The Gladrags Secret Society (Gladrags Goes to the Legends Lounge), Rayne Theatre at Chickenshed, 290 Chase Side, London | 22 February 2026 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review by Mary-Ellen Dyson

Photo credit: Daniel Beacock

The Gladrags Secret Society (Gladrags Goes to the Legends Lounge)

Rayne Theatre at Chickenshed, 290 Chase Side, London | 22 February 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐‍ ‍Review by Mary-Ellen Dyson

“I’m bringing my grandmother to the next one.”

Did you think that your dancing days were over? The Gladrags Secret Society is here to say, “not yet”.

The Gladrags Secret Society originated from Chickenshed’s intergenerational connection project, The Space Between Us. With the programme not long established when COVID hit, Chickenshed sought a way to bring the generations back together after lockdown. They had an idea – bringing people together through music. What about giving older people an opportunity to get dolled up, come to the theatre, listen to live performances of songs from their youth and socialise across the generations? They held their first event and realised – older people didn’t just want to sit and listen; they wanted to dance too. The all-singing, all-dancing Gladrags Secret Society was born.

The Gladrags Secret Society now has a devoted following, holding big events at Chickenshed every few months. It’s aimed at those who are 60+, and I’m sure it reaches up to centenarians. Some are not very mobile, a few have dementia – all are welcome, and all are invited to dance. To reach those who can’t get to Chickenshed’s Cockfosters home, Chickenshed have partnered with Age UK Enfield to bring Gladrags to care homes, visiting as often as twice a week. Gladrags’ performers told me how stimulating it is for their care home guests. Even those with the most advanced dementia enjoy the experience, able to join in by tapping along to the music.

When I came along to the Gladrags Secret Society, Gladrags were going to the Legends Lounge. As the Gladrags Secret Society is a secret society, I can only tell you about what might have happened there. There might have been in-character performances from artists across the eras, including John Lennon, Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin. The performers might have included volunteers from Chickenshed’s education programmes, outreach team, and even the box office. There might have been a full dancefloor throughout, with many grooving with Chickenshed’s young volunteers and many wiggling in their seats. There might have been very attentive volunteers keeping the audience topped up with drinks, snacks and cake throughout. There might have been a thoroughly joyous atmosphere, with smiles beaming from every face. And, through the generosity of supporters, attendees might have even been able to enter for free, contributing whatever they could through the raffle and merchandise sales.

The Gladrags Secret Society has exploded in popularity, and performances are already oversubscribed. I can see why. The atmosphere is joyous, and it is utterly infectious. Many of the people in the audience might not even get out of the house otherwise, let alone to something as exciting as this. This generation spent their youth at the dance halls, and now, instead of reminiscing about their old memories, they can make new ones. The Gladrags Secret Society is a gem for the older people of North London. My grandmother would love it. I’m bringing her along to the next one.