The final applause echoes through the auditorium. The curtain dips. The lights come up. But for many Londoners that’s not the end of the night. For some of those people it’s actually not even close!
While the actors might be scrubbing off their makeup backstage, the city outside is waiting, and in the streets surrounding the West End, that’s particularly true. Post-show hours are certainly for indulging, relaxing, and letting the magic and sparkle live on, just a little longer.
Midnight Munchies
If you didn’t catch a pre-theatre meal, then you might think you’ve missed out. However, there’s still a whole barrage of eating opportunities after the spectacle has finished.
Late-night ramen joints like Kanada-Ya and Bone Daddies serve steaming bowls of tonkotsu until late. It’s a truly brilliant opportunity to fill your belly with something warm and comforting, and do it for under 20 quid, which is no mean feat in the West End. If you’re after something a little more refined, then try Barrafina on Dean Street. This small eatery offers delectable tapas and one of the best people-watching terraces. Perfect for spending a few hours, drinking, nibbling, chatting and watching the crowds thin out.
Backstage Secrets and Keeping the Fun Going
If you’re not after a nibble, perhaps you’re just not hungry, or the budget doesn’t stretch that far, then don’t panic. There’s a fun activity that doesn’t cost a penny. After the main crowds have dispersed, take a late walk through Covent Garden or along Charing Cross Road. It’s a totally different vibe than the day time. You’ll find stage doors propped open and actors ducking in and out – often keen to tell you about what’s next for them. It’s a fun way to get the inside scoop on new performances or breakout stars.
If you are looking to keep the fun going, for casino shows at the Hippodrome it’s often just the beginning of the night, with many heading down a floor to see what the famous casino has to offer. You’ll find smartly dressed croupiers, spinning roulette wheels and shuffling cards. For those who like a little more action even after venues have closed their physical doors? There’s always the option to play blackjack online at the Hippodrome’s digital counterpart. So you can have the fun of Leicester Square, without the need to flag down a black cab.
The Last Bus Home
You’ve made it to 2am? By now, London has really begun to exhale. The streets clear a little. The buskers head home. But if you’ve planned your evening right, you’re not in a rush. You might be lingering at a fast food joint, debating the meaning of that cryptic final line in Hamlet. Or perhaps you’re sitting in your hotel room, humming showtunes and watching the city lights flicker on the Thames. Because the truth is, clichéd as it sounds, London doesn’t ever really shut down. It just changes costume.
