An Evening Without Kate Bush at Soho Theatre

One could imagine what an evening with Kate Bush would entail: Running up that Hill to reach Wuthering Heights in free-flowing garments, like nostalgic witches. However, what about an evening without Kate Bush?

Far from what one might envision, there is real magic in this show at Soho Theatre. Even those not raised on the icon’s fantastical voice will have hummed along to the instrumentation at some point. There’s something for everyone to recognise, whether in the songs or the tales behind them. After all, Kate Bush is, in fact, one of the most influential figures in British pop music. 

Sarah-Louise Young manages to make the tribute act original – from the very opening bars of And Dream of Sheep, it’s evident that this is not an average bar stage tribute. Her voice literally speaks for itself, and it helps that her tone and rhythm are definitive Kate; accompanied by the mannerisms, there is an uncanny likeness. If there was a degree in Kate Bush, Young would have it. She has encyclopaedic knowledge that she effortlessly delivers, so even true fans take something new from the show. 

The singer herself may not be there, but nothing but cheer fills the room. And when people aren’t cheering, there are laughs due to Young’s quick wit and savvy one-liners. Director and co-writer Russell Lucas also guides the journey into Bush’s life, journeying through five decades of work in a mere night. There are even B-sides for hardcore fans, and each hit is a unique take. 

First, audience members are woken from the lullaby of And Dream of Sheep with a howl-a-long to Hounds of Love, before being thrown into a real cabaret dress-up show for Wow (with a wow-inducing costume), followed by a dance tutorial – which leaves one yearning for the simple days before overproduced TikTok dances – and then a real Russian performance of Babooshka. She takes the stories of fans to inspire her show, creating characters who aren’t just Bush. There’s a cleaner (who supposedly heard Kate’s every soundcheck at the Hammersmith comeback gig) singing This Woman’s Work, and a childhood performance of James and the Cold Gun, less glamorously produced than at the underbelly of Soho Theatre. Her energy somehow illuminates them, and not just with the prop eye lights that she shines on everyone during Army Dreamers. Although participants are understandably stiff, Young makes them feel at home. She gives Don’t Give Up a whole new meaning, exploring how far Bush’s voice actually reaches through endless online comments. Just when energy levels peak, staple Running Up That Hill calls for a full on aerobic routine, including cartwheels and actually running, whether up that hill or not. 

Some references could go over the casual listener’s head, however, Young centres them with her humour and energy. This is a cabaret show possessed by Kate Bush’s spirit, where everyone, even the backstage crew, is involved. 

Regan Harle
Photo: Steve Ullathorne

An Evening Without Kate Bush is at Soho Theatre from 7^th February until 26^th February 2022. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.