The Clapham Grand has today announced its full lineup of performers for its 125th anniversary show ‘A Palace of Varieties’, a one-night-only celebration marking the history of one of London’s most iconic venues.
Supported by Wandsworth Council, the National Heritage Lottery Fund, and the Mayor of London as part of Wandsworth’s year as London Borough of Culture, ‘A Palace of Varieties’ kicks off with Award-winning comedian and performer Jayde Adams, bringing her razor-sharp wit, deep showbiz knowledge and love of The Grand as ringmaster for a night of spectacular variety.
Australian comedian and recent Taskmaster winner Sam Campbell brings his quick wit, charm and dry sense of humour to this star-studded show. Music highlights include celebrated folk singer-songwriter Beans on Toast, a long-time supporter of the venue and key figure in its Save The Grand campaign and garage icon Lisa Maffia with DJ partner Dan Jolly. Comedy comes from acclaimed impressionist Josh Berry, while drag excellence is represented by Tayce, Bailey J Mills, Miss Leigh Ding and cult parody duo Herr & Me. Staying true to its variety roots, entertainment segments include Bongos Bingo, drag rendition: The Beyonce Experience, a male performance show, Forbidden Nights, inspired by Magic Mike, Cutie Whippingham and The Vegetable Orchestra.
The night is rounded out by community favourites including London School of Samba, inclusive choir The Groove Chorus, sci-fi cabaret Gallifrey Cabaret, jazz musician and Battersea Jazz Festival curator Hugo Jennings, and resident DJ Tete Bang, a cornerstone of The Grand’s party scene since 2018.
The line-up spans comedy, drag, music, cabaret, club culture and carnival, led by The Grand’s Dreamteam (Claire Street, Maxy Razor and Danielle Barton), the in-house performers who sit at the heart of the venue’s productions. Also confirmed are trailblazing drag and LGBTQ+ club night Sink The Pink, returning to the venue where they hosted a landmark New Year’s Eve party in 2016, alongside a major moment of nostalgia as Dr Glitz & The Fabulous Flirtations reunite for the first time since the early 2000s.
Founded in 1900 as a Palace of Variety by music hall legend Dan Leno, The Clapham Grand has spent 125 years evolving alongside British entertainment, from variety and cinema to club culture, comedy, cabaret and live music. This landmark birthday event brings together artists, collaborators and communities who have helped define the venue’s modern identity, alongside performers who represent its bold, inclusive future.
Ally Wolf, Venue Director of The Clapham Grand, comments:
“The Grand is a truly magical venue with a fascinating history, and as its current custodians, we’re incredibly proud to be telling its story as we celebrate 125 years. People have fallen in love on our dancefloor, discovered incredible new talent on our stage, and found a safe, inclusive space within our walls. From hosting global superstars to supporting grassroots communities and charities, the euphoria of last-minute football wins & the heartbreak of penalties to the last ever episode of Friends – The Grand has always been there for life’s biggest moments.
“It felt only right to create a celebration that brings the community and our audiences together for a show that only our own team could stage. We have researched the rich history of the Grand and will be showcasing it with the right level of glitter, confetti and cheeky repertoire to make Dan Leno proud.”
Wandsworth Council Deputy Leader Kemi Akinola said:
“We’re so delighted to be celebrating 125 years of one of Wandsworth’s most iconic venues during our London Borough of Culture year. For over a century, The Clapham Grand has been a home to Wandsworth’s artists, and a place where residents from all walks of life come together to celebrate the joy of live performance and feel part of a community. This is at the heart of our ambitions for our year as we celebrate our cultural heritage, and share joyful experiences that foster togetherness, boosting our health and happiness.”
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said:
“For 125 years, The Clapham Grand has delivered memories, music and magic. It has stood as a beacon of resilience and community spirit, setting the standard for visionary entertainment. It’s exciting that this major milestone falls during Wandsworth’s year as the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture. This anniversary event will be a fitting tribute to The Grand as it continues to light up London’s cultural heart and inspire generations to come, as we build a better and fairer London for everyone.”
The show ‘A Palace of Varieties’ is a celebration not only of The Clapham Grand’s history, but of its role as a platform for bold voices, alternative culture and shared joy. Rooted in Clapham Junction and shaped by generations of audiences and artists, the venue continues to stand as one of London’s most distinctive spaces for live entertainment.
The anniversary season will continue into Spring 2026, adding new shows and special events to The Grand’s already packed programme. For tickets to A Palace of Varieties head tohttps://link.dice.fm/grand125birthday1. For more information about Wandsworth’s year as the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2025, head to https://welcometowandsworth.com/.
Author: Sam Hyland
Sam is the assistant content manager for Event Industry News (EIN). Sam is involved in publishing news stories, videos and podcasts. Sam also collates the latest stories for the EIN e-newsletter. If you have a press release or story you think we might be interested to know about please email features@eventindustrynews.com
