Following a critically acclaimed run at the Etcetera Theatre in 2024, the one-woman cabaret musical The Sarah McGuinness Story - Grit Glitter and Gaslight is set to return to the London stage by popular demand. This extraordinary production will open at the Circle and Star Theatre in Hampstead on Tuesday 3 March for a strictly limited three-week engagement.
A Powerful Personal Journey Through Music and Memory
Emmy-nominated performer Sarah McGuinness has transformed her behind-the-scenes experiences with entertainment industry legends into a poignant and powerful theatrical experience. The show first captivated audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2024 before transferring to London venues, where it received widespread critical acclaim.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Response
London theatre critics have embraced this unique production with enthusiasm. London Pub Theatres awarded the show four stars, describing McGuinness as 'a born show-woman, with a beautiful voice and wicked personality – a great tonic for anyone’s night out.' Meanwhile, Irish Central praised the production as 'laugh-out-loud funny and wonderfully nostalgic…this show is the tonic you never knew you needed.' The List UK has labelled it a 'must-see cabaret' that stands apart from conventional theatrical offerings.
From Derry Childhood to Celebrity Encounters
The production takes audiences on a compelling jukebox journey through McGuinness's remarkable life story. Beginning with her childhood near the Irish border in Derry, the narrative explores complex family dynamics and personal challenges before tracing her path to international success. Throughout this journey, McGuinness's life becomes intricately entwined with entertainment icons, providing audiences with intimate glimpses into the world of celebrity.
A Musical Tapestry of Memory and Revelation
Blending live performance, personal storytelling, and musical numbers, the renowned documentary maker and musician turns her professional lens inward. The production delves into long-forgotten memories that prove both traumatic and hilarious in equal measure, creating a rich emotional tapestry that resonates deeply with audiences.
The show features an epic soundtrack that includes works by musical legends including David Bowie, Kate Bush, Kurt Weill, Stephen Sondheim, and Kander & Ebb's iconic Cabaret score. These are seamlessly interwoven with McGuinness's own original compositions, creating a musical landscape that enhances the narrative's emotional impact.
A Personal Revelation Sparked by Family History
McGuinness explains the personal catalyst for creating this deeply autobiographical work: 'After my mother's recent passing, an unexpected remark from my uncle disrupted everything I thought I knew about my past. It triggered doubt, unease, and questions I could no longer ignore - questions that led me back through memory, silence, and the stories I had been told to survive.'
She continues: 'I have spent my career helping others find their voices and tell their stories, yet I had never told my own. For the first time, I found the courage to do so - live, in front of an audience!' This personal breakthrough has resulted in a production that serves as both catharsis for the performer and inspiration for audiences.
More Than Entertainment: A Rallying Cry for Change
As McGuinness draws a definitive line against past oppressors and challenges, the production evolves into what she describes as 'a rallying cry for a better world.' Audiences are invited not only to witness this personal transformation but to participate in a broader conversation about resilience, truth-telling, and personal empowerment.
The show offers theatre-goers unprecedented access to the world of A-list celebrities while exploring the unexpected bonds formed between McGuinness and Hollywood legends throughout her career. This unique perspective provides both entertainment and insight into the human connections that transcend fame and fortune.
Tickets for this limited London engagement are now available for purchase, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience this critically acclaimed production during its exclusive three-week run at the Circle and Star Theatre in Hampstead.
