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House of Life

In what could be crowned the most uplifting show of the Fringe, The House of Life aka Ben Welch and Laurence Cole from Sheep Soup combine preaching, live music, comedy and all round good vibes in this spectacle-come-religious experience.

You are guaranteed to walk away from The House of Life with a spring in your step

The show itself is in a category of its own. Welch announces that the audience are going to learn how to find true happiness in an all singing, all grooving hour of self expression, love and harmony. Sheep Soup create soundbites and beats with their loop machine live on stage that are both hilarious and ridiculously catchy. The pair take recordings of the audience’s own stories of love and anger, turning them into sick beats that you want to add to your hype playlist.

The dynamic between the pair is beautiful to watch. Welch and Cole create a fresh twist on the traditional sidekick character by emulating the relationship between pastors and assistants in modern Christian Churches. Their voices blend seamlessly, spontaneously harmonising as Welch riffs in between his parodies of self-help motivational speakers. They are completely at home on stage, creating a performance that is incredibly polished, which is an amazing feat considering the improvisational quality to the show. In terms of musical style, The House of Life sound echoes that of Foals or Parcels, but has a soulful edge that invokes gospel-energy. It would be a crime not to mention Welch’s incredible vocal talent, with a voice that is oh so silky and smooth. Cole’s honeyed falsetto balances perfectly with him, creating beautiful melodies.

More than just one-off mixed songs and dance-tunes, The House of Life celebrates the good in people and purges our negative energy. You walk in, expecting a parody of a religious service, but instead are struck by Welch and Cole’s earnestness that sneaks in with messages of encouragement, imploring us to work build communities and give love to strangers. If you need a pick-me-up, you are guaranteed to walk away from The House of Life with a spring in your step.

Visit Show Website

Reviews by Isabella Thompson

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Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

Performances

Location

The Blurb

One-part sermon, one-part purge, three-parts party. House of Life is a travelling musical cult collective hosted by the RaveRend, with one mission: to get you happy, at any cost. A space to celebrate. To elevate. To lay out your shit and wash it away. The chance to achieve absolute euphoric togetherness through the relentless powers of music and vibes. Made up of alumni of the BAFTA-winning Television Workshop, Sheep Soup are back at the fringe following five-star smash hits Mrs Green and The Invention Of Acting. ***** (Metro). ***** (EdFringeReview.com). ***** (BroadwayBaby.com).
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