Music Hall and Entertainment in London
Coming soon...
Archives After Hours: Ada Campe Dallies in the Stacks
Music Hall Entertainment
Ada Campe and The London Archives present an evening of stories, songs, and treasures inspired by London’s music hall and cabaret nightlife. Join us after hours at The London Archives for an evening of mischief, music, and theatrical invention as award-winning variety artiste Ada Campe brings London’s rich entertainment past back to life in a bespoke performance.
Calling All Lightning Talkers!
Call for Papers
The London Archives is looking for a small number of contributors to deliver short, lively lightning talks as part of our upcoming autumn evening event, 'Ada Campe Dallies in the Stacks' on 15 October 2026...Find out more about Music Hall
Music Hall was the dominant form of popular entertainment in London and Middlesex from the 1890s to the 1920s, far removed from its humble beginnings in pub back-rooms. Purpose-built venues sprang up along high streets, offering variety bills of comedy, song, dance, and spectacle to packed houses night after night.
Music Hall was truly mass entertainment—accessible, lively, and beloved across class divides—shaping the cultural life of the capital like no other art form of its time.
The Finsbury Park Empire
Music Hall
Find out all about the Finsbury Park Empire - a golden age music hall built in 1910 but which has now been demolished. Designed by the renowned theatre architect Frank Matcham, the building embodied the grandeur and ambition of early twentieth century popular entertainment. Discover the story of the building and people through the archives
Theatre & Music Hall records in London
Research Guide
Find out how to explore records of the people, performances and buildings that were part of the theatre and music hall entertainment industry in London
Entertaining Victorian London
Exhibition Highlights
Highlighting some of the features of our Lost Victorian City Exhibition - here Charlotte Hopkins takes a look at entertainment at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster.Coming soon...
Last year we ran 'Centre Stage' - a symposium which showcased the depth and diversity of our collections and explored the social, cultural, and architectural legacy of Music Hall through engaging talks by leading historians and cultural experts.
We're excited to be arranging another Music Hall event later in the year - watch this space to find out more, or sign up to our mailing list to get details...
What's On
Latest events and more at The London Archives
Find out the latest information on talks, walks, behind the scenes tours, workshops and exhibitions at The London Archives.