arnopp
The Queens
Lucius
Lovestuck: A New Comedy Musical
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