Ever wondered what it might be like to get in a time machine and jump back to any era, just for the fun of it, or to correct a mistake - 1980’s perm & MC Hammer pants anyone? Well last night I had my own HG Wells moment when I stepped through the doors of Wiltons. Wilton’s for the uninitiated (as I was until last night) is the oldest surviving music hall in the world, nestled down an unpresupposing alleyway near Tower Hill, you might never know this jewel was there. A music hall since 1850 and now a theatre and bar Wiltons is an absolute treasure for anyone with a love of London’s rich hidden history or just an appreciation for beautiful buildings that proudly wear the traces of the thousands of people who have stepped through their doors.


I should say that I wasn’t just wandering around the alleyways of East London, hoping to discover a music hall or the like. I was specifically at Wiltons to watch a stage performance of The Great Gatsby.

I was expecting the play to be just on the stage, why would I not be? but from the moment we arrived we were immersed, slap bang in the middle of swelligant, roaring 1920’s America. Greeted by more feathers, pearls, sequins, fringe and red lipstick than you could shake at sick at it was fantastic to see that so many people had made the effort to dress up. The men as well as the women joined in the fun, I especially liked the use of plus fours in an urban environment and seeing many a turbaned head. My outfit was slightly schizophrenic: below the waist I was very 2000’s (in jeans and gold boots) but above I was channeling the 1920’s in my vintage jacket, red lips and rolled up hair. I’d like to think that I made a nod to the era but didn’t didn’t quite have the gumption to travel on public transport from Streatham bedecked in full 1920’s regalia.

Also given that it was a time when prohibition was gaining traction the booze was flowing, though I should say that this is not the reason that I look pie eyed in this photo, I just don’t photograph well.
The actors were mingling with the audience in character before the performance and during the interval, which added to the whole atmosphere of the evening. Punctuated with song and with a cast of just 8 the play was really enjoyable and the tables at the front (one of which we were lucky enough to be seated at thanks to E for Envelope for buying the tickets and having the foresight to book said table) just added to the whole speakeasy feel. It was a real event and even though the tickets are sold out, if you can get your sticky mitts on one on the black market, I highly recommend that you attend. Thanks again to E for Envelope & Busy Girl Buys Beauty for a very enjoyable evening.