The Society offers a full programme of shows and talks open to everyone
- A regular programme of talks by historians, authors and performers
- Blue Plaque unveilings
- Variety and Music Hall based shows including an annual Day By The Sea in Eastbourne
- An annual conference covering all things Music Hall
- A range of social events from sausage and mash singalong suppers to formal dinners
Members receive discounted rates on all of our events. See below for what is upcoming.
Tour of the Hackney Empire (BMHS members only)
Visit this iconic Grade II* listed venue, opened in December 1901 and designed by Frank Matcham, the greatest theatre architect of his day. Financed by impresario Sir Oswald Stoll, the theatre remains a thriving hub of live entertainment, hosting music gigs and performances for over 1,600 standing...
291 Mare Street London United Kingdom E8 1EJ
'There'll Never Be Another' - British Variety Theatre 1945-60. A talk by Leo Bird
'There'll Never Be Another.' Live Comedy in Britain and the Evolution and Decline of Variety Theatre 1945- 60
In the post-war years, live entertainment in Britain entered a revolutionary phase. New technology, Americanisation and burgeoning youth culture transformed the...
20 Bedford Street London United Kingdom WC2E 9HP
Tiddly Om Pom Pom! Music Hall & Variety at the Seaside
An online event hosted by The Cleethorpes Promenados in collaboration with the British Music Hall Society Step into the world of seaside entertainment - where the lights of the pier met the magic of the stage. As part of the Empire Theatre, Cleethorpes – 130th Anniversary Project, this...
Bert Feldman & the Introduction of Ragtime to the UK. An ONLINE talk by Caroline Hall
ONLINE talk for 2026 #MusicHallVarietyDay.
Before ragtime became a familiar sound in British popular entertainment, it had to be absorbed into the mainstream of music hall and popular performance in the early twentieth century. This talk explores the role of promoters, publishers and performers...
Online
Secrets of the Cockney Yiddish Music Hall. A talk by Vivi Lachs
Secrets of the Cockney Yiddish Music Hall
Songs performed on the London Yiddish stage at the turn of the twentieth century, tell of the experiences of immigration from a grassroots perspective. Funny and satirical, edgy, and surprising, the lyrics tell of a community in...
20 Bedford Street London United Kingdom WC2E 9HP
Pre Day by the Sea Singalong evening with The Banjo Boys and supper at Eastbourne Riviera Hotel
A music and singalong evening on Friday night for members and friends of the British Music Hall Society as part of the BMHS Day By The Sea event on Saturday.
The Banjo Boys, Ray and Johnny will be taking us on a journey through eras with Hi-de-Hi, the War years memories and George...
26 Marine Parade Eastbourne United Kingdom BN22 7AY
Day By The Sea 2026
Now a highlight of the Eastbourne theatrical year, the British Music Hall Society returns for its 10th all-day celebration of the worlds of music hall and variety with Music– Comedy – Song – Guest Speakers – Archive Film Footage
Come and spend a FUN day and wallow in nostalgia
...
106-114 Seaside Road
Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 3PF
Harry Freeman - The Rocket Man. A talk by Peter Charlton
Accompanied by Laurence Payne, BMHS Historian Peter will take us through the life of Birmingham-based Harry Freeman whose song ‘Another Rocket’ set him on the path to success including becoming the 1st King Rat of The Grand Order of Water Rats.
About Peter...
20 Bedford Street London United Kingdom WC2E 9HP
Players Please! Part IV! A talk by Keith Fawkes & Richard Norman
Continuing the story of the Players' Theatre — a legendary British institution — this presentation explores one of its most successful collaborations: its long-running partnership with the BBC TV series The Good Old Days.
Spearheaded by producer Barney Colehan, The Good Old Days ran...
20 Bedford Street London United Kingdom WC2E 9HP
