While some might recognise Christopher Hall from pretending to be a background singer in his viral videos, which have sparked collaborations with the likes of Sugababes, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Olly Alexander, the London-based comedian and dancer is very much in his own spotlight right now. He’s just kicked off his new nationwide tour, Pizazz (coming to Leicester Square Theatre on November 11), and it’s his most theatrical show yet. A high-energy spectacle of dance, storytelling and razor-sharp wit, the show sees Hall reflecting on his former party boy persona – now that he’s nudging his mid-30s.
Off the stage, Hall hosts a hit podcast Stay Hydrated with his sister Lizzie Hall, while also finding the time to post videos featuring his viral characters like The Millennial and Your Cat to an ever-growing audience. But where does he go when he needs to tune out? And which West End shows does the musical theatre-trained performer see when he’s looking for creative inspiration? Below, Hall shares the theatres, comedy nights, restaurants, bars and more that make him grateful to live in the capital.
What, to you, makes the perfect day off in London?
Nothing brings me more joy than a potter ‘round the shops with no time limit in London. Columbia Road, the King’s Road, Crouch End or Camden, followed by a pub garden, there's nothing like it. The Owl and the Pussycat on Redchurch Street or The Clapham Tap are particular faves. I also love the community saunas in Hackney Wick and Walthamstow, there’s always a nice atmosphere and they’re a great place to recharge. I recently went to the West Reservoir Centre for the first time for a swim as I’ve moved not far from it and am officially a convert.
Where is one of your favourite places to catch live comedy in London?
A Saturday night at Queer Comedy Club is always fun. It's the UK's only permanent LGBTQ comedy venue and has been the scene of numerous early gigs of mine. Slay 24 in Whitechapel is also always a party every month, the hosts Kiran Saggu, Dom McGovern and Estefania Baha are brilliant and they pull such a great crowd.
Where do you go in London when you’re looking for creative inspiration?
A headphone-less stroll along the Parkland Walk or around Victoria Park is a guaranteed way to help shake my creativity. Going to see something on the stage is always a huge inspiration to me. There is so much going on in London all the time, and [I come] from a theatre background, so going to see a musical or play in town always sparks little brainwaves in me. I love Beetlejuice, Hadestown and Six, duh. Recently I saw Rob Madge My Son’s a Queer for the second time and loved it as much as I did the first time.
What’s the essential play, TV show, song, book or film about London?
Has Bridget Jones’s Diary been said 100 times before? Nothing says London to me like Hugh Grant and Colin Firth having fisticuffs in Borough Market.
Do you have a favourite London restaurant? What is it and why?
I love Lucky & Joy in Hackney for a chic and cosy dinner with cocktails. And if you're looking for delicious, as good-as-the-meaty-kind vegan Chinese food, Tofu Vegan is epic; I like the one on Upper Street.
Kurisu Omakase at Ichiban Sushi in Brixton (an eight-seat, family-run restaurant) for amazing sushi and sashimi, and Pizzeria Pappagone on Stroud Green Road for the best pizza.
What’s a recent cultural outing that you’ve particularly loved in London?
Recently I saw Rose Gray, perfect pop girly, perform at Village Underground, which felt super intimate and personal. It was one of those gigs where you thought, this is the last time she’s going to play at somewhere of this size, she’s only going up from here. I also saw Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler in The Last Five Years at the Palladium which was out of this world. That show and their performances were on a different planet!
Once you’ve finished a show in the evening in central London, where do you like to go for food or a drink nearby?
I love Sophie’s in Soho – it's a classic and why fix what ain’t broke? Their Martinis are like swimming pools though, so I would have one and wait an hour.
If you want to impress someone, where would you take them?
Bistrotheque in Bethnal Green is a total event. The food is delicious accompanied with pop tunes tinkling from the grand piano. It’s very unassuming from the outside and is cool AF inside. Amazing for a date, friends, or impressing your out-of-town [friends]. Also, the roof terrace bar at the Royal Opera House is pretty gorgeous, with a view over Covent Garden, one of those places that you often walk past and forget what a gem it is.
Where do you go for coffee or tea?
Literally anywhere to be quite honest. I’m a quantity over quality gal when it comes to coffee, however my palate is definitely maturing. Kahaila Cafe on Brick Lane is great, with heavenly cake too, and Half Cup in King’s Cross is a great stop for coffee and brunch.
What are your favourite shops around London? Any good finds recently?
Firstly, moment of silence for Oxford Street Topshop. I have the best memories of being at uni, taking the last £20 in my account into their glitzy halls and buying a T-shirt with Rihanna in her Loud era on it, then wearing that to G-A-Y Late on a Sunday night. Those days are of course behind us. Charity shops in posh areas are an absolute goldmine. My boyfriend lives in Barnes in south-west London and we must keep Mary’s Living and Giving in business just on our own. The same goes for charity shops on the King’s Road or Notting Hill. I’ve also had to ration my trips to the Crisis in Dalston, as I come away with something every single time. In the spirit of pottering, The Conran Store for homewares is a favourite to wander and admire everything, and then buy the cheapest thing I can find. I also love the Common Press in Shoreditch, an amazing queer-owned book shop, and Bard Books, also in east. Both provide literature and refreshments for day or night.
Where do you head when you need a break from London?
I love the city and the beach, very Nadine Coyle in that way, so a quick break from London to Brighton or Margate is perfect. I’m lucky to travel a lot with work. I love going all over the UK and abroad performing, consequently I love coming home and being in London for my downtime!
What makes London so amazing to live in? Anyone or anything you’d like to shout out that’s making it a better place right now?
As a queer person of course I have to shout out the diversity. In a time where trans rights particularly are under attack it was amazing to see the world’s biggest Trans Pride take place with so many people showing solidarity, including a mayor that gets behind it as well. You definitely can’t count on that everywhere at the moment so it’s important to take that in.
Pizazz is on tour now and comes to London’s Leicester Square Theatre on Wednesday, November 11.
