Tag Archives: soho

A Song Cycle for Soho, Soho Theatre

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There is something wonderful about knowing that all around you performances are in progress. This is what makes the Soho Theatre so unique, every night there is a choice of three or four shows, simultaneously playing in various parts of the building. Previously I have seen some brilliant boutique opera productions here, and famed comedians often reside here, but this time I was visiting to watch the jazz-hands-fabulous cabaret show, A Song Cycle for Soho.

The show is like a miniature American musical, with sixteen original numbers about Soho written by British composers and lyricists. The sound reminded me immediately of the music of Jason Robert Brown, Stephen Schwartz and Stephen Sondheim, the gods of contemporary American musical theatre. The songs, despite being written by multiple composers, fit fluently together to produce a very tight 75 minute showcase. There is little running narrative and you will be confused if you expect to understand the sequence of songs, instead the numbers should be appreciated as discreet unrelated performances.

The feisty cast of four (Claire Moore, Niamh Perry, Michael Cantwell, James Gillan) are superb, they give a seamless performance with abundant energy and are very well rehearsed. Each displays different strengths, the two women are brilliant character actresses, very convincing and funny, while James Gillan has the most delicious richly toned voice, and wouldn’t be out of place leading a cast in a big West End musical. I enjoyed the more intimate scenes best, the ‘Old Compton Street’ duet at the bar by Claire and Naimh is lovely, a jazzy little number written by Alexander Rudd (music) and Jenifer Toksvig (lyrics) – it is beautifully timed and perfectly in tune. ‘Mummy Knows Better’ by Barnaby Race is another memorable song with satisfyingly crunchy harmonies and crafty teamwork from the full cast.

Pianist (and Musical Director) Sarah Travis provides faultless accompaniment, and John Gregson is a wonderfully charismatic guitarist adding subtle melodic flourishes to the score. If you go to the theatre to enjoy yourself then A Song Cycle for Soho is the show for you.

A Song Cycle for Soho continues until tonight, 3 March, book here.

Ed’s Diner, Soho

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Ed’s Diner is 100 per cent American. This chain has restaurants in London and further afield, I went to try out the Soho branch.

My first thought when I spotted the restaurant… it is SO Soho – the bright lights and soundtrack of familiar classics fits in completely in this eccentric part of town.

Ed’s Diner would not be out of place in Grease… I was fondly reminded of my favourite musical and almost expected to see John Travolta peering from behind a menu! We sat up on red leather stools at the bar, tucked in amongst other hungry visitors. Ed’s certainly offers service with a smile, our waiter was so jolly… helping us order while joking and singing loudly along to the music, it encouraged us to have a good time.

We had a meal of typical American classics, a banquet of burgers, beef chilli and onion rings… Everything arrived incredibly fast, despite our indecisive ordering. The chilli, which we HAD to order (as it is named ‘Milli’s Chilli’) came in a large bowl accompanied with yummy dips: guacamole, sour cream and tomato salsa. The burger was just as an American burger should be, sloppy and juicy, with melting orange cheese and extra crispy bacon… oily and indulgent. Ed’s do sides well… I thought the onion rings and chips were particularly delectable, tasty and freshly made.

For dessert we just managed to fit in a waffle between us… hot and dripping in maple syrup, it was delicious with the cold vanilla ice-cream. My favourite thing about the meal though was definitely the huge vats of Oreo milkshake that my friend and I both ordered… creamy and sweet with deliciously crunchy bits of biscuit.

The meal was perhaps a little too heavy… the portions are huge and I felt guilty leaving food but I just couldn’t manage it all! For a cheap, cheerful and fun meal, Ed’s Diner is ideal, if you expect something more refined though you might be disappointed.

Visit the website here for more information.