It’s a Wednesday night, dreary London weather, Tube strike ongoing, and I find myself sat above a French restaurant in Kennington waiting for Joanne Jollie to appear on stage at Bar Toulouse Laurtrec, Cabaret Bar. It’s been six years since I was last here, and in fact it was Joanne Jollie that I was watching.
The lights dim, the music starts and Joanne sings as she walks through the audience on to the stage singing her reimagined version of Robbie Williams’ ‘Let Me Entertain You’.
Six years ago, Joanne’s show was all about boys and booze, since then she has left the UK lived in various parts of India, the UAE and Sri Lanka, she returned to the UK, and her new show is about sobriety and celibacy! Joanne 2.0 without the carbs, sugar and men!
Joanne’s show 50 Shades of Jollie is a celebration of her 50th birthday, it’s a two-act production supported by Joe Atkins, MD on piano (and accordion). Joe is a super pianist, he works very sympathetically with her singing, offering a lovely, sophisticated touch on the keys.
Joanne’s set is an eclectic mix, she regales stories from her travels, including Covid where she was “stuck” in an ashram for longer than intended. She performs songs in her beautiful alto tone from several genres. She cleverly re-writes pop songs into soulful ballads, e.g. Oasis turned in Chopin and Barbra Streisand, leaving a previous raucous cheering audience in silence, you could hear a pin drop, There is some reworking of Rhianna’s ‘Umbrella’ to a 1920s inspired beat.
In a Joanne Jollie show there is something for everyone, be it a classic pop song, a musical hit, a power ballad, music of Victoria Wood, a quiz – yes, a quiz – so there is audience participation, as well as some Indian chanting.
The show finishes on a high with Jollie’s ‘Happy House Melody of the 90s’ house mix – superbly suited to her voice, she delivers a powerful performance and invites her audience to stand up and sing and dance along – perfection.
Let’s hope it’s not another six years until her next UK show.
Review by Faye Stockley
50 Shades of Jollie is a bold blend of showtunes, jazz, and wild tales from her travels around India, infused with Joanne Jollie’s powerhouse vocals and razor-sharp wit. This cabaret experience offers heart, humour, and high notes, celebrating life, laughter, and turning fifty.
50 SHADES OF JOLLIE
Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club, 140 Newington Butts, London SE11 4RN
9 and 10 September 2025
