REVIEW | Tori With An “I”, Crazy Coqs London
★★★★
Reviewer - Annie
*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review
There’s always a reason for the excitement when a trip to the infamous Crazy Coqs is on the cards. Brimming with class, style and luxury, the private cabaret bar is one of the most gorgeous spots in Soho - offering the chance for guests to watch intimate performances from some of the very best of the West End.
Known far and wide, Brasserie Zedel’s underground cabaret bar has become somewhat of an icon amongst its rivals - offering not only glorious cabaret shows but hosted in perhaps the most glamorous and luxurious of bars I’ve had the pleasure of visiting.
The bar is very much a translation of the upstairs restaurant’s charm and feel - the epitome of Parisian culture and its romanticisation. Although it is right in the heart of bustling Soho, as soon as you step inside you feel transported right into Paris of an earlier era.
On both Sunday 5th and Monday 6th February, audiences were treated to an evening of songs from the talent that is Tori Scott - a wonderful American performer who recently moved over to the UK (for better or worse in the current climate still being up for debate!).
Tori is currently playing Georgia Holt in the touring production of ‘The Cher Show’ and her two-night stint at Crazy Coqs was fitted in neatly between the jam-packed tour schedule, having just finished its stint at the New Wimbledon Theatre.
It is more than fair to say that Tori is no novice when it comes to a cabaret show - offering not only incredible vocals but perfectly constructed timings to the show. It certainly was the sleekest, most well-rehearsed cabaret I’ve been to - but it still felt so conversational and natural as if the thoughts were happening in the moment. It was truly a credit to her professionalism and talent.
Her song list was a perfect mix of insanely camp musical theatre songs and pop crowd-pleasers, ending the night with C’est la vie by Bewitched. There was anything but a dull moment. Scot’s voice is silky smooth whilst remaining beautifully powerful - it brought so much light and energy to the stage the entire audience was hooked from the get go.
As well as stellar vocals - Scot’s ability to entertain came also through her naturally dry humour, my friend and I were in literal belly laughs at points - it was such a feel-good show with total escapism from the real world.
We were treated to a surprise cameo from Christina Bianco, who performed the most divine rendition of ‘Happy Days’ with Scot - the pair proving what powerhouses of both voices and performers they are. This is one of my favourite songs of all time, and although a cult classic, their rendition was anything but an impersonation - bringing a contemporary twist but in the most classic of settings for such a song.
Scot is an absolute delight to watch and listen to - I only wish it was a longer show to enjoy even more music and laughter.
