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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...

Resilient streams: Safe @HackneyEmpire


Titling a piece "Safe" at the moment evokes all sorts of meanings. Is it about going out in London? Is it about social distancing and testing? Is it about the latest vaccine? But don't one needs not have a pandemic.  Here, safe is about the basic need for young people to grow up in a safe and supportive environment. Particularly when they are discovering that they lesbian, gay, bi, trans or queer. 

In this verbatim piece, writer Alexis Gregory weaves together a series of stories about the lives of young people and the fine line between being accepted and being on the street. The young people are trying to find their identity while their families, religion, race and class are forcing them to be categorised, classified and standardised into something else. 

Taken from interviews with young people met through the Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT) with live music and additional words by poet Yrsa Daley it sets out how easy it can be to fall into poverty, abuse and addiction without the right opportunities support and acceptance.  According to AKT charity,  a quarter of all homeless or at-risk youth identify as LGBTQ+.


It's compelling and told with conviction by the young cast. Sounds, lighting, and quick edits support the central message of young people rediscovering their potential. And while it's a struggle for survival, this one is also hopeful for the future.  

Safe launches tonight online via the Hackney Empire site and Youtube. The free stream is in partnership with Hackney Empire and supported by Park Theatre, with funding from Arts Council England.

There's also an online launch event and 'post-show talk, with hosts and guests alongside the cast and creative team. The premiere stream is at 7 pm, followed by the event at 8 pm. 

Directed Alexis Gregory and Hosted on the Hackney Empire website and on Youtube, Safe is available to stream from tonight.

Photos by Jane Hobson



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