‘The Magic of Christmas’ At Brick Lane Music Hall Review
Where else can you enjoy festive afternoon tea, laugh at cheeky comedy, and sway along to carols all in one afternoon? Brick Lane Music Hall’s The Magic of Christmas delivers exactly that: a joyful blend of live music, food and laughter.
The variety show is hosted by Vincent Hayes MBE, founder of Brick Lane Music Hall and champion of the genre. Hayes was recognised in 2013 for his services to British music hall, and his passion for keeping the tradition alive is evident throughout. Though the name suggests Brick Lane, the venue now resides in Silvertown, near London City Airport. Its history stretches back to Hayes’s pub performances in Bethnal Green in the 1980s, which grew into a dedicated venue in Brick Lane in 1992 before relocating to St Mark’s Church in 2002. Today, it remains the UK’s only permanent venue devoted exclusively to year-round music hall entertainment.
Walking into St Mark’s, the festive spirit is immediate: Christmas trees, tinsel, and coloured lights fill the space, with playful touches like a tree shaped as a dress. Even the bathrooms carry a wink of humour, with “relief and comfort” inscribed above the doors.
The show itself is a kaleidoscope of festive delights. One moment we’re swept up in the comfort of traditional carols, the next we’re grinning at cheeky comedy routines or tapping our foot to a medley of Christmas pop hits. There’s even a nod to crooners and country classics. We discovered songs new to us, including Country Christmas and David Essex’s Winter’s Tale.
Hayes and Andrew Robley lean into the playful side of music hall with skits that had the audience in stitches—cheeky wordplay, playful costumes, and a dash of mischievous humour that drew tears of laughter without ever tipping into crudeness. The variety is the point- where song, comedy, and cabaret weave together in a way that feels both nostalgic and celebratory.
Not every choice lands: a brief bell number felt underwhelming, and a sequence of film songs including from The Sound of Music and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, while enjoyable, seemed oddly out of place in a Christmas programme.
Classically trained violinist Victoria Yellop, who has performed with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and at the Royal Windsor Tattoo, was a standout. As she’d performed at Balmoral for the Royal Family, she performed a Scottish jig which had the audience on their feet. Her Auld Lang Syne created a moment of togetherness with audience members holding hands and swaying.
Costume changes added another layer of spectacle. In the second half it felt as though every song came with a new look. Some were dazzling, like Yellop’s black sparkly gown, while others missed the mark — a red dress paired with a purple cape veered into witch‑like territory.
The audience skews older, with coaches arriving from Eastbourne and High Wycombe, but the joy was infectious. From our vantage point on the raised platform, we watched faces light up, clapping along and even a gentleman linking arms with those near him to dance. Hayes tailored his humour to resonate with this generation.
Food remains central to the experience, echoing music hall’s tavern roots. Our afternoon tea featured festive turkey sandwiches alongside classic sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, a macaroon, and a mince pie. Evening audiences will tuck into a three-course Christmas dinner and lunchtime visitors a full festive lunch.
With each act lasting about an hour and tea service given equal time, there was no sense of rushing—just a leisurely rhythm of eating, laughing, and enjoying the show. Alcoholic and hot drinks are available before the performance and during the interval, adding to the sociable atmosphere.
The cast includes Broadway World Award nominee and Ronnie Scott performer William Byrne, former chorister and winner of BBC’s Search For A Star Andrew Robley, and company members Lucy Reed, Samantha McNeil, Jake Lawrence, and Charlotte Fage.
Ultimately, The Magic of Christmas delivers exactly what Hayes promises: food, laughter, and song in abundance. It’s a show that leaves you with your heart a little fuller and your festive spirit renewed. It’s a reminder of the joy of music—always has and always will bring people together. And the fun doesn’t stop here: we’ll be returning in January to catch Jack and His Giant Stalk, an adult only pantomime running from 22 January to 7 March 2026.
The Magic of Christmas runs from 19th November to 19th December 2025. Prices from £55 for matinee afternoon tea, £65 for lunch and and £69.50 for dinner with group discount available.
Address: Brick Lane Music Hall 443 N Woolwich Road London, E16 2DA
Website: https://www.bricklanemusichall.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricklanemusichall
