Stand Up at The O2: Suzi Ruffell’s unique comedy show with a top view

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Attractions

Published on Friday, 18 September 2020 15:24

Last Updated on 18 September 2020

Monica Costa

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Months of lockdown and isolation have made us appreciate the little things in life. Stand Up at The O2, a comedy show with the backdrop of the City of London on the roof of the O2 was the best way to go back to my social life. The comedian hosting this special comedy event series is award-winning comedian Suzi Ruffell. She is genuine, hilarious and different from most comedians out there. She has performed on The Jonathan Ross Show, Live at the Apollo and The Last Leg to name a few and praised by The Guardian as a ‘stand-up gem’. Ruffell has established herself as one of the top upcoming comedic talent completing five sell-out runs at Edinburgh Fringe Festival and finishing the second series of her popular podcast ‘Out With Suzi Ruffell.’ With the Fringe Festival unfortunately cancelled this year, Stand Up at The O2 is the perfect alternative for those seeking their comedy fix or simply some light-hearted entertainment.

We laughed from beginning to end while surrounded by 360-degree, panoramic views of the capital. After an exhilarating climb up to the roof of The O2, Suzi was awaiting us (only a maximum of 14 guests is allowed at each show) on the terrace. The intimate set and the LGBT humor by Suzi including new exclusive material, as well as the mocktails offered a Covid-friendly alternative to indoor shows. 

The events will take place at 7pm, 7.30pm and 8pm on Saturday 19^th and 26^th of September and 3^rd October with tickets priced at £40 per person and available to book from here. The cost includes an outdoor climb led by one of Up at The O2’s expert guides, who are on hand to provide interesting facts and local knowledge, as well as the first-of-its-kind comedy performance on the roof with a mocktail to enjoy during, with the option of a champagne upgrade on arrival.

The O2 roof terrace is the perfect location for guests to feel safe and at ease in the spacious, open air whilst enjoying a hilarious evening of comedy. Remember to bring a warm jacket as there’s always a cold breeze up there. 

The O2 is the world’s number one music, entertainment and leisure venue and is just 15 minutes from central London. Home to Icon Outlet, which offers over 60 superstar fashion and lifestyle brands with up to 70% off, the venue is also home to Hollywood Bowl, Cineworld, Oxygen Freejumping and over 30 bars and restaurants. Currently, The O2 arena remains closed for events in line with government advice, however Backstage Tours are taking place until the end of September. Details here.

What I loved the most about the attraction Up at the O2 is the different London view point, its unusual landscape of Canary Wharf and the Eastern up and coming area of the capital which constantly changes. Because this attraction involves intense physical activity, when you reach the top of the climb, you are rewarded with the view of a unique building and the skyscrapers from the new financial district as well as the docks.  If you go with a friend you will love it even more! My friend and I had a lot of fun and we laughed all the way up to the top.

Visitors to The O2 are encouraged to travel with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers which sails from central London to North Greenwich Pier. Visitors receive four hours free parking when they spend over £35 in Icon Outlet.

Tickets are limited and pre-booking is essential. Tickets can be purchased through The O2’s booking website here.

Up at The O2 has implemented additional health and safety measures including:

• Plastic screening installed at reception desks and a cash-free site
• Social distancing modifications throughout the site from the briefing room, kitting areas and the retail store
• Hand sanitiser units installed throughout including on arrival, pre and post-climb
• Visitors required to wear their own suitable clothing as full body climb suits or gilets will not be provided, although climb shoes will be available
• Staff will be wearing face coverings and gloves; however, these are not mandatory for customers but can be worn if they wish to bring their own
• Tickets must be pre-booked and availability is limited

 

Facts on this attraction

Since its opening in June 2012, Up at The O2 has seen over 300,000 people take the walk across the roof of The O2. Originally built as the Millennium Dome, it was created as a monument to space and time. Now a building of architectural significance in the UK, The O2 stands out and is a well-known venue across the UK. The meridian line runs just to the left of the Up at The O2 walkway.

The diameter of The O2 is 365m (days in the year), there are 12 masts (months in the year) and the summit of the walkway is 52m high (weeks in the year

 

The view from the top

Watch this 360 degrees view from the top of the O2

Warnings before booking Up at the O2

The 90-minute experience begins at ‘Base Camp’, where participants are kitted out in jumpsuits, shoes and safety harnesses before being guided in groups along the walkway.

If you are thinking of taking children to climb the O2, remember that the minimum age is 10 years old and the minimum height is 1.2 meters. The booking needs to include at least one adult climber for every two climbers under 18.

It’s a good climb so you need to have food and drinks before going up. There are no toilets on the way so it’s recommended to go to the loo ahead of the climb.

Safety is paramount so you will be tied to a rope attached to a rail which goes up to the top. As you need comfortable shoes with a proper grip underneath, you are handed over special shoes.

In terms of clothing, tracksuit and a jacket that protects you from the wind are also important. At the top there’s wind even if you don’t notice it at the bottom. You can opt to wear the full climbing gear and clothing you are shown at the briefing. They are available at no extra cost. I used my own jeans and only put on the safety ropes and belt.