Live Entertainment for gloomy winter nights
There’s no need to schlep into central London for quality live entertainment that’s worth getting off the sofa for. Croydon’s got you covered.
When long summer days become a distant memory, the temptation to just Pajamify and box set binge after work is a strong one.
But for those looking to mix up their nights channel hopping with something a little more social, staying local has never been more appealing.
Thanks to the below venues, there’s no need to schlep into central London for quality live entertainment that’s worth getting off the sofa for.
The Front Room
Don’t be fooled by its exterior surroundings. What Front Room Space lacks in grand arrival experiences, it makes up for inside.
Hidden behind the lowest of low-key entrances (!) is a vibrant and intimate creative space offering a diverse range of performances.
This incubator platform for improvised and experimental music and theatre, helps launch the careers of up-and-coming artists and theatrical producers.
From solo comedians to large choirs, keep an eye on their socials to see who they’ve got performing next.
Alternatively, creative locals can hire the space to put on their own performance. The main stage is equipped with state-of-the art audio, sound system and lighting equipment – perfect for impressing an audience.
St George’s Walk, Croydon, CR0 1YL
Riff Raffs
Founded by a group of Croydon fanatics, this local hangout regularly brings together DJs and graffiti artists in slightly less polished surroundings.
The bar and event space on George Street also houses Three Piece Sweet, a vintage and vinyl retail store.
If you’re looking for a raw and authentic experience, join one of the Pen2Padz nights and watch the creative process unfold as beatmakers, vocalists and illustrators bring their respective talents to the table.
28 George St, Croydon, CR0 1PB
BOXPARK
This new gen hospitality disruptor, which started in Shoreditch as “the world’s first pop-up mall” has grown and developed alongside its original youth demographic.
Here in Croydon, Boxpark is known (and used) as much for its impressive events programme as it is for its tasty food outlets. Whilst huge sell out events (particularly those focused on a certain sport) may have captured international attention, the regular programming of smaller activities in the Beat Box bar help punctuate weekly monotony for many locals.
From quizzes and open mic nights to comedy gigs and spoken word poetry, you can also sign up for a Black Card to get exclusive invites to intimate music gigs.
Matthews Yard
Unlike their first home (located off Surrey Street) and second home (in West Croydon), Matthews Yard 3.0 doesn’t have a dedicated theatre space. But the team’s years of knowledge putting on creative and culturally minded events won’t go to waste.
The new space is already home to Croydon Life Drawing – a regularly sold-out evening which welcomes beginners and “Word” on the street (pun intended) another event for writers is also in the planning.
Follow their feeds to keep updated.
Unit 1, 6 Scarbrook Rd, Croydon, CR0 1UH
Fairfield Halls
South London’s largest arts centre offers an intriguing mix of high-brow culture alongside more family-friendly fun.
So, if operatic arias and orchestral symphonies aren’t your bag, there’s plenty of comedy, panto and tribute acts to keep you going through the cold nights.
Fairfield is also home to two award winning theatre companies: Talawa and Savvy. Meaning (by proxy) a visit to Fairfield means you’re helping to champion more inclusive theatre.
