The Lord John Russell is a lively Craft Union community pub on busy Albert Road in Southsea, well regarded for its real ales and craft beer. It runs a packed entertainment programme — live music, quizzes, bingo, cabaret and DJs late into the night on Fridays and Saturdays. The interior has a flagstoned floor with a small raised, boarded deck used as a DJ booth, an open fire for colder nights and an expansive yet cosy garden for alfresco drinks and food. A friendly, characterful spot for live music and covers in the heart of Southsea's nightlife strip.
Southsea · Every Wednesday · Free
Lord John Russell Open Mic
Southsea's wednesday open mic.
Open mic at a glance Lord John Russell · Portsmouth
Wednesday
Open mic night
May 2026
Listed since
25 Jul
Last verified
Free
Entry
—
Sign-up time
Community
Listing status
Run a Portsmouth open mic? List it free — verified within 48 hours
Last updated: 2 June 2026
Lord John Russell Open Mic — Quick Facts
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The Details
Everything you need before you turn up
DayWednesday
Start20:00
Sign-up walk-in
Slot length–
EntryFree · all ages
Capacity–
Performer typesMusic
Sound engineerBYO / hire on the night
View on map
Where
Lord John RussellSouthsea
Portsmouth
Southsea, Portsmouth — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Contact
Walk-in sign-up only
No advance booking
Host: in-house team
Highlights
Free entry for all
Walk-in sign-up
Music welcome
How do you rate this open mic?One tap, no sign-up required.
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About Lord John Russell
About This Open Mic
Every Wednesday in Southsea, Portsmouth
Kicks off at 20:00
Free entry for performers and audience
Slot length — we’re on it, no info yet
Gear & backline — we’re on it, no info yet
Part of the Portsmouth open mic directory
The Night
The Lord John Russell on Albert Road is a friendly, easy-going Southsea local that runs a weekly open mic on Wednesday evenings, alongside a packed week of quiz (Monday), karaoke (Friday/Saturday) and the odd cabaret night. It's a proper community pub with HD sports screens and a dog-friendly welcome, so expect a relaxed, chatty crowd rather than a hushed listening room. Live music is free to come along to — just turn up, sign in on the night, and the in-house PA does the rest.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
PA + monitors
Drum kit
Guitar amp
Bass amp
Keys / keyboard
Vocal mics
In-house engineer
The Night at a Glance
How Lord John Russell’s Wednesday night runs.
20:00Kick-off
00:00Venue closes
Every Wednesday Free entry
Find Lord John Russell
Southsea, Portsmouth
Planning Your Wednesday Night
Arrive early to sign up for a slot. Entry is free and the open mic typically runs until late. Bring your own gear.
Part of the Portsmouth live music scene.
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Try the Rate CalculatorCommon Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Portsmouth's Lord John Russell open mic.
Walk-in sign-up only, opens at . Arrive early — slots fill on the night. See other Portsmouth open mic nights for alternatives.
BYO PA, mics and instruments.
Slot length varies — check with the host.
Yes — free entry for performers and audience. Most Portsmouth mics are free; browse the list.
Solo and duo acts work best given the gear available; ask the host before bringing a full band.
Southsea, Portsmouth.
Mostly fellow musicians, friends and Portsmouth regulars across the Portsmouth open mic scene. Portsmouth open mic crowds tend to listen attentively.
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