Soho Theatre Walthamstow offers a varied first season and welcomes an unmissable run of cabaret royalty this July.
The inimitable Justin Vivian Bond and long-time collaborator Kenny Mellman return to the capital as Kiki & Herb with an electrifying, genre-defying show Kiki & Herb are Trying! from 3-5 Jul.
Where: Soho Theatre Walthamstow
When: 3-5 Jul
Ticket link: https://sohotheatre.com/events/kiki-and-herb-are-trying/
“Having last performed in London in 2007, the long-awaited return of Kiki & Herb marks a major moment in the city’s cultural calendar.
The storied cabaret creation of Bond and Mellman, Kiki & Herb are a cult phenomenon: a cocktail soaked, piano-pounding hurricane of heartbreak, hilarity, and punk cabaret brilliance.
For over two decades, this duo has redefined the boundaries of performance art and live music, appearing everywhere from the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Swan Theatre to New York’s legendary Carnegie Hall, not to mention unforgettable appearances on the Thames aboard the HMS President.”
We caught up with Kenny to chat about Kiki & Herb.
Welcome back to the grand old duo! It’s great to have them back in the UK. What have Kiki & Herb been doing?
They have been doing what they have always done – just trying to stay alive in these dastardly times we live in. They catch up every week over a drink or three.
You’re playing the beautiful Soho Theatre in Walthamstow. First time in London for nearly 20 years. Why now?
Everything just aligned. We had been wanting to come back for a long time but it never seemed to work out.
One of the first venues that brought us over was the Soho Theatre, so it just seemed like fate when our friend Tim Whitehead connected us again to the Soho.
You’re renowned as one of New York’s best cabaret acts. How would you describe yourselves to someone who’s never seen you?
Two old show ponies who have tried to stay relevant.
Oh wait – you mean Kiki and Herb!
The new show’s called Kiki and Herb Are Trying! To do what, and why?
Just trying to finish a show and to keep their heads above water.
Can you describe the show in three words?
Flirting with Disaster.