House of Life is back – and this time it’s bigger, bolder and more euphoric than ever. After two smash-hit years at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and a run at Soho Theatre Upstairs, this cult favourite returns with a triumphant upgrade to the main stage at this iconic London venue. With added flair, dazzling visuals and star-studded preachers’ robes, House of Life has been well and truly elevated – heart and soul intact.
Bigger, bolder and more euphoric than ever
The joy begins the moment we enter the auditorium. The RAVE-rend (Ben Welch) and his loveable assistant Trev (Lawrence Cole) greet the crowd like old friends at a festival, handing out wristbands and adorning cheeks with glitter. This isn’t just a performance – it’s an initiation. Part rave, part spiritual journey, it’s all wrapped up in a 10-step programme guiding its congregation toward true happiness. Step one is simple: arrive.
Welch radiates charisma as he inducts us into his RAVE-olution. His powerhouse vocals could convert even the most sceptical, and he fearlessly commands the 165-seater space with infectious energy. Alongside him, Cole’s Trev – master of the keys and the epic sound system – works the loop pedal with flair and precision. Their magnetic stage presence never falters.
What unfolds is a brilliant balancing act between spontaneity and control. As Welch cruises the crowd, Cole masterfully weaves audience contributions into the music with pitch-perfect timing. The loop pedal becomes a tool of connection, transforming unpredictable moments into genuinely uplifting musical numbers.
The technical team also deserves applause. Clever lighting and visual gags are timed to perfection, adding another layer of wit and atmosphere that enhances the experience.
House of Life is more than a show – it’s a life-affirming experience. Uplifting, inventive, camp and full of heart, it taps into something deeply human: the need to connect, to let go, to laugh, to dance, and to find happiness through community.
Sheep Soup Productions have done it again.
