Magic Mike Live Review: What Really Happens at London’s Most Famous “Strip” Show?

If I told you I was writing a Magic Mike Live review, I can guess your reaction. “That’s a strip show, isn’t it?”

The answer is… not quite! Based on the hit films starring Channing Tatum, the show is sold as a hot and heavy live version to get your pulse racing. But as our reviewer Theresa found out, there’s much more going on under the hood at the Hippodrome Casino.

First Impressions: Arrival and Bars

Upon exiting Leicester Square underground station, we were directly opposite the Hippodrome Casino – and it was a very busy, buzzy introduction to Theatreland! The imposing building takes up the whole corner with the entrance to Magic Mike Live well lit around the side.

We entered the deceivingly small but very ornate foyer – illuminated by a beautiful chandelier – and were greeted by the friendly receptionist who directed us towards the lift or stairs. Doors to the casino were closed and to the left, almost unnoticed by any theatre guests. 

We had already decided to go up to the rooftop bar before the show started so so we took the lift. This was a great decision and great start to the night, as two of the performers were there and immediately struck up a conversation. A third guy joined and I took my phone out to take a photo but was promptly stopped. It was explained to us that photos with the cast are offered as an extra after the show as a paid experience. Still fun chatting to the very friendly guys in their civvies!

Out of the lift at The Gods rooftop bar we took several photos and ordered our drinks with the very patient Christina. We ordered two glasses of champagne which were reasonably priced at just under £30.

Seating was comfortable with lots to take in looking over the rooftops of London and the quirky kitsch additions placed by the Hippodrome.

Top Tip: Get 10% off the drinks bill if you register with the casino.

As we descended down to the performance we noticed several bars including The Penny Bar, which is the usual meeting place before the show. Of the bars available we noticed Permission was the busiest but there was no lack of choice should you wish to have all manner of snacks, drinks or cocktails. There are menus distributed everywhere. If you did fancy a flutter the casino is also accessible, indeed it never closes!

Dining at the Hippodrome Casino

For a full dining experience The Steakhouse, also known as Heliot Steakhouse, has a great menu selection and great views of the casino and people watching. The restaurant is open until 11pm.

Alternatively Chop Chop by Four Seasons is located on the lower ground floor of the casino and stays open until 4am.

Inside the Theatre

The balcony walkway encircling the casino below was the route to the theatre. Our drinks had to be poured into safer plastic glasses to go through to the auditorium.

Once we had shown our tickets we were escorted to our seats on the main floor. It was a smaller theatre than I had imagined with a balcony on the upper level which was full. It was one excited audience and the atmosphere was electric, as we all anticipated the beginning of the show.

Our seats were A28 and A29 which meant we were just four rows back from the stage. There was a walkway access for the performers to integrate with the crowd in front of us and the rows ahead immediately next to the stage had tables which we didn’t have. Behind us were another three elevated rows. It didn’t matter at all where you were seated as it was a fully inclusive show. We felt as if we were in the front row, we could participate and see everything the front row could as the stage is elevated.

There is waiter service allocated to each seat, therefore no need to leave the auditorium and miss a minute of this outstanding show. Drinks menus are also on display. The waiters have tablets to keep track of the orders, and you can settle the bill when the show has ended.

Watching Magic Mike Live

As requested on the ticket the audience were in their seats 10 minutes before the show. It began with a warm up guy prepping us to be ready with their full attention. There’s a sort of thread which wends its way through Magic Mike Live, involving the performers and the audience. The choreography sequences are impressive to say the least, but divulging more would spoil the surprises we certainly didn’t anticipate!

The big question is whether Magic Mike is a strip show, and the answer is… no. It’s not sleazy nor is it strip show, certainly not in the traditional sense. It’s a very carefully thought out, affirming, superbly choreographed and entertaining show. Not the least bit offensive or degrading. The guys are super-fit and respectful.

When the audience left the theatre and dispersed into the various bars there were opportunities to have photos taken with the performers and we saw several very excited groups doing just that and using the beautiful casino lighting as backdrop.

Who Can Watch Magic Mike Live?

I went to see the show with a friend, and 90% of the crowd was women of all ages, often together. Some had sashes on for hen parties or birthdays and it’s definitely the type of show that should be at the top of the list if you want to plan for a special occasion.

There were also a few people watching solo and a few men. You could even see Magic Mike Live for a date night!

Audience Participation (AKA… Do You Get Pulled On Stage?!)

This is a very professional show with lots of dedicated, highly trained dancers. When an audience member is invited to take part it’s obvious that the dancer is prepping them by having a minimally invasive conversation to clarify his intentions. This isn’t the least bit worrying for the audience member and there are no compromising situations – ensuring the fun continues as rehearsed.

The guests on the front row next to the stage were probably involved a little more but generally all of the audience take part, especially at the end. The performers come out into the audience lots of times (somehow climbing over seats!). Also, without actually harming anyone, they perform delicate practiced close moves not only to the ground floor audience but to the balcony area as well!

My friend was thrilled when she was chosen and encouraged to dance with her favourite performer. Everyone claps, sings and laughs throughout the whole performance.

Dress Code Tips

Magic Mike Live in a casino might sound like something to dress up for, but basically anything goes as long as it’s comfortable.

When we attended, some people were dressed up, some casual and a few were wearing glamorous eveningwear for hen parties and birthdays.

Is Magic Mike Live Worth It?

Would we go again? We definitely left the theatre fully entertained after a very thrilling 1.5 hours, so yes! It is a magical experience, just great great fun. The interactive skills of these legends are exhausting to the rest of us as they are so capable of pulling the audience along with them and as total professionals they seem to enjoy every minute too.

Worth every penny, very well organised and not a queue in sight. You will not be disappointed.

Have You Seen Magic Mike in London?

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