London's festive season has received a spectacular boost with the return of Backyard Cinema, which has launched a brand-new, immersive Christmas experience in the heart of London Bridge. Transforming a vast Victorian warehouse, the event promises to be a full-blown theatrical extravaganza, blending beloved festive film screenings with live cabaret, music, and West End-style performances.
A Magical Transformation in a Victorian Warehouse
Located on Tanner Street, moments from Borough Market and Tower Bridge, the venue has been completely reimagined as the Enchanted Forest Theatre. The creative team has used 20 tonnes of real bark underfoot and installed towering trees and winding pathways to create a convincing woodland setting. The space also features hidden performance areas and atmospheric bars tucked among the foliage.
From the moment guests arrive, they are immersed in a living festive world. Roaming acrobats, West End singers, and spontaneous theatrical surprises ensure the magic begins long before the film starts. The cast features notable talents including AJ Jenks, Joel Priest, Eve Maidwell, Aaron Bladen, Madeleine Wilshire, and viral TikTok musician Matt Kent.
An Immersive Journey Through Festive Spaces
The experience is carefully structured as a journey through three distinct areas. First, visitors enter the Christmas Cabaret Room, where performers deliver festive classics alongside lively table service. Next, they can explore the Enchanted Forest itself, discovering hidden cabins and themed bars. Finally, audiences are led in a joyful procession to the Cosy Forest Cinema, a retro-style screening room where it charmingly snows before every film begins.
The entire production is directed by acclaimed creative Stuart Glover, known for work on We Will Rock You and Madagascar The Musical. He describes it as a celebration that marries cinematic storytelling with the energy of live performance. Founder Dominic Davies emphasised the team's goal to return "with a bang" after a three-year absence, offering a completely new show and venue.
Practical Details and Festive Film Line-Up
The event, which opened on 26 November 2025, runs daily until 31 December (closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day). There are five screenings per day at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, and 8pm. Each ticket includes approximately an hour of immersive entertainment prior to the film screening, with the total runtime around 2 hours and 40 minutes.
The film selection is a veritable who's who of the nation's favourite Christmas movies. The full line-up includes:
- Elf (2003)
- Home Alone (1990)
- Love Actually (2003)
- The Holiday (2006)
- The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
- The Grinch (2018)
- Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
- It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
This unique blend of cinema, theatre, and festive magic is positioned as an ideal outing for families, date nights, friends, or festive work socials, offering one of London's most atmospheric Christmas activities this year.
