We meet legendary performer, Victoria Wilson James

The former Soul II Soul and The Shamen diva chats to us ahead of her sparkling One Woman show ‘Perseverance’
We meet legendary performer, Victoria Wilson James picture

Sunday brunch in the capital welcomes a new entertaining arts-fuelled edition with the launch of ‘Abstrakt’ on November 13th which is also the world premier of former Soul II Soul & The Shamen diva, ‘Victoria Wilson James, launch of her sparkling One Woman show ‘Perseverance’. Taking inspiration from New York’s Manhattan legendary brunch show bars/ eateries, Abstrakt is a celebration of the arts in its broadest sense, with an electic music, live performances, film and video shorts and in-house pop artists Marty Thornton and Jennifer English installed at their easels creating. Hosted at Egg London’s Apothecary Room and garden, its the perfect way to round off the weekend.

Abstrakts central focus will be around the show-stopping performance of US native but adopted Londoner, Victoria Wilson James’ debut of her One Woman show ‘Perseverance’ - her journey through the music and theatre industry. Flanked by incredible Live performances from some of the capital’s more left field cabaret artistes, in house pop artists Marty Thornton and Jennifer English at work with DJ Dorothea serving up a smorgasbord sound track of pop, show music, blues, old school disco n’ funk and even the odd urban choice, all served whilst enjoying the latest ‘Chicken & Waffles’ inspired brunch menu with vegetarian and vegan choices. Brace yourself for an unforgettable afternoon!

So, to check out her London credentials, we put her through her paces on life in the capital:


What is your favourite shop …

Etsy.com As they have so many artisan suppliers. Most of the clothing, accessories and jewellery designers are quite cutting edge and they make their own stuff. Buying directly from them feels a lot better than tipping into some over-priced corporate owned designer shop.


Where would you choose to go clubbing in the the big smoke?…

The Red Gallery in Shoreditch as I lovee the concept of outdoor daytime clubbing. It’s incredibly gorgeous but think their days are numbered.


OK, so that's your favourite club, but what is the best club night…

The annual Gold Diggers party at Egg London, which brings together some of the city’s wildest artists, performers and clubbers and of course lots of good friends for an afternoon of gold-flecked partying. What’s not to love!


If you could perform with any celebrity (musical or non musical) it would be…

Dame Maggie Smith. Watching her tour de force performances is so inspiring.


When you're away, what song reminds you most of your London life…?

Pets Shop Boys 'West End Girls'. It was one of the first records I heard when I arrived in the UK and has that wistful optimism I first felt.


When you're in a bar you would choose to drink…

Cucumber Water. It really increases electrolytes and makes plain water taste special.


Where would be your favourite pub/bar to drink this magical cucumber water!?…

The Lord Stanley in Camden Town. It feels like you’re in someone’s sitting room and it’s ever so cozy and has really yummy fare on offer.


Which is your favourite London restaurant…?

I know it’s totally un-chic of me, but I do love Balan’s in Soho. I’ve been going there for many years now so it’s kinda like going to your family home to eat. They used to make the most divine Haloumi and potato cakes.


If you need a little peace and quiet when you're in London where would you go…

Don’t go out my door.


The best area of London is…

Camden Town. It has such a vibrant atmosphere and eclectic mixture of people. I only have to go out my door to feel like I’m on a movie set.


If you could change one thing about London, what would it be…?

People would be kinder to each other. Sometimes just a sincere smile can make a difference to someone’s day.


Finish this sentence.. "One thing everyone should do in London is"…

Leave occasionally!


Victoria Wilson James debuts her one woman show ‘Perseverance’ at the launch of the new Abstrakt Sunday Brunch club on Sunday November 13th at Egg London alongside UK pop artists Marty Thornton and Jenny English with DJ Dorothea serving up the sounds. All info facebook

Published Nov 8, 2016