JAZZ EMU: KNIGHT FEVER at the Soho Theatre

★★★★★

“Jazz Emu is somewhat of a lovable buffoon with a lack of self-awareness that’s endearing rather than infuriating”

It’s the night of the Royal Variety Performance and one of the performers is getting a knighthood (apparently that’s how the Royal Variety works?). Whilst Jazz Emu might be the favourite in some quarters, he is up against the indomitable Kelly Clarkson for the gong. So, Jazz Emu must prove, to the King and his countrymen, through the performance of the perfect song, that he is the one that should be honoured.

But selecting the tune that’s going to secure the title is not an easy decision. For that he needs a little help from his biggest fans, in the basement cloakroom of the Royal Albert Hall.

It is highly probable that the audience at a Jazz Emu gig these days really are a bunch of devoted fans. Since his breakout 2019 run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Jazz Emu (aka Archie Henderson), has both received accolades from the comedy establishment and hit the big time on Tiktok, with more than 250k followers and videos with over 3.5 million views.

It’s clear to see why. Henderson’s combination of surrealist observation, multi-instrumentalism (Electronic Woodwind Instruments, Sax and guitar?!), and commitment to the bit, translate impeccably from small screen to stage. Jazz Emu is somewhat of a lovable buffoon with a lack of self-awareness that’s endearing rather than infuriating. His preoccupation with recognition endearingly reminiscent of David Beckham’s quest for an honour.

The live experience, and this show in particular, takes everything up a notch from previous performances. A live four-piece band of individually talented and accomplished musicians, clothed in blue sequin military jackets reminiscent of Sgt Pepper, play melodic jazz as the audience enter the cabaret style theatre. Sofia Grant on keys gets a moment to show off her smoky vocals, but despite protestations from Jazz Emu that he is a team player, we cannot forget this is his show.

As well as the band, we are also treated to highly produced video and audio content, with Henderson pulling in favours from a whole host of friends to support. A video cameo from fellow musical comedian Will Hislop makes an appearance, and credits cite video direction from Lucy Moss, writer/director of hit musical Six.

If you are looking to sing along to your viral favourites you will be in luck. There are full-out versions of some of his most catchy hits, like ‘My Brothe’, and plenty of nods to other more recent content. But even if you are new to Jazz Emu, or not a follower on social media, the jazz-funk beat of Still Waiting is such an ear worm you’ll be humming it into next week.

JAZZ EMU: KNIGHT FEVER at the Soho Theatre

Reviewed on 6th June 2024

by Amber Woodward

Photography by David Monteith-Hodge – Photographise

JAZZ EMU: KNIGHT FEVER will also be at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Previously reviewed at this venue:

BLIZZARD | ★★★★ | May 2024

BOYS ON THE VERGE OF TEARS | ★★★★ | April 2024

SPENCER JONES: MAKING FRIENDS | ★★★★ | April 2024

DON’T. MAKE. TEA. | ★★★★★ | March 2024

PUDDLES PITY PARTY | ★★ | March 2024

LUCY AND FRIENDS | ★★★★★ | February 2024

AMUSEMENTS | ★★★★ | February 2024

WISH YOU WEREN’T HERE | ★★★ | February 2024

REPARATIONS | ★★★ | February 2024

SELF-RAISING | ★★★★★ | February 2024

JAZZ EMU

Click here to see our Recommended Shows page

★★★★

“The plot is both completely mad, and entirely believable”

Emily Woof’s one woman show offers a truly unique view of the world, while still feeling universally observant.

The performer arrives on stage, mid anecdote. She tells a rambling, uncertain, but incredibly funny story. It’s like you’ve met her late into a drunken dinner party. Just as the audience are getting their heads around the naturalistic story style, the lights shift, pounding music plays and she is transformed through dance. Only for a beat. Then the story picks back up, as if uninterrupted. She is destabilising, charming and brilliant.

Dotty’s husband calls her Dotty. Dotty calls her husband Dotty. They love each other, have been ‘together forever’ but they don’t truly understand each other. As their marriage is tested, husband Dotty must confront the meaning of his life’s work and wife Dotty goes on an adventure which has her questioning the essence of self and purpose.

Woof’s script is evocatively told and created. At times uproarious, at times heart-breaking. It is intricately crafted to be rich with symbolism and metaphor, but doesn’t lose the characterisation at its heart.

The plot is both completely mad, and entirely believable. It deals with the little lives of little people but unpicks their absurdity to create a strange and whimsical tapestry of a life.

Hamish McColl’s direction is inspired. The more natural and stammering Dotty is, the more wild and free the physical theatre becomes. Sian Williams’ movement direction seamlessly blends with the hyper-realism of the monologue. The characters are all brought to life through studied and well executed physicalisation.

It’s a captivating performance from Woof. The character is emotionally complex and poignant. She is trapped in a small world, with a vast and peculiar worldview. Woof brings her to life, and makes us love her.

Andrew Croft’s lighting design and Theo Foley’s sound design brilliantly complement the shifts in the piece. There is no tonal imbalance, the stylistic transitions are seamless.

Ellie Wintor’s set is simple, but cleverly thought out to remain versatile. There is a beautiful moment with string, which I won’t spoil, but will stay with me.

Blizzard, for me, what theatre does best. It is strange and free but within the confines of a brilliantly designed story world. It explores an unusual woman, who somehow feels very familiar. And it’s incredibly funny. It loses itself a little in the second half, and the energy lags a bit as the style shifts, but it is definitely worth seeing, for Woof’s performance alone.

JAZZ EMU: KNIGHT FEVER at the Soho Theatre

★★★★★

“Jazz Emu is somewhat of a lovable buffoon with a lack of self-awareness that’s endearing rather than infuriating”

JAZZ EMU: KNIGHT FEVER at the Soho Theatre

Reviewed on 6th June 2024

by Amber Woodward

Photography by David Monteith-Hodge – Photographise

JAZZ EMU: KNIGHT FEVER will also be at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Previously reviewed at this venue:

JAZZ EMU

JAZZ EMU

BLIZZARD at the Soho Theatre

★★★★

“The plot is both completely mad, and entirely believable”

BLIZZARD at the Soho Theatre

Reviewed on 9th May 2024

by Auriol Reddaway

Photography by Viktor Erik Emanuel

Previously reviewed at this venue:

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