5 Fun Nights Out in Soho, London, for Dry January

Too early to start talking about things to do for Dry January? Nahhh, you need to have something fun planned to get you through!

Giving up the booze for January is a great idea – start your 2023 as you mean to go on, healthily. I’ll be honest, I’m actually not… but I applaud you for trying, and I want to help.

Dry January definitely doesn’t mean the end of good times and fun nights out. How about planning a little trip to London’s Soho with all this extra time and money on your hands?

If alcohol is usually at the centre of your nights out and evenings about, then here are a few ideas for a Dry January in Soho to show you that life isn’t all about cocktails and wine bars.

5 Fun Nights Out in Soho for Dry January

1. Show time!

I’m lucky enough to have seen quite a few shows in the West End now. From Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat when I was about 12 and Philip Schofield was in it (I still remember being devo that Jason Donovan had stopped), to Les Mis, to Lion King, the Phantom of the Opera, Matilda… and most recently, last month, Aladdin.

Going to see a music in the West End is still a magical thing for me.

The dancing, the music, the costumes – who needs alcohol when you’ve got a bag of Maltesers and a good old love story on stage?

So excited to go and see Mamma Mia in January!

2. Check out some live music

I’ve spent many nights at Spice of Life and Club 100, checking out the latest bands trying to make it big in London. They’re both cheap and cheerful and a great spots when you’re on a budget. These are the kind of places where big bands get their start – even The Clash and Oasis have played at Club 100.

If you really want to impress though, Ronnie Scotts in Soho is the perfect spot for some live music. Just stay away from the bar!

And if you need somewhere to stay after – check out London’s first capsule hotel.

3. And how about comedy?

Comedy and Soho go together like turkey and cranberry sauce. For many comedians, to gig in Soho is the ultimate dream.

And because of this there are some great underground comedy bars in Soho. Check out the Soho Comedy Club, the Soho Theatre and the Amused Moose Soho Comedy at the Karma Sanctum Hotel. I’ve been to comedy nights where you just pay a few quid on the door and then you’re invited to a whole night of entertainment.

If you’ve got some money to spend, thanks to the whole Dry January thing, then how about aiming higher and checking out what’s on at the Wyndham Theatre, the Aldwych or the SpiegelTent?

Have a look at encoretickets.com to find tickets for the better known comedians during your dates.

Bill Bailey or Catherine Tate anyone?

4. Or a play?

I remember when I moved to London and I found it weird how these mega famous stars would perform in shows within an arm’s reach. And so I went to see Fatal Attraction starring Kristin Davis (Charlotte from Sex and the City). So exciting!

It’s easy to forget these actors’ first love was probably the stage, and she was great. As was Daniel Radcliffe in Equus.

If you’re unsure of how and where to start with the Soho dramatics, take a look at the listings on encore tickets, and if you spot a star you know – go and give them your support.

5. Watch a ballet, or dance show

One Christmas I was lucky enough to be invited by my friend Andrea to watch her cousin in The Nutcracker. We had amazing seats. It was absolutely magical watching the dancers on stage, and I was so mesmerised the time just pirouetted away.

Another time, when I was dating in London, this guy took me to see Carlos Acosta at Opera House too. Honestly, it was incredible. Not the date, wasn’t into him, but seeing Carlos Acosta dance on stage. Before I went I’d read his autobiography, so I could look like I knew what I was talking about, and it just made the whole show that much more emotive.

Basically, Carlos Acosta was a poor kid growing up in Havana, bullied for trying to dance. After years of blood, sweat, tears and sacrifice he ‘made it’ and now he’s one of the best ballet dancers in the world.

Honestly, anything at the Royal Opera House would be a great thing to do in Soho for Dry January!

Soho without alcohol

I hope this little look at what to do in Soho for Dry January has inspired you. It’s bought back some great memories of wonderful shows and performances for me, and actually inspired me to see more.

Lucky I’ve got Mamma Mia in January to look forward to – can’t promise it’ll be a dry one though!

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