REVIEW: AWAY FROM HOME @ GOLDEN GOOSE THEATRE

🎭 Away From Home

📍 Golden Goose Theatre, 146 Camberwell New Road, London, SE5 0RR

🗓 Thursday 26th March 2026

⭐️ 4 Stars

SOULFUL STORYTELLING

It's not often you step into a theatre and immediately feel like you've been invited into someone's living room, but that's exactly what the team behind AWAY FROM HOME achieved at the Golden Goose Theatre. This wasn't just a cabaret - it was a warm hug of an evening, centered on the messy, beautiful, and deeply personal concept of what 'home' actually means.

The night was a gorgeous tapestry of storytelling and music. We had an international collective of performers sharing poems and songs that explored home - whether that be a place, a person, a community, or something else. What made it special was the linguistic variety. Hearing stories told in multiple mother tongues added a layer of authenticity that you just don't get in your standard West End fare. A particular highlight was a trilingual rendition of 'Pulled' from The Addams Family. Honestly, who knew Wednesday Addams translated so well across borders?

The line-up was wonderfully eclectic. Mikki Villa kicked things off with a massive burst of energy, with vocals to match. He was the only one to really take the comedy into his performance, delivering a Miss Saigon number to his rice cooker that had us all in stitches. On the other side of the spectrum, Sarah O'Neill brought a real sense of elegance to the stage with her vocals. She was fun and engaging, and also got to perform in her native language... English!

But for me, the absolute standout was Shelbi Forrest. She performed two original songs from a musical she's written, and let me tell you, the writing was exquisite. Her vocals have this stunning purity that just mesmerised the room. I truly hope her work gets the wider audience and the acclaim it so clearly deserves. Remember the name, I predict big things in her future.

Each performer shone brightly, with not a weak link amongst them. The evening wound down with Eleri Edwards taking on 'Green Green Grass of Home'. I'd never heard this song sung by a female voice before, and she brought a softness and an understated beauty to it that was just lovely. Throughout it all, Livs Needham was a rock on the keys, supporting every performer with effortless skill.

There was a palpable sense of joy and friendship emitting from the stage. The community feel was real, the atmosphere was welcoming, and the talent was undeniable. A huge well done to everyone involved. More of this please!

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

My ticket for this performance of Away From Home was gifted by the company who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

PERFORMERS:

Eleri Edwards; Emily Doving; Guro Elvethon; Ivi Moravcová; Leonardo Stickley; Livs Needham; Mikki Villa; Nida Savage; Sarah O'Neill; Shauna Langford Hopkins; Shelbi Forrest

RUNNING TIME (approx):

1 hour 50 minutes, including interval

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