Tiny Wallop's brings life to the world's last music hall

Only a 10 minutes walk from tower hill, down a tiny side street, is the crumbling facade of Wilton's - the world's last surviving grand music hall. History seeps from the walls and you feel like you have stepped back in time to the 1800's when 1500 people would often cram into the music hall to take in opera, burlesque, circus acts and comedy.

On stage: The Tiny Wallops

Last night I went to Wilton's to see the Tiny Wallops who are doing a series of shows to help save the music hall. Their show is full of singing and dancing, magic and seance and plenty of audience participation.  The Tiny Wallop's consist of Tiny Wallop himself and a gang of questionables from Madam JoJo to the mustache twirling Morning Glory. Corsets and bloomers, suspenders and buckles, they are a feast for the eyes on the exquisit backdrop of the main hall in Wilton's.

The show is supposed to begin with a magician at 8 but for some unknown reason, she wasn't there that night but it wasn't announced until the clock struck 8. So we helped ourselves to another drink, a nice cloudy cider for me and a rose for my friend.  Nothing over 5 pounds and I would recommend going to the small side bar behind the box office.  I don't think people know it's there so you're served almost instantly.

An old fashioned school bell rang and the doors were opened. As the lower hall filled up, we went to the upstairs balcony where we had a perfect view of the stage. Unfortunately, though we had a good view, the troop's voices didn't seem to quite reach us up top so we only heard bits of the show.  The second half was much better as someone told them we couldn't hear up top, but it was still a bit muffled at times.  I would definitely recommend going but do get there early to get a seat on the first floor.  Do beware, you may get chosen for the stage regardless of where you're sat but you will get to be involved a lot more.  Also, as my friend said, when she sat on the main floor, she laughed so much her stomach hurt, so it must be even funnier than I thought it was. (You can even hear me laughing on the clip I captured below)

It was all a bit campy, a bit naughty and a whole lot of fun.  The whole group could sing beautifully when the need arose and looked completely comfortable on stage, ready to vamp with perfect comic timing and make it look effortless as they did it. If you want some "Victorian jewels to feast your eyes upon," or if "two spoonfuls of tawdry filth washed down with half a cup of yes" is your cup of tea, they'll be back on the stage on Sunday, 14 February for their Massive Little Big Top Extravaganza.  Only £10 and if you are lucky (unlike us) you'll get a bit of magic at 8 before their show begins at 9.  Do check out the Wilton's website for more details.

Save Wilton's

Though the crumbling facade adds an old world mystique to Wilton's, the building is actually semi-derelict. Only 60% of the space is safe, and in use. At this rate of decay, this building will no longer be usable in less than 3 years. With only a roof, crumbling walls, and floors that have fallen in, they are in need of donations to keep this hidden London treasure alive.

If you want to help save Wilton's, you can donate now through Just Giving.  Even the smallest amount will help!

Posted via web from Oot and Aboot