Christmas Event: Immersive pop up Humbug to open in Waterloo

Humbug is a Christmas-themed dive bar popping up in a secreted, hidden away spot within the dimly lit archways of Waterloo.

When it opens on November 15, it will host live performances, sing-a-longs, festivities and storytelling, as well as a weary Santa who needs cheering up.

Found in a venue on Leake Street, Humbug has been created by Secret Speakeasy, a new production team from the co-founder of Backyard Cinema and an Immersive Everywhere executive producer.

Running through to January 6, Humbug is Santa’s favourite dive bar, or so the story goes.

Facing the pressures of the North Pole and his bustling workshop, Santa has retreated to Humbug in the hope of restoring himself to the jolly guy that everyone love, where Christmas cheer - and sherry – will be available on tap.

Guests to Humbug will be tasked with bringing their best festive spirit so to restore Santa back to his jolly self.

Specifically, a night at Humbug is a five hour experience including a two-hour performance in which guests’ choices and interactions bring the show to life.

Santa is joined by a disgruntled dive bars waitress, a mailman who ahs lost all his letters to Santa and a changing line-up of cabaret, circus and musical acts.

Punters will rub shoulders with the Humbug crew, sing along to holiday bangers, including Mariah, and indulge in a healthy dose of nostalgia as they try to cheer up santa.

Once Santa is happy, guests can enjoy live music and DJ sets as they party into the wee hours while quaffing festively named cocktails such as the Naughty or Nice or The Grinch.

The Bah F*&*$*^g Humbug drink is made with a rum and chocolate liqueur base and topped with a mice pie.

To eat, there’s loaded fries topped with all the trimmings.

Humbug will open on November 15 and run to January 6, 2024, with tickets starting from £29.50.

Address: Unit 9, Leake Street Arches, Waterloo, SE1 8SW

Website: humbugchristmas.co.uk