Margaret Curry: The Space In-Between Review / Crazy Coqs, Zedel, London W1
5***
Clearly still buzzing from a successful debut stint at the Edinburgh Fringe, Texan by way of the Big Apple, Margaret Curry treated the Crazy Coqs late evening crowd to a truly bewitching performance of story and music reflecting and explaining her central convictions.
The title of the show is The Space In-Between which, she believes, is “where all the good stuff actually comes from”. In round terms, the space in-between is analogous to those key transition points in life, necessarily involving some risk and a step into the unknown – a development that inevitably leads to personal (and professional) growth. She’s not wrong – in the hard nosed world of commerce, there is a saying – no risk, no business…
Although Margaret Curry is not well known this side of the pond, she is an award winning performer – gaining the 2024 Backstage Bistro Award for The Space In-Between and a nomination as the 2025 Manhattan Association of Cabaret and Club Awards for Best Female Vocalist. Her beautifully and intelligently constructed show (director – Lina Koutrakos) amply demonstrates those credentials.
Integral to this brilliant display of the cabaret oeuvre is her outrageously stellar long time accompanists – musical director, arranger and pianist Gregory Toroian, Skip Ward (bass guitar) and David Silliman (drums). Flown in from New York especially for this event, I have to say I was left wondering about the economics of mounting such a show. They were sensational.
As a seasoned actress, Margaret is supremely relaxed on stage and a naturally engaging and humourous communicator, which along with the confessional nature of her between songs stories, creates a genuinely intimate pleasure dome for the audience to bask in. Her crystal clear voice means you can hear absolutely every word she sings. In most cases, this proves revelatory for songs you thought you knew and compelling for any that were new to you.
The eclectic song selection is largely unfamiliar but inspired, collecting several interesting songwriters not normally associated with the nightclub scene. Some scintillatingly original and effective arrangements combine with Margaret’s luminous vocals to present what previously might have been aural wallpaper in a completely new light. It really is a million miles from the usual cabaret fare.
Each song supports, reflects and amplifies the substance of the preamble giving a natural and coherent flow to proceedings. Margaret introduces the show with an initially percussion led ‘Day In, Day Out’ (Rube Bloom/Johnny Mercer) before moving onto ‘Something’s Gotta Give’ (Johnny Mercer).
Then we get the first surprise – a brilliant reading of the Doobie Brothers’ ‘Black Water’ (Pat Simmons). One of several highlights during the evening that will send me back to investigate back catalogues with renewed interest.
Next is the funky ‘Ain’t Nobody’ (Hawk Wolinski) as never heard before. It was previously a hit for funk band Rufus featuring Chaka Khan. Things revert to more standard material for the next couple of numbers – ‘Lets Face the Music and Dance’ (Irving Berlin) and ‘Down With Love’ (Harold Arlen/Yip Harburg) featuring tasteful backing vocals from the band,
From here on, we get a series of mostly unfamiliar songs which add to the originality and quality of the show, elevating it from intriguing to truly memorable. The unusual song choice can only result from some serious time investment in research and listening. There’s Jimmy Webb’s ‘Elvis and Me’, a wonderful reading of Orbison’s ‘Blue Bayou’, the quite hilarious ‘Lime Jell-O Marshmallow Cottage Cheese Surprise’ (William Bolcom) and the bossa nova beat of ‘Let’s Eat Home’ (David Frishberg).
Margaret also makes references to female emancipation with ‘The Ballad of Robin and Marian’ (Michel Brourman) and the excellent ‘The Last Words of Bonnie Parker’ (Susan Werner). Then, as a self confessed follower of Kurt Vonnegut’s philosophy (we are here on earth to fart about!) Margaret, with delightful backing vocals from the band gives us an extremely soulful version of the Isley Brothers’ ‘It’s Your Thing’ (Ronald, O’Kelly & Rudolph Isley) followed by the pure sunshine joy ofMargaret closes an entrancing and thoroughly polished show with the clearly, very personal ‘Unwritten’ (Natasha Bedingfield)
Hugh Masakela’s ‘Grazin’ in the Grass’ (Philemon Hou/Harry Elston).
This has to be one of the most enjoyable visits I’ve ever made to the Crazy Coqs. Margaret Curry and her band produce an exhilarating evening of original, exciting and fulfilling entertainment with a well conceived show, fabulous song selection, brilliantly creative interpretations, outstanding musicianship and faultless delivery. I’m a fan !
© fairypoweredproductions.com - By: Phil Brown