London burlesque has a way of turning an ordinary evening into a story.

This one is built around London’s subversive, queer cabaret scene, with Miss Tempest Rose and The House of Burlesque delivering a live show in the round.

I love two things most: the sheer charisma of the performers and the fact that you’re encouraged to dress up like the night matters. The main drawback to consider is that, depending on where you’re seated, sightlines can be affected by venue features, so it’s smart to ask about the view when you arrive.

Doors rarely open before eight, which leaves the early evening to fill: a small-group tour of London’s historical pubs is the reviewed way to arrive at a West End show already warmed up on Fleet Street stories and a pint or two.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Miss Tempest Rose leads the evening with big, playful “stage queen” energy
• Show in the round means the action feels close and communal
• Dress-up is part of the fun, from cocktail wear to seamed stockings and vintage motifs
• Doors open at 6pm with a special Happy Hour when you arrive
• Queer, subversive cabaret keeps the tone cheeky and unapologetic
• Central West End locations make it easy to pair with pre- or post-show plans

QT in Covent Garden: finding the entrance and getting in early

The current location for Speakeasy is at QT, 66 Great Queen Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5BX. The entrance is on the left as you face the main door of the Middle Eight Hotel. That wording matters, because these entrances can be easy to miss in a busy West End block, so I’d give yourself extra time to find it without stress.

There’s also one important date change: on Sat 7th February only, the show takes place at Jack Solomons in Soho, 41 Great Windmill St, London W1D 7NB. Timings stay the same, but the neighborhood changes, so don’t count on the Covent Garden route if you’re traveling that specific Saturday.

When it comes to arriving, I treat Speakeasy like a proper evening event, not a quick stop. Get there before doors open so you can settle in calmly, use the pre-show time well, and keep your evening flow smooth.

Timing that fits your dinner and theatre plans

This is an early evening show, and that’s a big part of its appeal. Show doors open at 6pm, and the show runs from 6.30 pm until 8.15 pm. With a schedule like that, you can slot it neatly between dinner and whatever you feel like doing next in the West End.

The experience is listed as about 2 hours, and practically it feels like a full block of time once you include the arrival and settling-in window. I also like that you’re welcome to stay afterwards, so you’re not rushed out right when the show ends.

If you’re trying to plan a tight itinerary, this timing is helpful: you’re not starting late, and you still get a night out feel without burning your whole evening.

Your hosts on stage: Miss Tempest Rose and The House of Burlesque

At the center of the night is Miss Tempest Rose, described as the Burlesque Queen, along with the performers of The House of Burlesque. The vibe is classic London cabaret: confident, theatrical, and a little bit subversive in the way it plays with glamour and expectations.

What’s especially valuable here is how the show frames burlesque not just as costumes, but as personality and performance craft. The promise isn’t about a background spectacle you half-watch while you chat. It’s the kind of show where the charisma of the divas pulls your attention forward from the start.

If you’re new to this style, the early evening format also helps. You get the big experience without needing to make it your only plan of the day.

The show itself: cabaret in the round with bold energy

The performance is presented as an underground British burlesque experience, described as immersive and live, with an emphasis on being in the round. That matters because it typically changes how you watch: you’re not only looking one direction, and the energy tends to circulate through the room.

The tone is playful, and the theme is clearly celebration. You’ll feel the opulence side of cabaret too, with performers dressed for attention and the whole evening designed to look and feel special.

One practical note: if you want the best view at all costs, it’s worth planning like the room might have sightline quirks. One attendee reported being seated behind a pillar and missing part of the show, which is the kind of issue that can happen in compact venues. When you check in, it’s reasonable to ask about where you’ll sit and how good the view is from your area.

Dress up rules that make it fun, not fussy

This is one of those rare events where the dress code is really part of the show’s spirit. The venue specifically requests that you refrain from sportswear, scruffy clothes, or tacky fancy dress. That doesn’t mean you need to go ultra-formal, but it does mean they’re aiming for a polished cabaret look.

I like the guidance they give because it gives you creative permission without turning it into a costume contest. Think cocktail wear, seamed stockings, refined suits, captivating ties, and vintage motifs. There’s also room for dandy-inspired fashion and accessories with sparkles.

