It might be hidden away nowadays behind tourist tat and coffee chains, but the buzzy, grubby, swanky and sexy beating heart of ‘old Soho’ is still very much alive and kicking. Nowhere will you find its bohemian spirit burning as bright as this chaotic, avant-garde literary cabaret: Celine’s Salon.
Started by the eponymous Celine Hispiche in 2016, the night gathers together artists and writers across a whole host of genres to share their new work, be it poetry, prose, songwriting, spoken word or performing arts. Burlesque. Japanese guitar tunes. Hip-hop beats. Poetic ballads. You name it, you’ll probably find it here. Stringing it all together is host Celine, whose sharp wisecracks once earned her a place touring with Saturday Night Live.
The salon may travel around the world, but its soul is unapologetically in Soho, giving new and established artists alike the chance to brush shoulders and platform their work in a warm, creative atmosphere and free-spirited folk the chance to watch them do it.
Each salon has a different theme where writers are encouraged to write a new work around it. This time round it’s ‘carnival’ to celebrate the glorious return of Europe’s largest street party. The nights also end with the appreance of a guest author. Each ticket includes a glass of wine, so if you’re not brave enough to get up in front of an audience at the start of the night, you just might be after a bit of Dutch courage.