Flying nannies, ghouls that stay beneath Opera homes, man-eating vegetation, and French revolutionaries would possibly seem to be an unlikely group, however they really have one thing in frequent – they’re all characters from well-known musicals that may be heard nightly at Overtures, the musical theatre piano bar. Located in Lola’s beneath the Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square, Overtures has been open for just a few years now and has been affectionately dubbed the Marie’s Crisis of London.
Without an open mic or stage, Overtures presents a novel expertise the place everybody sings collectively as one nice massive musical refrain. This creates a welcoming and inclusive setting the place patrons are inspired to hitch, no matter their vocal skills. Opening each Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from 8pm till late, the rolling listing of pianists and hosts at Overtures guides patrons by the easiest of the musical theatre cannon, from Disney’s Frozen to Oliver! and past.
Lola’s itself is a decadent den of fashion and glamour harking back to the Hippodrome Casino’s glory days that hosted the now well-known Judy Garland residency. With tables and chairs for desk service, a big bar for ordering drinks and couches for stress-free Lola’s presents an area for everybody. As the evening goes on, patrons usually type a dance ground and dance and act out songs they know and love.
The evening I visited Overtures, I used to be struck by the friendliness of the regulars, who have been at all times prepared with lyrics on their cell phones and a cheeky grin when their favourite ballad or Disney bop began enjoying. The proficient pianists (a lot of which play within the West End), performed quite a lot of songs, from basic Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim mega-hits to trendy favorites from reveals like Heathers and The Rocky Horror Show. The night culminated with your complete crowd becoming a member of collectively for an enthusiastic rendition of “One Day More” from Les Misérables, with teams of individuals taking over every character and harmonies erupting from the ensemble.
Whether you’re a die-hard musical theatre fan or simply searching for a novel evening out in London, Overtures is the proper vacation spot. Often visited by West End stars who’ll fortunately supply a particular efficiency to patrons fortunate sufficient, it’s a house away from residence for musical theatre followers. Overtures is a welcoming and inclusive area the place everybody can take part, sing and have a wonderfully marvelous time!
Reviewed by Stuart James