Tour & Talk: The Clapham Grand, a history in variety programming & survival

Visit our iconic venue which opened in November 1900, designed by Ernest Woodrow and financed by a consortium lead by the biggest Variety performer of the era – Dan Leno.

You will be taken round by Ally Wolf, our manager, producer and programmer for a two hour tour of the venue, including a Q&A, complimentary refreshments and a chance to look through a exhibition of memorabilia.

During the tour Ally will reflect on the life of the Grand since the laying of the foundation stone in 1900 to its present day incarnation as a modern palace of variety and how its return to it’s musical hall & variety programming roots have led to it’s survival as one of the last remaining true Variety Palaces in the UK.

Expect tales of the history of The Grand’s programming, how it has constantly embraced the future whilst referencing its past, with many furniture, confetti and golden stair case based anecdotes along the way.

Please note this tour unfortunately isn’t wheel chair accessible aside from the Q&A, refreshments & viewing the memorabilia in The Stalls. Please contact us on access@claphamgrand.com for us to assit further.

Brought to you in association with Wandsworth Borough of Culture 2025 & Secret London Walking Tours.