Last night I went to the launch of London’s first-ever drive-in cinema.

Located in a large carpark in the Old Truman Brewery off Brick Lane, the Starlite Drive-In consists of about 20 brand new Volvos parked in front of a big screen for your viewing pleasure.

For the launch, the cars were the stars: we were invited to explore the three types of Volvo provided (a convertible, a sporty 2-door model and a 4×4) – by sitting in the driver’s seat, playing with radio and sun roof controls, and honking the horns (although this was discouraged!). There’s no need to bring your licence though, as all the cars remain stationary and the engines are firmly off. We only saw a short promo film, but tonight and tomorrow cinema-goers will watch Dirty Dancing and Grease.

Catering and entertainment was provided by The Brickhouse nightclub, which backs on to the carpark. There was a brief speech from Damien Barr – the visionary behind the Starlite Drive-in:

“We all grew up with the drive-in dream. But it never happened in Britain because we don’t have the space, the weather, or that car culture. I wanted to update the idea and make it work for an urban, eco-conscious audience and this seemed the perfect way to do it.”

After which, we were treated to 1950s-style performances – retro singers, burlesque and a hula hoop girl.

I’d love to say long live the drive in but Volvo Sarlite Urban Drive-In is open for two nights only in London, before relocating to other spots around the UK.

Let’s hope it returns next year!

The Brickhouse on Brick Lane in Shoreditch is a newish London venue (opened 2007) that hosts a range of comedy, cabaret and club nights.

Inside, it’s a cool, three-tier space with dining tables and a cocktail bar on the ground level, more tables and lounges on the spacious mezzanine and the quirky “bed bar” on the top floor.

I went along last night for the “comedy Tuesday” although it turned out to be more of a cabaret Tuesday, with burlesque performances from Spencer Maybe and Kiki Kaboom (both excellent) as well as an acrobatic act from Colombian artist Andre Phillipe and comedic chaos from “Katinka” the Russian (via Croydon) ballerina.

Admittedly the burlesque acts were both downright amusing and highly enjoyable – just the kind of burlesque I like: clever, cheeky acts with great “stories” and a sensual sense of fun. And the fold-down stage is a nice touch.

Unfortunately I have to report audience attendance was a little folorn – whether due to the fact it was early in the week, pouring rain or whatever. I’d recommend the venue, and the show but maybe plan your visit for a time when it’s likely to be more buzzy: Thursday-Sunday should do the trick!

Check out www.thebrickhouse.co.uk for a full list of what’s on at The Brickhouse.

You can see Kiki Kaboom in action at London Burlesque Week: 20-25 April.