Before Fame: Raw Talent, Real Stories

Quote of the Week - “Genius gives birth, talent delivers." – Jack Kerouac

Good Afternoon, London. This week marks a special moment, one year since The London Palette first launched on November 7, 2024. Thank you for being part of this journey as we continue to bring you the city's most compelling stories, from raw talent to hidden gems. And what better way to celebrate than with an edition that captures exactly what we do best, finding the extraordinary and interesting before everyone else does.

From Peckham's hope-filled transformation to a musical born from a fractured world, this week's The London Palette is about witnessing brilliance in its rawest, most authentic form. Highlights include your chance to walk the red carpet into the fame machine, to discovering grassroots cinema in a social club, and so much more. Every story here invites you to see something first, feel something real, and be part of the conversation before it hits the mainstream.

Snatched highlights from this edition:

1. Your 60 Minutes of Fame Starts Now

2. Death of the Traditional Pub? Not Quite

3. Peckham Restores Hope With £7m Investment

4. Live Music - London Community Gospel Choir & lots more!

Let’s dive in.

—Bybreen Samuels

COUNCIL CANVAS

As Architecture Becomes a Promise, Peckham Elevates

How does a community reclaim a public square and, in doing so, rewrite its own narrative? This is the profound question at the heart of the Hope in the Square design competition. Southwark Council and the New London Architecture answer this question with a major new initiative to transform a key part of Peckham Square. As urban regeneration projects go, this is a deeply symbolic act of placing residents at the centre of designing the environment. Their aim is to create a permanent legacy of hope and resilience in an area that has experienced its share of tragedy.

The competition is a central pillar of Southwark Council’s £7 million flagship scheme to redevelop Peckham Square, a civic space that has long been at the heart of the community. Nearby are cultural landmarks like Peckham Library and the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. A central feature of the brief calls for a “garden-like area” that celebrates young people. The aim is to create a safe and inclusive meeting place for them to gather, reflect, and look towards the future. It’s a direct response to the community's desire for a beautiful space that is meaningful, fosters connection and a sense of belonging.

Crucially, the competition is also about honouring the past. The new space will build on the legacy of Damilola Taylor, the local, ten year old boy tragically killed in 2000. It also pays tribute to the tireless work of his family and the Hope Collective, an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of young people. This memorial also reflects a living testament to the power of hope over despair. It’s seen as a physical embodiment of the community’s commitment to a brighter future for young people. The winning design will be a permanent symbol of this promise.

As you can imagine, the competition has attracted a huge amount of interest from architects, designers, and artists. There are now six shortlisted practices in the running to bring their vision to life. After the announcement of the winner in early December, they will work closely with the local community to develop their design, ensuring that itis a true reflection of the people it serves. This collaborative approach is a key part of Southwark Council’s Southwark Stands Together Programme. The focus is to work in partnership with residents to create a borough that is more equal, more inclusive, and more hopeful.

Ultimately, Hope in the Square is a powerful example of how public policy can be used to drive positive social change. It demonstrates a deep understanding that the built environment is not just about bricks and mortar, but about people, stories, and the enduring power of community. This style of regeneration is a statement of intent, a declaration that even in the face of adversity, hope will always find a way to take root and grow.

CITY PALETTE

See Midnight Before It Hits Broadway

You might know Todrick Hall as the creative force behind RuPaul's Drag Race . But now he's bringing something entirely new to London. So far Midnight, is his most ambitious project, and is having its first public workshop at Sadler's Wells East from November 11 to 15. This is an amazing opportunity to witness a potential West End or Broadway smash hit in its earliest stages. Set in the 19th century American South, Midnight is a sung through musical of a sweeping tale of love, conflict, and the quest for understanding. The intention behind Todrick’s work is to unite you and every audience member through a message of empathy.

The story follows Rail, a character created and performed by Todrick, who falls for Lily Rose, a young Black woman. You'll watch as their forbidden love story becomes entangled with the lives of Rail's owner, Scarlet, and her wealthy neighbour, Richard. As relationships cross the rigid boundaries of class and race, the characters are forced to confront the deep divisions between them, the type that might feel uncomfortably familiar. Todrick says he was inspired to write the musical during the pandemic, during a time when the world felt fractured. His response to this is to create a piece of art that would encourage you to walk in someone else’s shoes.

The musical score is a vibrant blend of gospel, R&B, pop, rock, opera, and classic musical theatre. It is being compared to landmark productions like Hamilton and Les Misérables. You'll see a stellar cast in action including Rachel Tucker from Wicked, Ayana George from MJ The Musical, and Georgina Onuorah from The Wizard of Oz. Collectively, they bring Todrick’s ambitious work to life. These workshop performances offer you a rare opportunity to witness a new musical in its developmental stage. A true peek behind the curtain before a potential full scale production.

