Central Standard Theatre Brings Soul Renaissance to The Hen and Chickens Theatre
After the success of our 2025 Camden Fringe Interviews, we thought it only right to attempt a repeat for 2026. So throughout July we’ll be publishing new interviews each day to give a taste of what to expect from London’s best fringe theatre festival. The festival starts Monday 3 August this year, so we may give ourselves a couple of days off inbetween the end of the interviews and the first shows… then again, we might not.
You can find out more about Camden Fringe, along with details of every show playing this August here. You can also find all of this year’s interviews as they are published here.
There is a specific, unmistakable warmth to the musical heritage of America’s Heartland. It is a deep-seated groove where the foundational history of gospel, the structural precision of symphonic arrangements, and the improvisation of classic jazz collide to find a new home in R&B and Soul.
This August, Central Standard Theatre crosses the Atlantic to deliver that exact energy straight to London. Performing at the intimate Hen & Chickens Theatre, Soul Renaissance (officially billed as Beats, Strings: Soul Renaissance) brings together a powerhouse lineup of elite Kansas City artists (Violin: K’Tina – Tina Bilberry, DJ: D Dot – Prof Desmond Mason and cello: RMJ Music – Robert McNichols, Jr.) who have spent years collaborating across disparate genres, finally uniting to play the music closest to their hearts.
We sat down with producer and coordinator Bob Paisley to talk about the ensemble’s musical “secret sauce,” the healing power of a good groove, and an unexpected transatlantic connection sparked by the recent World Cup.
If you had to describe the vibe of Soul Renaissance in just one sentence, what would it be?
Smooth sounds with a Kansas City vibe; the heartbeat of the Heartland.
Why is 2026 the absolute perfect time for London audiences to experience this show?
The world could use a little chill… seriously. There’s so much noise out there right now, and this music offers a space to just breathe and feel the groove.
What was the initial catalyst or “eureka moment” that finally brought this specific project together?
We’ve all worked separately with each other on various other projects over the years; ranging from gospel and symphonic music to pure jazz. But recently, we realised we finally had the perfect opportunity to pool all those experiences together to play the exact R&B and Soul music that we love as a collective. We’re showcasing our talent, celebrating our rich culture, and honouring our musical history. What could possibly be more fun than that?
As an ensemble, what would you say is the “secret sauce” that makes your group dynamic click?
Our Secret Sauce is the deep, fundamental respect we have for each other’s individual talents. It’s such an immense honour to share the stage with these amazing Kansas City artists who are all truly at the top of their game. It is a pure, mutual joy for us to blend our distinct musical “voices” and share our love of music with the world.
How important is the audience’s role in a live set like Soul Renaissance?
The audience means everything to us. The music isn’t a passive thing; we want you to let it move you. Clap along, shout out exactly how you feel in the moment! Enthusiasm is highly contagious. You’re practically guaranteed to be dancing in your seat as our beats and live strings take you away.
Why does performing this show in the UK right now feel so significant for the company?
Right here, right now is the right time for us. Kansas City was right at the center of the recent World Cup, and as you might know, our city proudly hosted the England team for its fantastic run. Bringing our music to London feels like a natural continuation of that bond. Here’s to new friends. Cheers!
If this production were a love letter to a specific artist who inspired your sound, who would it close with?
It would say: “Dear Luther Vandross… Man, you were so full of Soul and laid down some amazing R&B. Thanks for inspiring us to greater things. Love, the World.”
Many thanks to Bob for chatting with us all the way from Kansas. Soul Renaissance will play at The Hen and Chickens Theatre from Sunday 9 to Friday 14 August (times vary) as part of Camden Fringe.
You can find out more about Central Standard Theatre on their website here.
