London Living Loves: Underbelly Festival At Earls Court
Every year we look forward to the return of the giant purple upside down cow to Earls Court, as it marks the start of a summer filled with entertainment from London’s favourite urban festival, Underbelly.
Offering the best shows in London, delicious street food and beautiful outdoor bars - Underbelly really is a fantastic day out - and there is something for everyone, old and young alike. You can find circus acts, cabaret, theatre and comedy all under one roof - or should we say ‘udder’.
Read on for everything you need to know about our favourite summer festival
When did Underbelly start?
Directors Ed Bartlam and Charlie Wood founded Underbelly in 2000. It is a British-based entertainment company dedicated to promoting, presenting and producing a diverse line-up of acts. When they started Underbelly in 2000, Bartlam was still a student at the University of Edinburgh. Last year, the company sold more than 1.3 million tickets internationally.
Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam outside the Udderbelly venue. Photo: David Jensen
When did the Underbelly Festival come to London?
The Underbelly Festival started in London, in 2009 at Southbank. By 2015, the festival had extended to 15 weeks and in 2019, it was a 26-week long festival.
Why an upside down purple cow?
The purple cow logo was inspired by the original venue being based on Cowgate in Edinburgh. The design was chosen when Underbelly teamed up with Smirnoff, after many rejected logo designs, their designer inadvertently doodled a cow that was upside down and hey presto!
How long will Underbelly run for at Earls Court?
In Earls Court, Underbelly’s iconic Upside Down Purple Cow tent and cultural hub, ‘Udderbelly’ will preside over an action-packed outdoor space. Revellers can while away the day dropping into Circus Abyssinia, Unfortunate and more live shows, from comedy to circus to cabaret, and soak up the rays at one of the venue’s bars. Tarquin’s Cornish Gin will provide a much-needed watering hole alongside Mardi’s beer bar and a string of the finest independent food stalls.
The Festival’s summer events are running at Earls Court, on the former Earls Court 2 Exhibition Centre site, from 5th May – 16th July 2022.
Earls Court Opening Times:
Monday - closed
Tuesday - 4pm - 11pm
Wednesday - 4pm - 11pm
Thursday - 4pm - 11.30pm
Friday - 12pm - 11.30pm
Saturday - 12pm - 11.30pm
Sunday - 12pm - 11pm
Which show did we see at Underbelly?
This summer we were lucky enough to get tickets to see Circus Abyssinia perform. The show delved into the rhythms and roots of Ethiopia's rich musical and artistic traditions to weave its story through death-defying tricks, and feats of juggling, clowning and contortion, all performed to the irresistible beats of Ethiopian song.
It was great family-friendly entertainment which left the little ones in the audience wide eyed and agog at the super hero-like displays of incredible strength and balance. The cultural aspect of the show was also fascinating for children aged 5 and above.
What else can we see at Underbelly Earls Court this July?
Currently the Underbelly Festival is in full swing at Earls Court with the iconic upside-down purple cow taking centre stage with jaw-dropping circus acts, comedy shows that will leave you crying with laughter, and entertainment for all the family.
Here’s the programme of upcoming Underbelly Earls Court events:
Everyone's favourite panto dame," (Metro) is back at Earl's Court with more stories, for the whole family, about being who you want and loving who you are!
GENRE: Family
DURATION: 60 minutes
DATES: 09 - 10th July
ADVICE: 4+
PRICE: Tickets from £14.00
Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch
Disney villain. Octo-woman. Plus-size icon.
GENRE: Theatre
DURATION: 120 minutes including an interval
DATES: 21 June - 16 July
ADVICE: Strobe lighting, Haze. Partial Nudity. Strong language/swearing. Age Category: 16+ Age Category Type: Recommended Babes in Arms: Babies do not require a ticket - Children under 2 years
PRICE: Tickets from £23.50
https://www.underbellyfestival.com/events-display/unforunate-the-untold-story
Laura Davis - Work in Progress
One of the strongest, most distinctive comedy voices around.
GENRE: Comedy
DURATION: 120 minutes including an interval
DATES: 15th July
ADVICE: 16+
PRICE:Tickets from £140
https://www.underbellyfestival.com/events-display/Laura-Davis
Bilal Zafar - CARE - Fringe Preview
Bilal Zafar's brand new show about how he spent a year working in a care home for very wealthy people.
GENRE: Comedy
DURATION: 60 minutes
DATES: 24th June
ADVICE: 12+
PRICE:Tickets from £150
https://www.underbellyfestival.com/events-display/bilal-zafar-care
Patrick McPherson dives into love stories and morality in Colossal.
GENRE: Theatre
DURATION: 60 minutes
DATES: 16th July
ADVICE: (12+) - Strobe lighting, Strong language/swearing
PRICE:Tickets from £140
Get a glass of Red Rum, bring your pal Tony and laugh with Elf forever and ever. It will be a Misery if you can’t come. Directed by Leland Gaunt.
GENRE: Comedy
DURATION: 60 minutes
DATES: 1st July
ADVICE:16+, Themes of horror, body horror, assault, murder
PRICE:Tickets from £14
Eme Essien: Flat Shoes In The Club - Fringe Preview
An hour of character comedy from award winner Eme Essien
GENRE: Comedy
DURATION: 60 minutes
DATES: 8th July
ADVICE:16+
PRICE:Tickets from £14
Emmanuel Sonubi - Fringe Preview
Sonubi has garnered himself a reputation as the 'one to watch out for'
GENRE: Comedy
DURATION: 60 minutes
DATES: 2nd July
ADVICE:12+
PRICE:Tickets from £15
https://www.underbellyfestival.com/events-display/emmanuel-sonubi
Jenny Bede: The First Pregnant Woman in the World - Fringe Preview
Jenny jokes and sings her pregnant experience to life
GENRE: Comedy
DURATION: 60 minutes
DATES: 25th June
ADVICE:14+ - Strong language/swearing
PRICE:Tickets from £14
https://www.underbellyfestival.com/events-display/jenney-bebe
Michelle Shaughnessy - Fringe Preview
The ideal ladies night out!
GENRE: Comedy
DURATION: 60 minutes
DATES: 9th July
ADVICE:14+
PRICE:Tickets from £14
https://www.underbellyfestival.com/events-display/michelle-shaughnessy
What’s Next For Underbelly?
After the purple cow has left its Earls Court location, she will be mooo-ved up to Edinburgh for Underbelly at the Edinburgh Fringe, which will run from the 3rd – 29th August.
The Edinburgh Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world, and in 2000 was the birthplace of Underbelly. The Underbelly 2022 programme will include La Clique, The Gruffalo, The Giant, and the Mermaid with Julia Donaldson, Abandoman, Circus Abyssinia: Tulu, and more.
Tickets for Underbelly at the Edinburgh Fringe are on sale now.