After two private workshops in London and New York, this will be the first time Midnight is performed for the public. It's a testament to the power of theatre to explore complex social issues with nuance and heart. The musical's central message is that while you may not choose your circumstances, you have the power to decide how you navigate them. In a world still grappling with division, Midnight is a timely and poignant reminder of the radical power of empathy and you will feel every note of it.

Book tickets here - https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/midnight

Your 60 Minutes of Fame Starts Now

You've scrolled through enough celebrity Instagram feeds,now it's your turn to live it. Fame Factory gives you a 60 minute taste of life as an A-lister, complete with red carpets, private jets, and the paparazzi. Within this new immersive experience at Excel Waterfront, you are thrown into the heart of the fame machine. And you are supported by a cast of actors playing agents, stylists and adoring fans across 11 different sets.

Fame Factory is created by Done + Dusted, the production team behind The Oscars and the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony. They’ve designed it as a high-octane joyride through the mechanics of modern stardom. You can choose to be a pop star, a Hollywood actor, or a sports legend. Whichever persona you take on, you’re guided through a whirlwind of press conferences, photo shoots, and even a tearful acceptance speech. The experience is designed to be a playful satire on celebrity culture, leaving you to decide whether you'll play the humble star or the demanding diva.

But beyond the flashbulbs and adulation, what does it truly mean to be famous in an age of fleeting digital celebrity? Fame Factory taps into our cultural fascination with the lives of the rich and famous, offering a taste of that world without any of the real world consequences. It's a chance to experience the performance of fame, to be the main character, if only for an hour. By doing so it raises questions about our own relationship with social media and the curated lives we see online.

After your 15 minutes in the spotlight, Fame Factory is a reflection on the nature of ambition and what we value in a world saturated by celebrity. It’s a powerful reminder that while the limelight is intoxicating, the real story is always about what happens when the cameras stop rolling. Book tickets now for a unique and temporary escape into a life of glamour.

Book tickets here - https://fame-factory.com

UNDISCOVERED GEMS

Forget the Red Carpet, Real Film Happens Here

Mainstream film festivals are usually awash with red carpets and velvet ropes. However, there’s a new screen in town in the form of the emerging wave of grassroots cinema, taking place in a Peckham social club. Now in its third year, the SET Film Festival is deliberately carving out a space for the unconventional, the artistic, and the archival. Running every Thursday from November 6 to December 4 it’s a celebration of film that prioritises accessibility and community over commercialism, with tickets priced to welcome everyone.

The programme is a testament to its commitment to diverse storytelling. Spanning six curated nights, it will showcase everything from animation and documentary to experimental artists’ moving images. Each evening is built around a distinct theme, with screenings followed by Q&As with the filmmakers, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into their creative process. Tonight’s opening night is titled ‘A Token, A Sign,’ and sets the tone for a festival that promises to be both thought-provoking and deeply personal.

In a city saturated with major film events, SET Film Festival stands out by championing the underrepresented and the local. One night is dedicated entirely to a free archival screening of work from the area, this is such a powerful statement of the Festival’s commitment to its neighbourhood. The curators clearly understand that the most compelling stories are often found not in the multiplexes, but in the heart of the community. This underlying principle is reflected in its choice of venue namely SET Social, an arts and social club in Peckham.

In the long run, the SET Film Festival is more than just a series of screenings because it gathers a community who are passionate about the power of film. Particularly its power to challenge, inspire and connect. It's a reminder that the most exciting cultural moments are often born not in grand institutions, but in small, dedicated spaces where creativity is allowed to flourish without constraints. If you’re looking to discover the future of filmmaking, this concealed, secret gem is an essential destination.

Book tickets here - https://setspace.uk/set-film-festival-2025

LONDON BUZZ

Voila! The Festival That Speaks 70 Languages

There is a way for you to travel the entire world through theatre, without leaving London. For three weeks in November, this is exactly what Voila! Theatre Festival offers. Exploding across eight different venues they offer a vibrant, borderless programme of multilingual and multicultural performances. Welcome to the radical celebration of the diverse voices that make up our global city. This is a fringe festival with a truly international soul. With 110 shows in 70 languages, Voila! is a defiant act of artistic unity, challenging the monoculture of the mainstream stage.

Here in London, nearly a quarter of the population doesn't speak English as their first language, Voila! steps into this recognition by showcasing the type of entertainment that is a vital act of representation. The organisers have taken a panlingual approach with over half the shows performed bilingually and subtitles are provided for all non-English performances. This ensures every show is accessible to an English speaking audience while empowering artists to tell their stories in their native tongue. It’s a model that fosters genuine cultural exchange by connecting venues with communities that have long been underrepresented on London's stages.

