Alex Horne and the Horne Section
(Ronnie Scott’s. 13 October 2020. Second night of three. Review by Lavender Sutton)

Alex Horne at Ronnie Scott’s. Photo credit Monika S. Jakubowska / Ronnie Scott’s

Ronnie Scott’s has reopened with social distancing in place and it feels great to have them back. The entrance was spacious and set up with screens to protect both staff and customers. There was a temperature check at the door and all the wait staff were wearing masks. All of that said, the club itself felt the same. There was still a chicness in the lighting and the cocktails and it still felt like an exclusive place to be, maybe even more so during a pandemic – like we were the chosen ones who made it through the elusive doors.

On this evening, the ‘later’ show (8:15, in time to finish before curfew) of the Horne Section’s three-night run, the audience were buzzing. Even though the club is operating at half capacity, it still felt like a great turn out for a night of good, old-fashioned entertainment.

Alex Horne. Photo credit Monika S. Jakubowska / Ronnie Scott’s

Comedian Alex Horne and the Horne Section are well-known for their cabaret-style musical comedy show and were celebrating their 10-year anniversary here at Ronnie’s. The comedy started the instant the band took the stage and the surprises continued until their final (unresolved!) note.

Each new number had a way of featuring a member of the band or a ‘style’ of music they’d invented: caveat songs or one word introductions, for example. There was something for everyone – lots of stupidity, some crudity and even a bit of nudity!

The band are multitalented and up for a laugh – each musician played more than one part, whether it included singing a cappella, wearing a costume or learning the actions for an overly complicated (but hilarious) version of  YMCA, this job wouldn’t be for just anyone.

Hats off to each member equally, as they all had their own impressive moment: Ben Reynolds, drums; Ed Sheldrake, piano; Joe Auckland, trumpet/banjo; Mark Brown, sax/guitar and Will Collier on bass. You would think these guys would tire of their own jokes but it was clear that there was some real-time banter happening as old jokes took on new directions and had everyone in stitches.

Ronnie Scott’s is usually home to some of the best jazz in the world and while this music wasn’t jazz, it sure was entertaining. Just what the doctor ordered during such uncertainty and discouragement – for a minute, everyone had forgotten that they were boxed in Perspex. If this is what the new normal can be, it ain’t so bad.

LINKS: The Horne Section
Ronnie Scott’s Programme