On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Kiki & Herb return to London after 18 years with their riotous new show Kiki & Herb Are Trying! at Soho Theatre Walthamstow (3–5 July 2025), followed by Justin Vivian Bond’s stunning Marianne Faithfull tribute Sex with Strangers (11–12 July).
London’s cultural scene is set to ignite this July as cabaret legends Kiki & Herb make their triumphant return to the capital for the first time since 2007. From 3–5 July 2025, Soho Theatre Walthamstow will host the electrifying new show Kiki & Herb Are Trying!, a cocktail-fueled, piano-pounding spectacle created by the iconic duo of Justin Vivian Bond and Kenny Mellman.
In addition, Justin Vivian Bond will take the stage solo on 11–12 July with their band for Sex with Strangers, a lyrical tribute to Marianne Faithfull, promising an unforgettable blend of music and emotion.
A Long-Awaited Reunion with Soho Theatre
Kiki & Herb’s history with Soho Theatre runs deep. Their 2002 performances at Soho Theatre’s Dean Street venue marked the beginning of a storied relationship, cementing their status as queer icons in London. Those early shows, produced and presented by Soho Theatre, drew a devoted following and celebrity admiration, establishing Kiki & Herb as a cultural force. Their return to Soho Theatre Walthamstow is a homecoming of sorts, bringing their signature mix of biting wit, raw emotion, and punk cabaret brilliance back to the city that embraced them.
For over two decades, Kiki & Herb—Bond as the boozed-up, larger-than-life chanteuse Kiki, and Mellman as her piano-battering, steadfast accompanist Herb—have redefined performance art. From the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Swan Theatre to Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and even the HMS President on the Thames, their anarchic, genre-defying shows have captivated audiences worldwide. Their accolades include an Obie Award for Kiki & Herb: Jesus Wept and a Tony nomination for Kiki & Herb: Alive on Broadway. They’ve toured with the likes of Scissor Sisters and Rufus Wainwright and released two albums: Do You Hear What We Hear? (featuring Deborah Harry, Isaac Mizrahi, and others) and Kiki & Herb Will Die For You, a live recording from their 2004 Carnegie Hall performance.
Kiki & Herb Are Trying: A Story of Resilience and Revelry
Kiki & Herb Are Trying! is a riotous reflection of the duo’s enduring spirit. After years of coasting toward retirement—Kiki in Nutley, New Jersey, playing bingo and dating a postman; Herb in Tennessee with a Venezuelan student—the duo’s quiet lives unraveled. Government checks stopped, the Nutley library closed, Herb’s apartment flooded, and their beloved Canadian Club became unaffordable due to tariffs. With no other options, Kiki & Herb are dusting off their sequins and returning to the stage. As the show’s tagline suggests, they’re not just trying to survive—they’re trying to deliver a “tarrific” performance that bridges the gap between heartbreak and hilarity.
Expect a whirlwind of musical virtuosity, irreverent humor, and raw vulnerability as Kiki, with her gravelly voice evoking Tom Waits, Ethel Merman, and Judy Garland, belts out tunes alongside Herb’s dynamic piano. Whether they’re healing transatlantic tensions or simply aiming to make it through the show, Kiki & Herb promise an unmissable experience.
Justin Vivian Bond’s Tribute to Marianne Faithfull
Following the Kiki & Herb run, Justin Vivian Bond returns to Soho Theatre Walthamstow on 11–12 July with Sex with Strangers, a full-band tribute to the legendary Marianne Faithfull. Known for their extraordinary stage presence, Bond (they/them) brings their lyrical artistry to this deeply personal homage. A veteran of Broadway, London’s West End, and venues like Joe’s Pub and the Vienna Staatsoper, Bond’s career spans stage, screen (Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Shortbus), and visual art. Their memoir, Tango: My Childhood Backwards and in High Heels, won a Lambda Literary Award, and they’ve earned an Obie, a Bessie, and a Tony nomination.
This tribute promises to channel Faithfull’s raw, evocative spirit through Bond’s singular lens, backed by a dynamic band. It’s a fitting complement to the anarchic energy of Kiki & Herb, showcasing Bond’s versatility as a performer.
Kenny Mellman: The Musical Heart of Kiki & Herb
Kenny Mellman, the musical genius behind Herb, brings his own storied career to the stage. Beyond Kiki & Herb, Mellman has toured as Grace Jones, co-created the acclaimed Our Hit Parade at Joe’s Pub, and composed for productions like David Rabe’s Good for Otto starring Ed Harris. As a member of The Julie Ruin with Kathleen Hanna, he’s toured globally and contributed to the Bob’s Burgers soundtrack. His Obie, Bessie, and Tony-nominated work underscores his pivotal role in the duo’s success.
A Cultural Moment Not to Miss
Soho Theatre Walthamstow’s July lineup is a testament to the enduring power of Kiki & Herb and Justin Vivian Bond. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their world, Kiki & Herb Are Trying! and Sex with Strangers offer a rare chance to witness two icons at the peak of their craft. Tickets are expected to sell quickly for these limited runs, so lean in and secure your spot for a summer of unforgettable cabaret.
Listings Information
Show: Kiki & Herb Are Trying
Dates: 3–5 July 2025
Time: 7:30pm (120 mins incl. interval)
Venue: Soho Theatre Walthamstow
Address: 186 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, London, E17 4QH
Price: 39 – £53 incl fees
Tickets: www.sohotheatre.com
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