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Soho Theatre have an impressive new space in Walthamstow, restored from the 1930s former Granada cinema. The 960-seat auditorium is spacious and comfortable, plenty of legroom and clear sightlines from every seat. You cross airy entrance spaces before passing the wide bar to get into a glorious auditorium. This is a great performance space.
What an act to open with! The Tiger Lillies performing Soho Songs fill the place with their disturbing, delightful elegies against poverty and suffering. After they are announced, there is no speaking, just songs. Song, applause, repeat. I was disappointed with the sound balance in first half. Hearing the litany of drink, drugs, violence, religion, sex and death is key to appreciating Tiger Lillies’ songs. I caught more in the second half – maybe I became more attuned.
Video played throughout on the back screen. Many ships and tracking through soho streets around the world. Another black and white commentary on times past as men in uniform lurked in backstreets as if waiting for trade. This complemented their trademark visuals in nightmare whiteface. Lighting subtly supported the themes. With his unique voice, accordion, piano, and mini-guitar, Martyn Jaques stylishly led us though the desultory parade of disappointment and despair.
Adrian Stout delighted me with the Musical Saw and jaw harp while providing drive with the bass. On drums, Budi Butenop added dashes of humour with varieties of percussion.
The music and lyrics are melancholic and macabre, even the singalong “Happy” is morose, yet it becomes mesmerising. “A cold night in soho” was another highlight for me.
Their encore song was probably the most powerful and poignant of the evening - “Birds are singing in Ukraine” was in my head long after I left the venue.
Strange how sombre, shocking stories can be so uplifting.
Derek Benfield
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