About Fiona Jane Weston
I am Fiona-Jane Weston and as well as being a performer myself (see website), I write reviews of and features on shows, mainly on the London cabaret and theatre scene.
I have worked in theatre for many years, but decided to embark on a new direction in cabaret in 2009, when I produced 20th Century Woman: The Compact Cabaret. Not wanting to neglect my love of spoken word, particularly drama and verse, I made the conscious decision to include these elements in the programme, as well as wonderful songs, to tell the story of women's changing status and preoccupations throughout the 20th Century and up to now.
I was invited to audition for the renowned Cabaret Conference at Yale, run by the late legendary Erv Raible, and that was thrilled to be one of only 26 accepted that year, where I was taught by the masters of the genre. Amanda McBroom (composer of the Bette Middler hit "The Rose" and the poignant "Errol Flynn"), Laurel Massé, original member of Manhattan Transfer, Sally Mayes, Tony Award nominees Sharon McNight and Tovah Feldshuh, and New York cabaret veteran Julie Wilson were all on the faculty. We were also treated to the musical direction of Alex Rybeck, Hubert Tex Arnold and the now late Paul Trueblood.
With the benefit of their insightful teaching and great encouragement, I took my show to The Duplex in New York, where I was delighted with the response.
Since then, I have produced Loving London: The Capital Cabaret, using the same format of songs, poetry and drama, in various London venues, including Leicester Square Theatre and The Crazy Coqs.
2014, the centenary of World War 1, saw the launch of Wartime Women: the Khaki Cabaret to a sellout house at St. James Theatre, London, garnering great notices, including from The Times and Musical Theatre Review. I have since been touring the show to Belgium and throughout the UK.
I hope these reviews and interviews entertain and educate at the same time, and if please do leave comments in the box. It's great to engage in a conversation about the Arts.
Fiona-Jane Weston
Amanda McBroom is sexy, funny and deeply moving at The Crazy Coqs. Her own compositions, which include the huge Bette Midler hit ‘The Rose’ and ‘Errol Flynn’ are both heart-felt and profound. Read my full review here.
Posted in Cabaret Reviews
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Tagged Amanda McBroom, cabaret, cabaret reviews London, David Cantor, Errol Flynn, fiona jane weston, Harold Arlen, Jaques Brel, London cabaret, London cabaret reviews, Michele Brourman, musical theatre Lady Macbeth Sings the Blues, The Crazy coqs, The Rose
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Read my latest cabaret review of Anne Reid‘s opening night of her show ‘In A New Key’ at The Crazy Coqs.
Musical theatre review of new work by Joe Evans and Linnie Readman on Leslie ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson – once a huge cabaret star in the UK. But that was before he had an affair with Edwina Mountbatten, wife of the Queen’s … Continue reading →
Review of revival of John Van Druten’s play ‘London Wall’ at St James Theatre, London. A very interesting play, written in 1931, examining the situation of unmarried working women in the 1920s and 30’s
Review of second programme of drinking cabaret ‘Lush Life’ in St James Studio
Review of Marcel Lucont’s ‘Cabaret Fantastique’ in St James Studio. French comic creation Marcel Lucont and guests – one of whom was ‘deplorable’.
Review of cabaret artist Gary Williams accompanied by Harry the Piano at The Crazy Coqs. Read about his unusual style of programming for his Frank Sinatra tribute.
Capital Cabarets And Shows Scene 