If you’re the kind of person who owns a nicer shirt, a good blazer, a dress you only wear on special nights, or shoes you usually save, this is your excuse. You’ll fit in better, and you’ll feel more part of the evening the moment you walk in.

What you get for the price: live show value and the Happy Hour timing

The price is $40 per person, and the big value question is what’s included. In this case, what you’re paying for is straightforward: the live cabaret show.

Drinks and food are not included, so your final night cost will depend on what you choose to buy. The good news is that the event mentions a Special Happy Hour when show doors open. Since doors open at 6pm, the Happy Hour happens right as you’re arriving, which can help you keep the bar tab more reasonable.

I’d also think about this as a “content value” purchase. Two hours of performance, with known hosts and a distinct cabaret style, is exactly the kind of experience that’s hard to replicate casually. If you’re already planning a West End evening, this is a focused add-on that gives you something uniquely London.

Drinks, food, and building your evening around the show

Because drinks and food aren’t included, I treat this like a show-first plan and then build around it. With a 6.30 pm start and an 8.15 pm end, you’ve got options.

You can do dinner either before the show or after, depending on how social you feel. The event is described as a great early evening mood-setter, so it works well if you want the cabaret to kick off your night.

Also, since the venue asks you to dress appropriately and not in sportswear, I’d consider that part of your planning. If you’re coming straight from an earlier activity, it might be worth a quick change or a jacket swap so you’re not showing up in the wrong vibe.

ID checks, age rules, and what to bring so you’re not turned away

This is an adults-only event: it’s not suitable for children under 18. That matters because age restrictions tend to be enforced at entry.

You should bring passport or an ID card. There’s an important reason to take this seriously: an attendee mentioned being removed because their niece didn’t have the required ID. I can’t stress this enough for a smooth night—if you’re traveling, keep your ID where you can reach it fast.

The event is also non-refundable, so make sure your schedule and venue location are locked in, especially if you’re visiting around the Sat 7th February change from Covent Garden to Soho.

Where it fits best: who will love this and who might want to think twice

This is a strong match if you want: a West End show with an attitude, a queer-leaning cabaret vibe, and a reason to dress up and enjoy the room. If you like theatre that’s close to the audience, and you enjoy performers who take over a space, you’ll likely have a great time.

It may be less ideal if you’re sensitive to being near the action in a compact venue. Since reports include the possibility of blocked views behind a pillar, people who are very particular about sightlines should ask questions at check-in and aim to arrive early.

Also, if you’re not comfortable with strict entry expectations (ID and dress requirements), then make sure you’re ready. The event asks for a certain level of polish, and that’s part of the experience.

Should you book? My practical verdict

I’d book this if you want a classic London night with style, attitude, and live cabaret front and center. The presence of Miss Tempest Rose plus the House of Burlesque gives you a clear anchor for the evening, and the show’s in-the-round format is the kind of detail that can make performances feel more immediate than a standard stage-only setup.

The decision hinges on two things. First, can you follow the basics: bring ID, keep the look away from sportswear, and plan for adults-only entry. Second, are you okay with the fact that some venues can have seating that limits sightlines in certain areas, so it’s worth asking about your view when you arrive.

If those boxes are checked, this is a fun, cheeky, London-in-style kind of evening for about 2 hours.

FAQ

FAQ

Where is the Speakeasy burlesque show in London?

Speakeasy takes place at QT, 66 Great Queen Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5BX. The entrance is on the left as you face the main door of the Middle Eight Hotel.

Is the location the same on Sat 7th February?

No. On Sat 7th February only, the show takes place at Jack Solomons in Soho, 41 Great Windmill St, London W1D 7NB. All other timings and details remain the same.

What time do doors open and when does the show start?

Show doors open at 6pm. Showtime is 6.30 pm until 8.15 pm.

How long is the show?

The show duration is listed as 2 hours.

Are drinks or food included in the ticket price?

No. Drinks or food are not included.

What should I bring for entry?

Bring a passport or an ID card.

Is the show suitable for children?

No. It is not suitable for children under 18.

Is this experience refundable?

No. The activity is non-refundable.