As the great singer and civil rights activist Nina Simone once said: “jazz is not just music, it’s a way of life, it’s a way of being, a way of thinking.” Indeed, jazz has a rich history and is often considered not just a musical genre but also a cultural and social movement, embodying a particular way of relating to the world. And Nina Simone’s statement is no better demonstrated than in the Lost Estate London‘s jazz night. There you’ll find a visionary theatre company known for captivating audiences far and wide with their immersive theme nights,  such as their ‘Greatest Night of the Jazz Age’.

Ready to be transported to 1930s New York? Building a bridge between 1930’s Manhattan and present-day London, the show features talented jazz musicians and performers from all over the world, and takes place during spring and summer. This is not your regular theatre night. This is an exquisite story-telling experience that will captivate audiences – transporting them to a different era: a time when jazz was at its peak and the world was alive with the sound of music.

Jazz music first gained popularity in London in the early 20th century, with American musicians like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington touring and performing in the city. The 1950s and 60s saw a resurgence in jazz music, and in the 70s and 80s London’s jazz scene continued to grow and evolve. This included the establishment of prestigious venues like the Jazz Cafe, the 606 Club, and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. Today, jazz remains a vibrant and important part of London’s cultural scene, with many talented musicians and venues continuing to keep the genre alive and thriving. A prime example is of course The Lost Estate, the company known for its all-encompassing immersive theme nights which fuse theatre, music, fine dining and drinking all in one.

With the theme being the opening night of Belle Livingstone’s 58th Street Country Club, expectations are set high. For the ‘The Greatest Night of the Jazz Age’, the Lost Estate has called upon acclaimed dancer and choreographer Eleesha Drennan (Studio Wayne McGregor, National Dance Wales) to direct. In what can only be described as an other-worldly experience, it is easy to get lost in the moment, tapping one’s feet to the rhythm of the drums, the sound of trumpets filling audience members with energy. The band at the Lost Estate London visits some of the most iconic jazz pieces – and they are all dressed in their finest attire, transporting you back in time. The six-piece house band, the 58th Street Stompers, are fronted by prominent trumpet player Rory Simmons (band member for Jamie Cullum, Blur), providing a blazing backdrop of 1930s hits that serve as the centrepiece of the evening’s entertainment. As the night unfolds, the music transcends mere notes, weaving an intricate tapestry of sound that continually elevates the senses.

But that’s not all. The Lost Estate has more to offer. As the night goes on, guests can indulge in some of the best drinks in town from a transportive cocktail menu, including the Daiquiri 58 and the Club Martini. The food is simply divine: a three-course New York feast will leave guests daydreaming long after they’ve enjoyed the last bite. We’re talking Roast Cinnamon Apple Pie with Bourbon Caramel and Ices, Park Avenue Surf’n’Turf, and Staten Island Chowder with Truffle Cornbread. Each dish serves as a masterpiece, and is the work of The Lost Estate’s Executive Chef Ashley Clarke (Gordon Ramsay Group, SmokeStak, Temper Soho). The Lost Estate knows how to create an atmosphere that is conducive to great conversation: in the midst of the lively and vibrant atmosphere, guests will find themselves surrounded by like-minded individuals who share each others’ love for jazz.

Upon entering the venue, guests are sure to be mesmerised by the decor, which is reminiscent of 1930’s Manhattan. The stage is set, the lights are dimmed, and the band is ready to take the audience on a journey through the golden age of jazz. The atmosphere is electric, and the anticipation builds as the first notes of the saxophone fill the room. Guests are encouraged to show up in their finest 1930s attire, allowing themselves to relive the renowned 1930s Jazz scene.

So, if you’re looking for something different to do this summer in London, head over to The Lost Estate for an unforgettable night of jazz – in the city where it all happens! Enter this immersive journey which promises to take you through a cascade of evolving harmonies and captivating rhythm, in which musical virtuosity reaches new heights.