Tag Archives: Soho Theatre

Chef, Soho Theatre

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CHEF soho theatre

Fifty minutes went by in a flash, and yet just metres away actress Jade Anouka had recounted the entire life story of a troubled but talented chef.

Chef is a short play with plenty of power. After premiering at Edinburgh Fringe Festival it has won a string of awards and now finds itself in the heart of London’s West End at Soho Theatre. The piece is part of the summer programme of monologue-based plays.

This one-woman show is a platform for a strong and versatile actress and Jade Anouka rises to the challenge. She tells the story eloquently and fervently, using the small stage imaginatively to flick between characters and scenarios. With almost no staging and very few props, she holds the attention of the audience for almost an hour and leaves us wanting to hear more.

We hear the tale of a young girl abused by a father, the woes of her destructive relationships but then the joy she experiences as a young woman learning her craft in the kitchen. Food is not just her passion and skill but it is her escape. She seeks shelter and solace in the kitchen when the world turns on her. We hear how she established herself at the helm of an haute-cuisine restaurant later finding herself, as a convicted inmate, running a prison kitchen. A white board allows the play to be split into sections, each titled with a foodie delight like ‘The Perfect Peach’ or ‘Red Berries with Hibiscus Sorbet’.

The script is lyrical and poetic; at times the rhythm of Anouka’s speech becomes almost rap-like in its realisation. The writing is florid with lots of description and complex imagery – it requires concentration to fully understand, but is satisfying and beautiful to listen to. I felt fully immersed in the narrative and at times noticed myself gasp or jump with surprise.

Chef is a mesmerising insight into the life of a chef, and the life of a convict but most of all the life of woman and the struggle for love and fulfilment. Sabrina Mahfouz’s thought-provoking play will provide the perfect talking point over dinner in one of Soho’s lovely eateries.

Chef continues until 4 July 2015, more information and book here.

Lady Rizo, Soho Theatre

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Lady Rizo is my kinda girl…feisty, fun and fabulous. Fresh from New York’s cabaret scene, she has arrived in England to make her London debut at the Soho Theatre.

I was initially attracted to Lady Rizo because of her name… any who know me well will know about my obsession with Grease and my ongoing ambition to play the rebellious Rizzo. When I researched Lady Rizo’s show, I realised there was more than just her name to love. She is a ballsy comedienne and chanteuse from America with fierce attitude, a wacky sense of humour, sensational vocal talent and an addictively daring character. She has an undeniable ability to entertain.

The show starts at 9.45 pm which is quite late for a weeknight, but I left more awake than when I arrived: her wit and wonderfulness leave you buzzing. I will admit we didn’t always ‘get’ the jokes, but the music, wow, it was incredible. Of the songs she performed, some are original compositions, others hauntingly beautiful covers. She effortlessly belts and bellows into the microphone, with exceptional tone and not a note out of tune… impressive considering the vocal range she displays.

It is a raucous night and audience members should expect to be fully included… so if you’re shy don’t sit in the front row or by the aisle! Sitting within easy reach I was the subject of one of her first jokes as she removed my glasses (with difficulty) and mucked around with my hair. Funnier though was when she picked a redhead to help her change outfit while asking her about how she lost her virginity. It sounds seedy but Lady Rizo manages to add glitz and humour to every situation and had the whole venue in fits of laughter.

On Wednesday 27th February we were lucky enough to have Noisettes singer, Shingai Shoniwa in the audience. She whooped and wolf whistled enthusiastically for her friend throughout until eventually she was asked up on stage to help Rizo with her spectacular encore. It was an excellent extra.

A comic who can move, a singer who can joke and an entertainer who can inspire, Rizo is a very special lady, catch her while you can at the Soho Theatre.

More information here.