Overtures Piano Bar is the perfect stagey night out!

On a drizzly December evening, nestled in the upstairs of a bar in Soho, you’ll find the pinnacle of theatre nerd heaven. 

Overtures is London’s answer to Marie’s Crisis, the infamous New York theatre bar where you’ll often find the biggest stars and writers singing along to their own songs. The London sister is a little more low key but definitely has the same core joy values – musical theatre and a lot of it. 

Overtures has recently moved from the Hippodrome and from what I can tell, it suits its new home. The space on Greek Street is cosier and gives the crowd a bigger feeling of being in on a secret – the intimacy of being part of a community who are all there for one reason, a love of musicals. 

The evening is very simply structured – a host and a pianist take you through the throng’s requests, from cult classics to niche new songs. It’s a smorgasbord of show tunes where at least one will hit the spot. And don’t worry about running out of time – Overtures is open till 2am! 

But let me say this, the pianists and hosts are impressive, many working on shows or writers themselves jumping between genres whilst interacting with the pleasantly sozzled attendees. Their charm and talent could go unnoticed as it’s easy, just feels like friends having a sing song. 

What stands out most is the community and safety of the space, singles rocking up alone to enjoy an evening, while groups commune together in the break out spaces. I even overheard on entering ‘See there was no need to be nervous – someone is crocheting’. 

So when can I go? I hear you ask?! Overtures is open Thurs – Sat and operate a tiered entry system so make sure to head early. They also run their own boozy choir on a Thursday – perfect for learning the harmonies so you can belt them out with confidence later.