A ‘Marvellous’ Date Night at Soho Place | My Soho Times

It’s date night for Ana De-Jesus as she heads to Soho Place, the first new street name in Soho for 70 years, for dinner at Stars and theatre seats to see Marvellous…

First Impressions: A Sea of Glorious Blue 

The stars really had aligned when an invite from My Soho Times popped into my inbox to review the West End’s newest theatre, Soho Place. The first theatre that had opened in 50 years, it was a vision in galaxy blue. Cool blue lighting outside the venue, a glimmer of yellow on the railings. For I was here on a mission, to see whether Soho Place and Stars would be the ultimate West-End date night spot. A chance to experience immersive theatre dining, with a three-course meal, and tickets to ‘Marvellous’, a limited show. Thanks to My Soho Times, we would embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure, where theatrical dreams come true.

It all started on an unassuming Friday evening. After a long day at work, we desperately needed to let our hair down with abandon. Cue the arrival of two people in blue. Myself in a floral blue wrapover dress, and my infamous flower crown, a’la Frida Kahlo. The other, in a smart white shirt, juxtaposed with denim jeans, semi-casual. 

Above us, a large billboard glinted enticingly over the theatre and restaurant. The words ‘Marvellous’ drew us in, lit up in a sea of joyful blue. It seemed like blue was the theme of the evening. Taken into Stars Restaurant, our eyes were agape. With 70 covers, it was intimate yet bustling, the chitter-chatter of laughter washing over us gloriously. The real treat? The eye-catching interior design, with specially commissioned constellations artwork. 

It truly was a sign of things to come. The stars lulling us into a state of relaxed stupor. The constellations imprinted on our memories with glee. Greeted by Pawel, our assistant general manager, we were immediately struck by his warmth. Twinkling eyes, and merry laughter, as he pored over Stars impeccable menu, and pointed out his recommendations with enthusiasm. He, like the other staff at Soho Place, was nothing short of remarkable. Always willing to help, with a detail-orientated approach laced with comforting familiarity. It was like talking to an old friend, one you had known for years. We glanced over the menu, with salivating mouths. The menu was contemporary, with a pre-theatre selection that screamed joyful comfort.

Stars Restaurant Small Plates, Mains & Drinks 

With a menu compiled by head chef Costantin Apostu (formerly at the Standard Hotel, Kings Cross), we knew that were in for a treat. To start, as a vegetarian I had Cauliflower and Stilton Croquettes plunged into tangy piquillo ketchup. The rich and mellow flavour of the stilton, married with the sweet nuttiness of the cauliflower, was nothing short of extraordinary. Dan on the other hand, had Korean spiced wings with kimchi, smattered in sesame dust. It was arguably his favourite dish, a tinge of spice and tang. 

The mains were equally as impressive. Pumpkin Ravioli with spinach and parmesan foam, sprinkled with Aleppo pepper. Paired with a small plate of Beetroot and Ricotta, a stunning surprise. The ravioli was easily the most memorable pasta dish I have had in a long time, fine dining or otherwise. The creaminess of the parmesan foam was gloriously celebratory on the tip of my tongue. Washed down with a ‘Frida Kahlo’ mocktail (that they made just for me), my heart squealed excitedly. A mocktail with floating berry sticks, accentuated by raspberry syrup, and cranberry juice deliciously.

Though the ravioli was my favourite dish of the evening, the beetroot salad was the biggest surprise. I was normally one of those beetroot sceptics who despised its ‘bitter earthiness’. Yet this was something else. Candied beetroots surprisingly sweet, dancing on a bed of walnuts and oranges, with a splatter of ricotta and ruby. 

For Dan, he opted for the Hereford 28-day aged rib-eye steak, with peppery and creamy bearnaise sauce. Washed down with Orchard Pig cider, he ate, and he ate, until he could eat no more. Though the steak was a bit fatty for his liking, he nevertheless said that it went down a treat. We both heartily agreed that the food was exceptional, counting down the days until we could come back to Soho Place. 

Meeting the real-life Neil Baldwin!

There was one more surprise in store, oh so glorious. Our lovely server Pawel sat us next to the one and only Neil Baldwin. We could hardly believe that we were next to the legend who had inspired ‘Marvellous’, the play. On for a limited time until the 26^{th of} November, we learned that he attended every single show that was on. Iconic commitment.

Eating dinner with his friend Gem, they enthusiastically chatted to us, with heartwarming effervescence. Originally from Newcastle-under-Lyme, in Staffordshire, he was a local legend. A man who proved that no obstacle too big or small would stop him from achieving his dreams. And what an inspiration he was, born into a life of difficulty, with determination to succeed. Succeed he did. A champion of dreams.

