Review: AN EVENING WITHOUT KATE BUSH, Underbelly Boulevard
Photo credit: Steve Ullathorne
There is something inherently brave about staging a show entirely centred around an artist who famously values her privacy above all else. Yet, stepping into the chic, subterranean sanctuary of Underbelly Boulevard, one isn’t met with a standard tribute act. Instead, Sarah-Louise Young offers us a masterclass in cabaret - a joyful, chaotic, and deeply moving exploration of what it means to love an icon.
From the first notes, it’s clear that Young isn’t just "doing" Kate Bush; she is channelling the very essence of her. Whether she’s playfully skewering the eccentricities of the Babushka era or delivering a vocal performance that captures that signature, crystalline vibrato, she does so with a twinkle in her eye and a genuine reverence.
What is most impressive is how inclusive this show is. For the "Fish People" - those legendary die-hard devotees who know every B-side of the Aerial era - the show is peppered with delicious ‘Easter eggs’ and deep-cut references that has the room humming with recognition. But for those perhaps less well-versed in the Bush canon, Young acts as a gracious host, guiding the uninitiated through the whimsy and the wonder with such warmth that nobody feels left out of the joke.
At its core, this show is simply overflowing with heart. It’s present in the soaring arrangements of Kate’s music, but it’s most visible in the connection Young builds with her audience. There is a palpable, collective willingness for this show to succeed - a rare, beautiful synergy where the room isn't just watching a performance, they are part of it. When the crowd is invited to join in, there’s no hesitation; the room transforms into a community of howlers, united by a shared appreciation for the strange and the beautiful.
Sarah-Louise Young is a revelation - nimble, witty, and possessing a voice that can move from comedic grit to ethereal beauty in a heartbeat. Co-created by Russell Lucas, this show is something that transcends the "tribute" label and is more a piece of community and wholeheartedness.
It is, quite simply, a marvel. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just looking for a night of world-class cabaret, do not miss the chance to experience this howling success in the heart of Soho. It’s a triumph that will leave you running up that hill to get a ticket for a second viewing.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Jeff Mostyn
