Bloomsbury's Back Yard: The History of a Forgotten Community

Opposite the famous Great Ormond Street Hospital, an archway bears a timeworn sign: "G Bailey & Sons, Horse & Motor Contractors". Beyond it, the horses and cabs are long gone, replaced by a gritty patchwork of old brick, street art, and concrete flats. But this unassuming space was once the bustling, crowded Ormond Yard - a powerhouse of local industry and home to a diverse community who helped put Bloomsbury on the map.

This vibrant show by The Good Companions blends storytelling with live vintage songs and archive images, revealing the untold story of how a humble yard behind Great Ormond Street helped to shape modern Bloomsbury. Staged in the handsome Music Room at 49 Great Ormond Street, the performances also offer audiences a rare opportunity to view this historic house's first-floor parlour.

This event is part of the 2026 Bloomsbury Festival: https://bloomsburyfestival.org.uk/