Review: Daniel Koek’s West End Sessions
photography: Simone di Luca
“Run, don’t walk”
Cancel all your upcoming Friday plans because if you’re a musical theatre lover, Daniel Koek’s West End Sessions at the Brooks Mews Wine House is where you’ll want to spend your Friday evenings from now on. Born pre-pandemic and having received high praise from the thespian community, Daniel Koek’s West End Sessions are making their triumphant return. Having found their new home in the newly refurbished Brooks Mews Wine House in Mayfair, the recurring sessions will feature an impressive line-up of West End legends alongside fresh talent. Initially set to be running one Friday per month, with future performances expected to run weekly in coming months, these sessions are not to be missed.
Acting in the dual role of host/performer is Daniel Koek, the architect of this entire endeavour, and who is no stranger to a West End stage. One of the youngest ever performers to take on the iconic role of Jean Valjean in the London production of Les Misérables, Koek has appeared in multiple West End productions such as South Pacific, West Side Story and Chess to name a few, as well as in international tours and productions of iconic musicals. Equipped with humour, star quality and killer vocals, he creates an electric yet intimate atmosphere. The venue itself promotes further this feeling of intimacy. The small yet comfortable space is dimly lit and decorated with fairy lights, and the ever-attentive staff members make you feel safe and relaxed. The menu offers a wide selection of drinks, as well as delicious cheese and charcuterie boards to compliment them.
The cherry on top are of course the musical guests of the evening. For the inaugural session, Daniel Koek was joined by Rob Houchen and Kerry Ellis, who humbly shared their extraordinary talents in what felt like a delightful gathering among friends. Rob Houchen, known among others for his heartfelt performance as Marius in London’s production of Les Misérables, and Kerry Ellis, a celebrated West End and Broadway leading lady, created alongside Daniel Koek, a truly magical evening. Accompanied solely by a piano, the trio embarked on an acoustic musical odyssey that started off with songs from Les Misérables and Miss Saigon and moved on to everything from Mamma Mia! to We Will Rock You, Wicked, Jesus Christ Superstar and so many more, as well as to some heartfelt renditions of pop classics, like Rise Like a Phoenix and I (Who Have Nothing). The performers relaxed, demeanour and their genuine connection extended beyond the stage, breaking the barriers between performers and audience. By the end of the night, the entire room was singing along to Seasons of Love, a truly wholesome moment that is a testament to the transformative power of music and theatre to touch peoples’ souls and bring together people who can otherwise be total strangers.
All in all, Daniel Koek and his team have created a truly wonderful environment where musical theatre is celebrated in a different, yet equally wholesome way. Every session is bound to be unique, with the lineup of performers and the setlist changing every time, thus creating the opportunity to always experience something new. And while this event is guaranteed to become a favourite amongst musical theatre connoisseurs, it is not solely reserved for theatre enthusiasts, but is instead a fantastic opportunity to introduce newcomers to the magic of musical theatre. It’s an experience that will surely leave a lasting impression.
5*