Tokyo Nights - Sumo, Sushi and Sake

⭐⭐⭐⭐and a half

Tokyo Nights brings the spectacle and ceremony of sumo wrestling to Greenwich in a lively, high-energy evening that blends sport, entertainment and Japanese culture. It is important to approach the event knowing what it is: not an authentic competitive sumo tournament, but a theatrical experience inspired by the traditions of the sport.

The evening is slickly organised from the moment you arrive. Entry is efficient, staff are friendly and welcoming, and the whole operation runs smoothly. I experienced the VIP dining package and found the food to be enjoyable, helping to create the feeling of an event rather than simply a sporting exhibition.

The atmosphere is undoubtedly one of the production's greatest strengths. The crowd is encouraged to get involved, the energy rarely drops, and the compère keeps proceedings moving at a brisk pace. Whilst much of the presenter's dialogue is clearly scripted, it is delivered with enthusiasm and confidence, ensuring the audience remains engaged throughout. The lighting, music and overall production values combine to create an atmosphere that feels far larger than the venue itself, making for a thoroughly enjoyable and genuinely fun evening.

The wrestling itself is entertaining, although anyone expecting genuine competitive sumo should probably temper their expectations. The outcomes of the bouts feel clearly choreographed, making the event closer to live theatre than authentic sport. That isn't necessarily a criticism - it simply means the production is aiming for spectacle over competition. However, if you're a devoted sumo enthusiast looking for an accurate representation of the sport, this may not be the experience you're hoping for.

One area that could be strengthened is the commentary. At times, the commentators appeared to lack a deeper understanding of the finer points of sumo, particularly the techniques being employed in the ring. Greater insight into these, and why particular moves or tactics were effective, would have added another layer to the evening and made it feel even more informative as well as entertaining.

The only real downside outside the performance itself is the cost of drinks, which feel noticeably expensive and can quickly add to the overall cost of the evening.

Tokyo Nights succeeds as an energetic, accessible and hugely enjoyable night out. It may not satisfy sumo purists, but those looking for an entertaining introduction to the sport, wrapped up in a theatrical and high-energy production, are likely to leave with a smile on their face.

Running until 9th July

Greenwich Borough Hall, Royal Hill, Greenwich, London, SE10 8RE​

+44 (0) 204 538 1818