Our Local Champion, Sandra Munoz-Alvarez, shares her experience at The Palace of Varieties, The Clapham Grand's 125th birthday party
I had one of the best nights I’ve experienced in years at The Grand last Thursday. Palace of Varieties was a spectacular and joyful way to celebrate the 125th birthday of The Grand in Clapham Junction. Invited to attend as a London Borough of Culture Champion, I felt genuinely honoured to be part of an evening that celebrated not only the rich history of this iconic venue, but also the incredible range of contemporary performance it continues to champion. From start to finish, the show was outstanding, delivering an impressively high standard of quality throughout.
Hosted with warmth, wit, and boundless energy by Jayde Adams, the night opened with the unforgettable Beans on Toast, instantly setting the tone with humour and originality. The audience was hooked from the very first moment, and the atmosphere never dipped. Every act felt thoughtfully curated, creating a fast-paced and exciting programme that showcased remarkable diversity.
Highlights came thick and fast. The Beyoncé Experience brought power and polish, while The London Vegetable Orchestra delighted the crowd with its creativity and surprise. Multiple drag queen performances dazzled with incredible costumes, fierce stage presence, and exceptional dance ability. The London School of Samba filled the space with colour, rhythm, and infectious joy. Acts from the Magic Dikes and a stunning pole dancer brought some cabaret vibes.
The fun continued with the brilliantly chaotic Bongo Bingo, before the Queen of Garage herself, Lisa Maffia from So Solid Crew, brought the night to another high with a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing performance.
After the show, the celebration continued as audiences were invited to dance and boogie to classic disco tunes. Palace of Varieties was more than entertainment—it was a true celebration of culture, creativity, and community, and another fantastic event by Wandsworth London Borough of Culture and the outstanding team at the Grand.
And yes… even when I’m off duty, I can’t help being a videographer. I ended up filming bits on my phone and doing a mini edit afterwards. That’s how good it was.
What a night. What a venue. What a celebration
