Stranger Than Paradise

Wilton's Music Hall

Back in 2009, Wilton's Music Hall played hold to Stranger Than Paradise - a gypsy inspired party featuring burlesque/cabaret/live band shows at the beautiful Wilton's Music Hall. This Victorian venue is a diamond in the rough. While perhaps a little dilapidated, it has so much vintage character and lots of space to explore.

Entrance to Wilton's Music Hall

The stage

Order of the evening

The event itself was a spectacle and for £10 each, it was another unpretentious, affordable, non-touristy activity to do in London. 

There were a number of rooms within the Music Hall to explore and during the intervals, it was easy to get to the bar, try a few cupcakes, chat to various characters in fancy dress and then settle comfortably upstairs to watch from the balcony or standing at ground level.

The acts themselves were random, colourful, arty, funny and very entertaining. This was a unique event, like nothing I'd ever seen before! 

One of the arial acts from the Sawmill Collective

The Texas Chainsaw Orchestra

The after-party was at a really cool alternative bar called The Jamobree at Cable Street Studios, where there were more live bands. It was a bit of a walk to get there from Wilton's (and there's no way I'd be able to find it again if I didn't have the address) but luckily it was a balmy September evening and in any event, I was wearing a thick Vodka Jacket. 

The Destroyers at the Jamboree Bar

The after party after party was at the Old Ship for breakfast but I after all the excitement of the evening, I left for bed at 5am.


Wilton's Music Hall, Graces Alley, Tower Hamlets, London, E1 8JB, Tel; 020 7702 2789