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.
BMHS Archive Collection on Show at Lambeth Archives - Women’s History Month
Join us for an open afternoon exploring our collection, with special emphasis on women in music hall and variety to celebrate Women's History Month this March, alongside some exciting recent donations.
Opportunities to handle items from our archive have been limited in the past as we lacked...
16 Brixton Hill London United Kingdom SW2 1ET
President's Lunch hosted by BMHS President, Su Pollard
Join our President, Su Pollard and her special guests for an afternoon of good food, company and fun!
Sandell Street Waterloo London United Kingdom SE1 8 UJ
The Barbed Wire University. A talk by Midge Gillies
Midge will describe how many future stars of variety, TV, film and stage honed their craft in World War Two prisoner of war camps.
About Midge Gillies
Midge Gillies has written eleven books, including a biography of Marie Lloyd. The Barbed-Wire University tells the story...
20 Bedford Street London United Kingdom WC2E 9HP
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
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
