Nestled in the heart of Soho since 1959, the world-famous Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club has always stood shoulder to shoulder with its West End theatreland neighbours.
But it’s not just the location that binds the two.
Musical theatre has long had a powerful affinity with jazz, from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess to John Kander’s Chicago, it has welcomed the swinging syncopation, the thrilling saxophones and hot brass that lend productions a certain razzle dazzle. Indeed, many of Ronnie’s regular performers play in the big shows around town.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic shows no signs of loosening its grip on the world of entertainment, and most theatres remain closed, Ronnie Scott’s will honour this historical relationship between jazz and musical theatre.
On Saturday 5 December, Ronnie Scott’s launches a brand-new weekly show, All That Jazz! Ronnie’s Cabaret Brunches hosted by West End leading lady and 2020 Olivier award-winner, Cassidy Janson (Beautiful, Chess, & Juliet).
Cassidy’s hosting duties follows the success of her sold out, headline show at the club this year, and the 2019 release of her debut solo ‘Cassidy’. Each week, Cassidy invites a special West End star, most of whom have been unable to perform since March, to join her for a musical theatre celebration.
The very first All that Jazz! Ronnie’s Cabaret Brunches features musical theatre actor Lee Mead.
Having shot to prominence playing Joseph in the West End’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat after winning the BBC series ‘Any Dream Will Do’, Lee Mead has gone on to release five albums and take on numerous, highly acclaimed leading West End roles including Wicked, Legally Blonde: The Musical, Chitty, Chitty Bang Bangalongside a role in BBC One dramas, Casualty and Holby City. He’s also appeared as Prince Charming in Cinderella at the London Palladium alongside Julian Clary and Paul O’Grady, and most recently, fulfilled a childhood ambition by performing in front of the Royal Family at the Royal Albert Hall ‘Festival of Remembrance Concert’.
The following week (12 December) will feature guest star Alice Fearn and on 19 December Aimie Atkinson.
Expect high energy show tunes, classic cabaret numbers, big belting ballads and jazz standards from the finest singers in town. Despite everything happening in the world right now, the show really must go on!
All That Jazz! Ronnie’s Cabaret Brunches runs from 11am until 2pm.
Tickets are £60/£55 pp which includes a delicious 2 course brunch as well as two cocktails from Ronnie’s renowned cocktail list (think Mimosas, Bloody Marys, and more!)
To book visit ronniescotts.co.uk
