Singer and performer Camille O’Sullivan will kick off Wilton’s Music Hall’s new season with The Carny Dream, promising a mesmerising evening of song and theatrical experience…
Archives for Cabaret
A large inflatable whale and record-breaking games at Settle Stories Festival
Settle Stories Festival will take place in the Yorkshire Dales from 6th to 8th April, with plenty of quirky happenings including a large inflatable whale, the world’s first listening gallery in an old BT phone box and video goggle performances…
The best Easter events for adults in 2018
That gloriously long Easter weekend is almost upon us and to help you prepare for some quirky fun, we at Contrary Life have put together a round-up of the more unusual events happening this year…
Take the Slow Boat in Birmingham
Birmingham’s Ikon Gallery has converted an old narrow boat into a unique artistic space. Step aboard the Slow Boat on Wednesday 21st March for the free launch event and make your own screenprint…
Mechanical hippos and giant creatures in Nottingham
An iron man, giant pedal-powered creatures, a diabolical Mr Punch, a mechanical hippo and a host of marionettes will be taking over Nottingham this month for the city’s first ever Puppet Festival…
London women’s stories take centre stage at Stratford Circus Arts Centre
From 6th to 8th March, there will be a creative mix of theatre, live art, cabaret and music made by women at Stratford Circus Arts Centre to celebrate International Women’s Day…
A unique and intimate after-hours museum experience in London
Impropera’s Muso will combine serious academics, priceless artefacts and musical improvisers, for a unique and intimate after-hours museum experience…
Mesmerism and magic at Whitby Steampunk Weekend
Whitby Steampunk Weekend III will take place on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th February in the North Yorkshire town, with activities, presentations, demonstrations and the Famous Steampunk Emporium…
A church service for clowns in East London
The unique annual Clowns’ Church Service, also known as the Grimaldi Service, will be held on Sunday 4th February at All Saints Church, in Haggerston, East London…
Spy games, extraordinary magicians and a zombie apocalypse at VAULT
VAULT Festival 2018 will take place from 24th January to 18th March, with 300 shows championing new writing, immersive experiences, comedy, film and late night entertainment…
An alternative guide to a quirky Valentine’s Day in the UK
Contrary Life is back again with An Alternative Guide to Valentine’s Day. We’ve dug out some great quirky events taking place in the UK this year…
A celebration of creative talent in the North West with PUSH
This year’s PUSH festival takes place from Friday 12th to Saturday 27th January at Manchester’s HOME, showcasing creative talent from the north west, with performances, screenings, exhibitions and workshops…
Cutting edge circus and physical comedy at London International Mime Festival
London International Mime Festival offers the chance to see very best in cutting edge circus, dance, physical theatre, juggling, object manipulation and physical comedy…
A festival to SHOUT about in Birmingham
SHOUT, the Festival of Queer Arts and Culture, returns to Birmingham this November with an eclectic mix of theatre, visual arts, comedy, and music…
A unique night out with the Festival of the Dead
This November, why not enjoy a unique night out – featuring acrobats, circus performers, contortionists and fire breathers – with the Festival of the Dead?