House of Life | Soho Theatre

House of Life is the glorified divine intervention that any London resident is looking for, with a promise to leave you utterly soaked in joy, and dare I say it? Happiness. 

From the moment you enter the auditorium, you are greeted with glitter (quite literally, you are blessed with a stroke of a glittery face paint), and a sense of walking into a party. The warm, almost stiflingly so, room instantly reminds one of a club, made even more obvious with the strobe lighting, pulsating music and shiny backdrop. 

The show blesses audiences with the presence of RaveRend (Ben Welch) and his multi-talented shy friend Trev (Lawrence Cole), who guide the audiences through a step by step guide to Ascension. Each step takes on its own unique journey, taking audiences through the circle of life, as they douse in the promise of a new light. The show invites audiences to thoroughly immerse themselves in these steps, taking on a hilariously almost cult-like approach with the undertone of pure ridiculous fun. 

The show never takes itself too seriously, yet still achieves its mission in reminding audiences the power of self-confidence and community. The RaveRend, who feels like joy personified, leads a series of motivational affirmations that audiences are encouraged to repeat until it feels right and sinks in. Whilst this may appear trivial at first, the energy of the room and the aftereffects are suspiciously impressive with a changed electric charge and an even more pumped up audience. 

The RaveRend also wisely wields audience participation, encouraging friends and couples to share things that they love about one another, individual theatre goers to feel empowered, supporting lifelong dreams and to overcome hatred in a mighty supportive room. An almost hypnotic experience, the House of Life is a dazzling feel good show that just keeps giving. 

The show also has a witty script, most obviously evidenced by the use of a PowerPoint presentation on a screen, that is amusing and pokes fun at both the audience and the RaveRend. Furthermore the juxtaposition of the RaveRend's larger than life and shiny cloaks and robes and Trev's business suit and timid disposition as he largely lingers in the background, providing technical or instrumental assistance is a brilliant creative choice. Without spoilers, it's Trev's invaluable contribution at the show's close that really ensures the message remains after the glitter fades. 

Welch has a truly remarkable stage presence, with a charming magnetism. As the RaveRend, Welch shines as his infectious energy and excitement washes over the audience, and his more serious moments of genuine human connection with the audience is admirable and heartwarming. Welch's vocals are stunning with a range that's very impressive, as well as his improvisational raps based on audience interactions, creating songs that are not only clever but incredibly catchy. The songs are infrequent in the show, yet each number is an instant winner, with many an audience member humming the titular song post show. With the use of a loop system, instruments (live and pre-recorded) and impressive talent, Welch and Cole create a unique soundtrack. 

The House of Life is a celebration and reaffirmation that life doesn't need to be depressing and a wonderful reminder to love yourself, love others, and love the world.

The House of Life is currently playing at the Soho Theatre until 31st May 2025.

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Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Mark Senior