Guided tour of Abney Park Cemetery
AFTER THE BALL
A Guided Tour of Abney Park's Music Hall Muses
Saturday 28th October 2023  from 11:00 am and 2:00 pm

Music hall in London can be traced back to the 1830s, but it gained popularity and prominence in the mid-to-late 19th century, coinciding with the construction of London's magnificent seven cemeteries. Naturally, many stars of the stage found their final resting places in the metropolis, with Abney Park Cemetery, known for its 32 acres and Gothic architecture, becoming a popular choice. Notable figures like George Leybourne, the famous music hall singer known as Champagne Charlie, John Giblin, a popular comedian, and Nelly Power, an actor of the Victorian era with exceptional vocal abilities and vivacious stage presence, were among those laid to rest there.

Join Susan Doe for a guided tour of Abney Park that focuses on the music hall and theatre residents. Both Abney Park Cemetery and Music Hall reflect the Victorian society's fascination with life, death, and entertainment. While one stands as a symbol of peaceful remembrance and architectural beauty, the other represents the lively spirit and diverse entertainment of the era. Their parallel existence showcases the multifaceted nature of Victorian culture and the unique ways in which people found solace and joy in the midst of a rapidly changing world.

Tickets £12 including a 20% donation toward a host of restoration projects at Abney Park Cemetery

Venue - The Dissenters' Chapel, Kensal Green Cemetery, London (ticket includes a tour of the catacombs)