The sheer breadth of the programme is staggering, and a testament to the Festival's grassroots ethos of championing emerging and international artists. You could find yourself on an immersive journey to the 16th century Ottoman Empire with Unofficial Roxelana, a hit from the Edinburgh Fringe. Or be captivated by a one-person jukebox opera that remixes classic arias in How to Be a Romantic. The range expands to solo dance performances exploring motherhood to theatre about the climate apocalypse. Collectively, the programme is a dazzling showcase of creativity in all its forms.

Furthermore, this Festival acts as a crucial launchpad for artists who are often shut out of larger, more risk averse institutions, by showing theatre that is considered too political or uncomfortable for the mainstream. In an era of shrinking arts funding and growing division, Voila! stands as a beacon of inclusion and creative bravery. It's a living, breathing argument for why diverse, international perspectives are not just a nice thing to have in the arts, but an absolute necessity for a thriving cultural ecosystem.

Voila! is a vibrant, chaotic, and joyful immersion into the stories that shape our world. Here’s your invitation to see beyond your own experience, to listen to languages you may not understand but whose emotional power is universal. Also, you can connect with the raw, unfiltered pulse of global theatre. It’s a powerful reminder that the most exciting, urgent, and beautiful stories are often the ones waiting just across the border. And this November, that border is just a tube ride away.

Book tickets here - https://www.voilafestival.co.uk

LONDON SOUNDSCAPE

Barbican - November 13 and 15

How do you compose a soundtrack for the end of the world? On November 13, you’re invited to the Barbican to hear the answer. Visionary saxophonist and rapper Soweto Kinch joins the London Symphony Orchestra for the final chapter in his powerful trilogy, Soundtrack to the Apocalypse. Following the acclaimed The Black Peril and White Juju, this performance promises a groundbreaking fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and classical music. This is your rare opportunity to witness a vital voice in British music collaborate with a world-class orchestra on such an ambitious scale.

When a true jazz icon takes the stage, you know you're in for something special. On November 15, the legendary Dee Dee Bridgewater brings her fearless artistry to the Barbican with WE EXIST!. Dee Dee is known for her genre-defying mastery, and leads a powerhouse female quartet in a performance that’s both a tribute to the great women of protest music and a powerful statement of presence. You’ll hear timeless songs of activism, from Nina Simone to Ray Charles, reimagined with the soul and fire that only a living legend can deliver.

Book tickets here - https://www.barbican.org.uk

Hootananny Brixton - November 9

Imagine stepping into a Brixton institution and being hit by a wave of sound that’s pure, unfiltered soul. That's what's in store for you when The Cinelli Brothers, the reigning UK Blues Band of the Year, take over Hootananny on November 9. This band is a true melting pot. Italian brothers Marco and Alessandro are joined by a London native and a Frenchman. And collectively, their music is an electrifying fusion of blues and soul with a contemporary edge. Listen out for echoes of their heroes from Ray Charles to Stevie Wonder, in a performance filled with raw musicianship and magnetic showmanship.

Book tickets here - https://hootanannybrixton.co.uk 

London Palladium - November 14

Remember when the bassline of Something About You was the soundtrack to your life? On November 14, you have the chance to relive that moment as Level 42 brings their World Machine 40th Anniversary Tour to the iconic Palladium. This is the album that launched them into superstardom, and gave us a masterclass in jazz-funk fusion that defined the sound of the mid-80s. These legends are ready to take you on a journey with their hits that conquered both UK and US charts.

Book tickets here - https://lwtheatres.co.uk/theatres

Soul Mama - November 15

Vanessa Haynes has a voice that combines the power of Aretha with the sting of Chaka Khan. And now you can experience this vocal powerhouse when she offers you an exclusive preview of her new album as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival. Having spent over 14 years as the frontwoman for the legendary jazz-funk band Incognito and backing icons like Van Morrison, her talent is undeniable. Expect a night of blues, country, and deep soul delivered with unforgettable vocals.

Book tickets here - https://www.soulmama.co.uk

The Crypt - November 14

Pure, unadulterated magic happens when two guitar virtuosos take the stage together. During the EFG London Jazz Festival, you can witness the legendary Antonio Forcione and the brilliant Giorgio Serci create a spellbinding musical conversation at Jazzlive at the Crypt. These two award-winning Italian guitarists blend Latin, African, jazz, and flamenco into a sound that is both passionate and deeply melodic. Get ready to be moved, laugh, and be transported by their breathtaking skill and infectious humour. This is a truly world-class performance you don’t want to miss.

