The London Chat Show - Review

Whatever images are conjured in your mind when you think of Peter Stringfellow, there is no doubting he has had a very interesting life; Having booked the likes of The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Wonder to play at his clubs in the 1960s, to then becoming the infamous owner of numerous Gentlemen’s Clubs in the 1990s, and now being married to the former Royal Ballet dancer Bella Wright, 41 years his junior.

Stringfellow, last night, discussed just some of these memories in front of an intimate audience at The Canal Cafe Theatre in Little Venice, London.

The club owner was speaking as part of The London Chat Show, a new initiative allowing the public to hear directly what celebrities have to say, skipping the middle man – the journalist.

The event took place along the riverfront in Little Venice, a picturesque part of London, named by poet Robert Browning for its comparisons with the Italian city. The charming area was once the home of Sir Richard Branson who used to live on a riverboat before Virgin took off.

Inside the Theatre, which modestly boasts a capacity of 60, the night got underway with a musical rendition from two members of 'The Four Poofs and a Piano', best known for their contributions to ‘Friday Night With Jonathan Ross’. As on the TV show, they returned throughout the night to provide a musical welcome to the other guests.

Famed Italian chef Aldo Zilli was the first star to be grilled on his career by the host, Evening Standard journalist, Amira Hashish, and he recited tales from his childhood up to the present day. Zilli was notably the first celebrity chef to open a vegetarian restaurant in Britain, when Zilli Green joined his other restaurants in the West End last year.

After a short interval, in which the audience was able to grab a quick drink from the quaint bar downstairs, the stars of the YouTube sensation ‘Gap Yah’ showcased some of their favourite routines. Although their humour is not for everyone, the comedy served as a nice break in between interviews.

The attention then shifted to Stringfellow who, accompanied by photos of him with everyone from The Queen and Princess Diana to Mel Gibson, reminisced about his fifty years in the showbiz world. Despite being 70 years old it doesn’t appear that his tale is quite over yet.

The evening offered an unprecedented opportunity to hear remarkable stories from some of the capital’s most renowned stars in an intimate venue, in one of London’s most scenic locations. The London Chat Show returns on 23rd February and is not to be missed.

To book tickets visit www.londonchatshow.com or call 0207 289 605