London

Jazz Emu: You Shouldn’t Have – Soho Theatre

A screen cycles through a mixed bag of tweets sent to the mysterious Jazz Emu (Archie Henderson) as we wait for the show to begin. The elaborate, bright red set designed by Bonson Bonsonson JR matches his grandiosity and has a talk show feel. He parades out in a metallic emu helmet and begins a song about his proficiency and brilliance while his equipment malfunctions. Jazz emu’s eclectic character is like the result of putting a scientist, evil mastermind, superhero and a presenter in a blender. Henderson is a natural performer with his expressive darting eyes, an array of physicality and sharp comic timing directed by Adam Flynn.

We are welcomed into his existential, disco-like, jazz-emu-centred world where if he’s not thinking about himself, he’s wondering about how microwaves work or reminiscing over MSN. I admit that I am struggling to write this as I compulsively re-listen to his catchy tunes on Youtube. He goes on to explain that he is returning after a hiatus caused by bad publicity as he insulted a reputable goblin. Jazz emu talks and sings us through his past as he endeavours to regain his popularity. Faced with an oddly strict time limit imposed by his dad (who definitely wasn’t Jazz Emu with an old filter on his face), he frantically tries to redeem himself. In spite of the wackiness, the storyline touches upon the fundamental struggle for acceptance and validation.

Incredibly detailed and psychedelic music videos created by Hunter Allan, are paired with witty, pedantic lyrics that question the inane. The lighting designed by Bonsonson JR also took on the show’s personality perfectly. All of the different creative elements fused together to create a perfect platform for Jazz Emu’s stunning, groovy vocals, music and comedic talent.

Reviewer: Riana Howarth

Reviewed: 12th December 2022

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★

Riana Howarth

Recent Posts

101 Dalmatians – Edinburgh Playhouse

This musical is very much a children’s entertainment, so it’s therefore surprising that it runs…

14 hours ago

It’s a Wonderful Life – Liverpool’s Royal Court Studio

I was glad to see how busy it was in the Studio for this production.…

14 hours ago

A Christmas Carol – Birmingham Rep

Vanity publishing, which in recent years has metamorphosed into the far more respectable “self-publishing”, was…

19 hours ago

That Love Thing – HOME Mcr

This moving and entertaining piece follows the inner life of Peter, a man living with…

2 days ago

An Inspector Calls – Liverpool Empire

With the size and grandeur of the Empire stage, any play has a feat to…

2 days ago

1984 – Liverpool Playhouse

In a new adaptation of Orwell’s seminal classic, Theatre Royal Bath productions bring their take…

2 days ago