A sleigh ride of non-stop familiar and festive fun
It was after I’d booked the tickets that I realised the Brick Lane Music Hall was nowhere near Brick Lane but in the middle of the old Royal Docks amongst the new high-rise apartments. I imagined a tourist trap in a soulless warehouse with fake Cockneys greeting punters with ‘Alright darling’ as they pulled their braces out and did a little knees up move. How wrong was I, writes Michael Holland.
The Brick Lane Music Hall was founded in the 80s by Vincent Hayes MBE, in a pub just off Brick Lane. As the clientele grew, Vincent relocated to the Trumans Brewery in Brick Lane.
After a few years there a permanent home was found in St Mark’s Church, a Victorian Gothic beauty in Silvertown where it enjoys Grade II* status. And that is where I took myself this week for their annual Magic of Christmas Show.
Firstly it was the Grotto-like entrance and foyer, twinkling lights, Christmas trees and helpful staff – I couldn’t help complimenting them on how they had decorated the place. We were then shown to a table with great views of the stage. Next up was the three-course Christmas Lunch, served by a team with military precision but with the smiles of Santa’s little helpers. And very nice it was too. When that was out the way, Vincent came on to get us warmed up with a few jokes and an introduction to the three-piece ‘orchestra’.
Vincent is the compere, a role he has been perfecting over many years and performances; he definitely hit my funny bone a few times as he worked the crowd. This veteran knows his audience and that audience are coach loads of people from Canvey Island, Epping, Maidstone and other large towns where London ex-pats moved out to.
He received his MBE for services to British Music Hall and spends his life getting the word out to everyone and anyone who wants to know the tradition of Music Hall. Now a charity, they take their shows out to care homes and schools to entertain and spread the word to those that can’t get to the venue. But it is the shows in the former church that is what I came for and I will start by saying how impressed I was.
As soon as I heard the group of top class singers do their stuff I looked round at my partner with raised eyebrows! ‘They’re great, ain’t they?’ I said. And that is how the show continued. Andrew Robley, a BLMH stalwart, did a medley of Christmas favourites we could singalong to, followed by Victoria Yellop an acclaimed violinist who was a resident musician for the Queen for many years. Victoria performed a mix-up of classical and well known tunes that included carols and Highland Flings.
The show was a sleigh ride of non-stop familiar and festive fun as the performers interchanged with each other for different songs and comedy skits. Each turn accompanied by a change in costume in this very Christmassy and glittery production. Yes, it is cheesy, Quattro Formaggio cheesy, but that is what is we want for a Christmas show. This time of year is when we can get away with wearing silly jumpers, sing carols in the street, and watch White Christmas with Bing Crosby. It is a time for enjoyment and BLMH provides that 100%. This year my Christmas started in November when I laughed a lot and sang along to well-known songs and had the time of my life with not one fake Cockney in sight.
Joke of the day? ‘The next act does not need any introduction… Because he didn’t turn up!’
Brick Lane Music Hall, 443 North Woolwich Road, London, E16 2DA.
Booking and Full details of the history: https://www.bricklanemusichall.co.uk/
