Sofar Sounds brings it’s individual style to the world of comedy for the first time.
One of the joys of working on a Sofar Sounds event is being part of a team of people who all have a passion for the live performance experience. These have historically been live music events. However, in the past year I have worked on Sofar’s first dance show, and then in June their first comedy show. If you have never been to a Sofar (Sounds from a room) Sounds show, the concept is an evening in an unusual setting, with three acts performing (who’s identities will be kept secret) and the audience are asked to engage fully with the show through being attentive, quiet and keeping phone usage to a minimum. This creates an atmosphere where both audiences and artists can fully enjoy the experience of sharing music/dance/comedy.
The show this evening was at Piano Smithfield – one of the coolest piano bars I have ever been to. Situated close to Barbican Tube Station, it’s quite easy to miss the entrance (as is the way with all of the hottest spots), and then as you descend the red lit stairs under crystal festooned lighting, the environment already suggests that the evening will be brimming with style!
Leah Davis
Radio presenter on Capital XTRA and stand up comedian, Leah Davis began her career in comedy just a few years ago. She received early recognition in 2022 reaching the finals of the Funny Women Awards and British Comedian Of The Year. I really enjoyed her warm presentation and laid back interaction with the audience. Her crowd work felt welcoming and intimate, leaving a feeling in the room that we were all included.
Comediasians
This was a very different vibe from having a solo stand up to open the night. The Comediasians gave us music, improv, stand up and crowd work. Described as the UK’s premiere pan-Asian improv group, their set took us through a whirlwind of varied scenarios, compositions and interactions with each other and the room. All so well observed.
Patrick Spicer
Nominated for both Chortle Newcomer of the Year and Leicester Mercury New Comedian of the Year, as well as reaching the finals of several national comedy competitions, Patrick Spicer is receiving widespread recognition with his quick wit, effortless audience interaction, and hilarious true stories. His initial nod of respect and adoration to the preceding performers instantly warmed the room to him, and his amiable presentation and on the spot crowd work engaged everyone throughout.
Well done Sofar for a memorable first comedy night. And well done as always to a wonderful crew on MC duties, crew lead, videography, sound and light tech, Piano Smithfield hosts and of course the Sofar audience.
Photography Notes
Using my usual gear of Canon EOS R, 35mm 1.8, 85mm 1.2, there were some challenges in the room. The LED lighting did require careful control of the shutter speed to avoid banding in the images. Sofar Sounds gigs are quiet and intimate, meaning silent mode is essential. It also means that moving to different shooting spots in the room needs to be minimal. Having said all of this, the colour palette was a dream, and the spacing of the cabaret seating worked well. Lack of lighting away from the stage did mean audience images were limited.
As always my Substack posts aim to promote grass roots venues and emerging artists. Please follow the links and explore the acts and support your local live performance spaces.