Ah, the golden era of the ’20s, when people would pass the time by gathering around the piano and belt out old fashioned musical numbers at the tops of their lungs, while led by a jaunty pianist with an immaculately waxed moustache.
We’re talking about the 2020s, of course.
Because that’s when Carradine’s Cockney Sing-A-Long is taking place, at Wilton’s gorgeous East End Music Hall. They’re the work of the wonderfully charismatic and thoroughly charming Tom Carradine (who is also the pianist with Champagne Charlie & the Bubbly Boys), and he’s putting on a trio of new shows at the iconic venue this January & February.
So what can you expect on the night? Well, the first thing you’ll notice is that while there is indeed a stage, you won’t see the piano up there. It’s down amongst the audience, ready for you to huddle, dance, and sing around it. And everyone will sing. Expect tunes like The Sun Has Got His Hat On, I’ve Got A Lovely Bunch of Coconuts, and She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain, whose lyrics will come to you the moment the ivories start to tinkle.
And if they don’t? Well, Carradine has done the genial thing, and printed out songbooks for everyone, so you can get a brief rejoinder on the words as you merrily warble away. It all lasts for two hours (with an interval to catch your breath), and there’ll be beer & wine a-plenty from the bar all night.
The sing-a-longs almost always sell out, so if you want to go, get tickets straight away. And if you can’t make it? Carradine plays at Mr Fogg’s Tavern most Thursdays.
NOTE: Carradine’s Cockney Sing-A-Long takes place at Wilton’s Music Hall on Feb 8th. Tickets are on sale now, but they’re going fast, so snap them up right HERE.
Wilton’s Music Hall | 1 Grace’s Alley, E1 8JB
Main image: Paul Hudson/Flickr
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Carpe Diem!