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Two Ladies: La Bella Bimba at Barons Court Theatre / Canal Cafe Theatre

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T hey sing. They dance. They clown around. They even wash clothes! Such is the story of La Bella Bimba, part of the Voila Theatre Festival, which highlights new and emerging artists. A tale of two Italian ladies who land in 1920s New York, trying to break into Broadway without speaking a word of English. It’s harmless, primarily even if a little nonsensical, and is currently playing as part of the Voila! Theatre Festival .  I caught the performance at the Barons Court Theatre , where the intimate setting created an evocative atmosphere reminiscent of dark New York alleyways. The space was almost claustrophobic with a distinct smell of rising damp, making you feel immersed in the story of two Ladies hanging around the theatre doors of Broadway. On the plus side, the theatre has some of the most comfortable seats you will find in any pub theatre in London. As the naive and hopeful singers, Co-creator Lucrezia Galeone as Carlotta and Sarah Silvestri as Cecilia are fine singers with co...

Straight up circus and jazz: Scotch and Soda @LdnWonderground


Spade guitars, feats with champagne bottles you didn’t think were possible, dancing budgies and amazing acrobats. It’s all part of the mix with the latest offering from Company2, Scotch and Soda, now playing at the London Wonderground on the SouthBank.

The show is a mix of circus and jazz provided by The Crusty Suitcase Band, led by by Ben Walsh, who keeps things moving with an impressive collection of percussion devices instruments.


Upon arriving at the Spiegeltent, the musicians are on stage playing what appears to be a game of cards. One of the circus performers is wandering about shouting out something or other and there is a good deal of people spotting going on in between making sure you have the best seats and vantage point for the action. As the noise dies down the band really gets going and the show kicks into gear and does not let up for the next seventy or so minutes.


Music dance acrobats and performance merge into an array of different acts that are varied and thrilling enough to keep you entertained throughout.

If you saw David Carberry and Chelsea McGuffin’s previous circus outing Cantina, which was a slick and sexy blend of circus performance, dance and music you will know what to expect. And while the hint of sophisticated sadomasochism that permeated Cantina is not there, you have in its place an energetic beatnik vibe and some thrilling acrobatic performances.

There is also a bit of full frontal male nudity that had the ladies around me nearly falling off their seats. It is fair to say that the performer in question has a fair bit to offer.

An evening that you won’t forget, and going by the audience reaction it looks like to be another hit on the Southbank. It runs until the end of September. Don’t miss it.

⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎



scotch and soda promo from Company 2 on Vimeo.

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