Marvellous: A Heartwarming Biopic 

We opted to have our desserts after our theatre show, running short on time. We had minutes to spare, and ‘Marvellous’ was beckoning our attention. Joyful, and inspiring it told the incredible story of Neil ‘Nello’ Baldwin, in a glorious 2-hour play. Life-affirming, the play is surreal, cerebral, and silly at times, but in the best possible way. 

Look directly in front of you, past the actors, and you see Neil nodding along as his life gets played before his very eyes. Look into the audience, and some of the actors lurk, breaking the fourth wall. As for above you? The letters ‘M’, ‘A’, ‘R’, ‘V’ ‘E’ ‘L’ ‘L’ ‘O’ ‘U’ ‘S’ cascading from the ceiling in triumphantly bright colours.

It’s hard to summarise a play without giving away too much. But one thing I will say is that we both couldn’t stop smiling. Sure, at times, the slapstick humour was overly theatrical. But this was always undercut by fleeting moments of poignancy, where we cried actual tears. All it took was seven incredible actors (and the real Neil) to pluck at our heartstrings. Before watching Marvellous, I had no idea just how remarkable Neil was. 

Diagnosed with a learning difficulty, he had speech and language therapy growing up. Yet, despite his ‘labelled disability’, he proved that the barriers would only make him want his dreams more. His mother Mary (an equally extraordinary human) pushed him to always be the best version of himself, even in the face of adversity. The result? A man who joined the circus, became an honorary graduate of Keele University, a kit man for Stoke City football club, and friends with the Archbishop of Canterbury (!). 

His story unfolds in a nonsensical way, yet you can’t help but be drawn in. It’s a dreamlike state, where pantomime humour collides with self-deprecating fourth wall monologues, tinged with sadness. Yet, there is always optimism. Even in the darkest times, his enthusiasm for life never wavers. 

It’s this optimistic enthusiasm that is thematic throughout. Whether it is one of the ‘Baldwins’ playing at being Neil, his mother Mary, or Malcom Clarke (who co-wrote the book), they are triumphant in the face of hardship. The actors are joyful; a neurodiverse cast that represents ‘Nello’s’ many different personas. After all, when Neil has been a vicar, clown, kit man, and beloved legend, how can you stick to one actor?

However, it wouldn’t be a review without us pointing out just how spectacular Micheal Hugo (as the real Baldwin) was. After meeting the man of the hour, I couldn’t deny that he had nailed the accent, mannerisms, and positivity that Neil himself radiated. Even when he named me as one of Neil’s many budgies, I couldn’t help but smile. 

Still, beyond the beautiful lighting, set design, and auditorium layout, I appreciated the fantastic casting choices. With Neil’s careful direction, the director Theresa Heskins, curated a neuro-diverse cast, free from labels. Though Neil was labelled as having a learning difficulty, he himself believes he does not. Aiming to be free from labelling, the term neurodiversity describes the idea that there is not one ‘normal’ style of ‘neurocognitive functioning’ any more than there is ‘one normal’ gender, race, and culture. Instead, embracing neurodiversity can be a source of potential. 

The aftermath: Book Signings, Delectable Desserts & Goodbyes 

With the final curtain call, we scurried downstairs where a book signing was taking place. Copies of his book, and programme were waiting to be signed by the man himself. After being so inspired by Marvellous, I couldn’t help but fall in love with his story. I craved more narrative to devour. We spoke briefly, pleased that I had come back to chat once more. And how could we help ourselves, being the kind person that he was? As for his companion Gem, she really was just that.

Book signing over, and there was one last treat in store. Three glorious desserts, and another mocktail waiting in the bar. Though the bar was adjacent to the restaurant the vibe was different here. Relaxed Scandi-wooden design, and a minimalist bar awaited. Marco, the chief bartender, performed wizardry, even slipping a secret recipe for my Frida laced with lemon, cranberry, raspberry, and berries. With so many desserts to choose from, where would we start? Or rather where would I start, given that I scoffed the lot. Though I was always more of a savoury, rather than sweet person, I couldn’t help but be entranced.  

A vegan oat tart drizzled in raspberry caramel, tart yet sweet. The crunchiness of the oats reminded me of Kellogg’s cornflakes (but in the best possible way), a moreish treat. The second? A chocolate mousse with mascarpone, and pistachio crumbles, effortlessly layered. Indulgent, velvety, and heavenly smooth, it was nothing short of decadence. The third, a Brilliant Basque cheesecake dusted with angelic icing sugar. It was a gorgeous affair, all three desserts competing for first place.

As we drank the last of our drink, and said our goodbyes, we were filled with contentment. The lights dimmed, and we scurried into the night once more, the cool blue lights above us twinkling conspiratorially.

We will be back. We promise.

Words and photography by Ana De-Jesus | Faded Spring.

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