Book tickets here - https://www.jazzlive.co.uk

The Exchange - November 7

What if you could experience the genius of George Michael all over again, but with a completely fresh twist? On November 7, you can, as musical director Janette Mason brings her unique and brazenly original arrangements of his songbook to the stage. She's joined by the incredible vocalist Brendan Reilly, who has toured with Basement Jaxx and Shania Twain, and a band of the UK's finest session musicians. Witness this stunning tribute and reimagination of a legend's work that will remain etched in your memory.

Book tickets here - https://www.exchangetwickenham.co.uk

229 London - November 12

Suntou Susso carries the music that contains seven centuries of history in every note. On November 12, you can experience this as Suntou, a master Kora player born into the West African Griot tradition, takes the stage at 229 London. This singular show launches his new album, Jaliya Silokang, performed live for the first time with a 10-piece band. This is a musical train you don’t want to miss as it takes you on an intimate and life-affirming journey of ancient stories reimagined with messages of peace, love, and equality.

Book tickets here - https://229.london

Union Chapel - November 8

Union Chapel will be bathed in candlelight when the legendary London Community Gospel Choir fills the space with their soul-stirring harmonies. On November 8, you can be a part of this exclusive concert, a celebration of joy and unity presented by TodayTix Live. The Choir will perform alongside their sensational live band, a specially curated setlist that fuses gospel with musical theatre, film soundtracks, soul, and R&B. This isn't just a concert, this is your time to bask in an uplifting experience.

Book tickets here - https://unionchapel.org.uk

BUSINESS SCENE

The Death of the Traditional Pub? Not Quite

Instead of pulling pints of craft beer, London’s pub scene is poised to evolve. On a competitive stretch of Essex Road in Islington, a venue is quietly rewriting the rules of the local watering hole. Godet, the city's first and only wine pub, is betting its future on a strategic pivot. They’ve agreed to a one year kitchen residency with Ling Ling’s, the celebrated pan-Asian brand by chef Jenny Phung. They’re on a mission to upgrade bar snacks and booze to a calculated move to transform the traditional pub model into a curated culinary destination. By doing so they’ll create a unique experience that can't be easily replicated.

This partnership is a masterclass in symbiotic strategy. For Godet, it solves a major challenge for watering holes by providing high-quality food without the immense overhead of running a full scale kitchen. For Jenny Phung, whose past residencies at The Bluecoats and Bambi have been hugely popular, it provides a stable, year long platform to engage a new audience while minimising the financial risks associated with a permanent restaurant. The result is a powerful value proposition of a cosy neighbourhood spot with an expertly curated wine list and a critically acclaimed food menu.

The implications of this model stretch far beyond Islington. As consumer habits shift towards unique, experience-led outings, traditional pubs face increasing pressure to innovate or risk becoming irrelevant. The Godet and Ling Ling's collaboration offers a blueprint for survival and growth, demonstrating how established venues can leverage the dynamism of independent food entrepreneurs. This type of leverage helps to refresh their brand, drive footfall, and tap into new revenue streams. This agile, low-risk approach could become a dominant trend in urban hospitality, leading to a new wave of culinary creativity within traditional spaces.

This creative business model signals a deeper shift in what it means to be a successful hospitality business in a saturated market. It’s no longer enough to simply sell a product, the focus has to be about curating a compelling, multi-faceted experience. By blending a specialised beverage concept with a trending food brand, Godet has created a destination that is more than the sum of its parts. It’s a powerful reminder that in the future of London's business scene, collaboration is the new currency. Human resource driven changes are more often the boldest moves that break the entire mould.

Find out more here - https://godetlondon.com

LINGUISTIC TAPESTRY - WORDS OF THE WEEK 

English Word:
Snollygoster
Pronunciation: /snɒl.iˌɡɒs.tər/
Definition:  A shrewd, unprincipled person who is guided by personal advantage rather than consistent, respectable principles, especially a politician who will do anything to win office regardless of party, platform, or principles.
Cultural Note: Though the word was removed from Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary in 2003 for lack of use, it occasionally resurfaces in political discourse when the public seeks the perfect term for politicians who place ambition above principle.​

Filipino Word:
Bayanihan
Pronunciation: /bah-yah-nee-HAHN/
Definition:  The spirit of communal unity and cooperation, embodying the act of coming together as a community to achieve a common goal, often in times of need or celebration.
Cultural Note: Today, Bayanihan symbolises the Filipino practice of mutual assistance and collective action, whether helping a neighbour rebuild after a typhoon or supporting a community project. This concept is central to Filipino identity and reflects the deep cultural belief that no one should face hardship alone.​

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