East London's home for fabulous fringe theatre, new writing and all sorts of arts! Right in the heart of Bow.
A new and fabulous independent theatre company taking residence in Bow’s most iconic venue: The Bow Bells
What's On
Ho, ho, ho… Oh no he didn't! - Santa’s got some explaining to do in the East End!
Tired of The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol? Fancy something a little more mischievous this Christmas? Santa's coming to a unique, intimate theatre above an iconic East End pub — and he's bringing one almighty scandal with him.
The Pearly Queen Theatre presents Jeffrey Solomon's acclaimed Off-Broadway comedy THE SANTA CLOSET, a hilariously outrageous and unexpectedly heartwarming alternative to your usual Christmas night out.
Forget the naughty list. This Christmas, Santa's got a secret.
When young Gary asks Santa for a doll, Father Christmas says no. But one innocent Christmas wish soon spirals into a full-blown festive fiasco. Letters fly, accusations mount, and suddenly everyone has an opinion about what's naughty, what's nice and who gets to be themselves.
Wait… WHAT?! Could Santa be coming out this Christmas?!
Brought to life by one performer playing a riotous cast of characters, THE SANTA CLOSET is a brilliantly cheeky theatrical mockumentary packed with outrageous humour, sharp satire and a whole lot of heart.
And where better to discover Santa's secrets than in our special, intimate theatre above the iconic Bow Bells Pub?
Grab a drink downstairs or at our theatre bar, settle in and enjoy a wonderfully unconventional Christmas night out, where the surprises are definitely not all under the tree.
With just 40 seats per performance, availability is extremely limited. Fancy a little one-on-one time with Santa? BOOK NOW — BEFORE SANTA SPILLS THE BEANS!
Your Queer Friend & Mine is a bold, joyful night of queer comedy, bringing together a dazzling lineup of rising stars and established voices for an unforgettable showcase. This vibrant event celebrates LGBTQ+ talent in all its forms - sharp, silly, subversive, and everything in between.
Hosted by the brilliant duo Nick Bain and Jack Scullion, the night features some of the best comedians in London! Expect big laughs, unexpected turns, and a room full of queer joy.
Come as you are, bring your pals, and settle in for a night where everyone’s in on the joke.
This is a monthly night, check our ticketing page for specific dates and times. Advance purchase is encouraged as we have limited seating!
See you there!
Past Events
The acclaimed play by John Donnelly is coming to the East End.
Sex. Football. Fame. Secrets.
The Pass is a sharp, darkly funny and intensely gripping play about football, friendship, masculinity, desire and how much you’re willing to lose to win. What would you sacrifice to become the person the world wants you to be?
Jason and Ade have everything ahead of them. They’re young, talented, and on the brink of the big time. Football is going to change their lives. Then, the night before their first-team debut, a single moment changes everything. Something neither of them can take back.
Twelve years later, Jason has fame, money, and everything else he dreamed of. Ade’s life has taken a very different path. But when their worlds collide again, the past comes crashing back.
You don’t have to love football to understand the game. You just have to know what it’s like to want something so badly you’re willing to risk losing everything for it.
One night. One secret. Twelve years of consequences.
Recommended for audiences 16 and older.
Grab your friends, your date, your chosen family, or come solo and join us at the Pearly Queen Theatre, above the iconic Bow Bells Pub, for every unforgettable moment on the biggest stage in football.
Watch the action on a giant HD cinema screen with immersive theatre sound, enjoy access to our dedicated private bar, and soak up the atmosphere with fellow fans in one of East London’s most unique venues.
Whether you're here for the football, the community, or just a brilliant night out, this is the place to celebrate every goal together.
Two actors. Eight characters. Total chaos and unhinged camp.
Irma Vep is a camp, fast-paced whirlwind of gothic drama, big laughs, and razor-sharp theatricality.
Staged in our 50-seat theatre above the Bow Bells Arms, this is up-close, immersive, and completely unpredictable as it gets!
Fast. Funny. Fearless.
Limited run. Book now.