From live music venues and riverside performances to stand-up comedy shows and festivals, Southbank is one of London’s most vibrant entertainment districts.

Living at Opus will mean having these opportunities on your doorstep, as our luxury residence will place you within easy reach of many of London’s best music venues and comedy clubs. Many can be reached on foot, while the city’s excellent transport network connects you easily with venues across the wider capital.

Major Live Music Venues in and around Southbank

Southbank and the surrounding area are home to some of London’s most recognisable cultural venues, with spaces for orchestras, contemporary artists, touring performers, and major events.

 

The Southbank Centre

One of London’s leading arts destinations, the Southbank Centre hosts an extensive programme of live music, performances and events throughout the year. Located along the River Thames, it brings together venues including the Royal Festival Hall, the Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Hayward Gallery, offering everything from classical concerts and jazz to contemporary music and cultural events.

Address: Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX

Journey from Opus London: Take a 5-minute walk west along the Thames Path, heading towards Waterloo Bridge

 

Royal Festival Hall

Part of Southbank Centre, Royal Festival Hall is one of London’s most iconic concert venues. Best known for its world-class classical music programme, the venue also hosts jazz performances, contemporary artists and special events throughout the year.

Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX

Journey from Opus London: Take a 5-minute walk along the Thames Path, heading towards Waterloo Bridge

 

Barbican Centre

Located in the City of London, the Barbican Centre is one of the largest performing arts centres in Europe. It hosts a range of classical concerts, orchestral performances, contemporary music, theatrical productions, and exhibitions throughout the year, making it a popular destination for culture lovers across the city.

Address: Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS

Journey from Opus London: Cross Blackfriars Bridge and take the Circle Line from Blackfriars station to Moorgate.

 

Roundhouse

Originally built as a railway engine shed, Roundhouse is now an iconic performing arts venue located in Camden. Since reopening as a performing arts venue in the 1960s, it has hosted major touring artists, emerging performers and creative events across a wide range of genres.

Address: Chalk Farm Rd, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8EH

Journey from Opus London: Catch the Northern Line from Waterloo to Chalk Farm.

 

O2 Arena

With a capacity of around 20,000, The O2 is one of the capital’s biggest entertainment venues for larger concerts and international touring acts. Hosting some of the world’s most popular comedians and musicians, it offers a different type of live experience compared to Southbank’s more intimate spaces.

Address: Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX

Journey from Opus London: Take the Jubilee Line from Southwark to North Greenwich.

 

Southbank Music Events

As well as its permanent venues, Southbank is known for its riverside concerts, seasonal performances, outdoor music events and pop-up experiences that bring the area to life.

 

Totally Thames Festival

Launched in 2014 and held every September, the Totally Thames Festival celebrates London’s famous river. Events are held on, beneath and along the River Thames, including Southbank where you can catch live music, public art, performances, and community events, making it one of the area’s annual highlights.

 

Summer Riverside Performances

During the warmer months, Southbank comes alive with outdoor music. Buskers, pop-up performances and open-air concerts add to the lively atmosphere, while restaurants, bars and public spaces often host live entertainment overlooking the river.

Comedy Clubs in and around Southbank

Beyond live music, Southbank’s central location makes it easy to enjoy some of London’s best comedy clubs. Catch established comics and lesser-known stand-ups at the following:

 

Top Secret Comedy Club

Top Secret Comedy Club is known for its affordable comedy nights showcasing both widely known comedians and rising talent. The club has two locations; its flagship spot along Drury Lane and a second venue in Covent Garden.

Address: 170a Drury Ln, London, WC2B 5PD & York House, 23 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6UJ

Journey from Opus London: You can reach either venue on foot – just cross the river and head into Covent Garden.

 

The Comedy Store London

Established in 1979, The Comedy Store has been at the heart of London’s stand-up comedy scene for more than 45 years. Situated in Leicester Square, the venue is renowned for showcasing leading comedians alongside emerging talent, with its regular stand-up shows and its famous improvised Comedy Store Players performances.

Address: 1a Oxendon St, London SW1Y 4EE

Journey from Opus London: Head to Waterloo and catch either the Northern Line to Leicester Square or the Bakerloo Line to Piccadilly Circus.

 

Leicester Square Theatre

Situated in the heart of London’s West End, Leicester Square Theatre regularly hosts stand up shows as well as a number of theatrical and cabaret performances, and several live podcasts. The venue regularly welcomes well-known comedians on national tours, previews for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and special one-off performances.

Address: 6 Leicester Pl, London WC2H 7BX

Journey from Opus London: You can reach Leicester Square on foot or catch the Northern Line from Waterloo.

 

Up The Creek Comedy Club

Established in 1995, the Up The Creek Comedy Club has built a reputation as one of London’s leading stand-up venues. It hosts regular comedy nights with an intimate atmosphere that makes it a favourite among performers and audiences.

Address: 302 Creek Rd, London SE10 9SW

Journey from Opus London: You can catch the Thameslink from Blackfriars to Greenwich or catch the Uber Boat from Bankside.

Life at Opus

Living at Opus will place residents at the centre of the capital’s cultural scene, with music venues and comedy clubs within easy reach of Southbank, as well as some of the city’s best restaurants and riverside attractions.

Discover more about life at Opus.