HOUSE OF LIFE: A GLITTERY, JOY-FILLED RAVE-RITUAL THAT COVERTS YOU WILLINGLY

By Emma Carney | Bunny Pudding · Digital Coven · @bunnyscopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

I had no expectations of what I was about to watch when I went to this review and I am glad that I did. The surprises are part of the fun. House of Life at Soho Theatre is a gloriously chaotic, feel-good explosion of music, mischief, and communal euphoria—and I left fully converted to whatever glitter-drenched cult they were selling. Truly, sign me up and take me on tour. 

From the moment you step in, the show blurs the line between theatre, revival meeting, and rave, led by the magnetic RaveRend (The fabulous Ben Welch) and his musical accomplice Trev (The hilarious Lawrence Cole). Their infectious energy turns the audience into willing participants—though fear not, if you’d rather stay in your seat, the show respects boundaries while still making everyone feel included. I had a glorious moment in the spotlight venting and puffing up self esteem with the audience, but only after being asked—no uncomfortable ambushes here. 

The brilliance of House of Life lies in how it playfully dissects the allure of organised belief systems—whether religion, self-help, or outright cults—while making you want to drink the Kool-Aid. The songs are catchy, the humour sharp, and the visuals (projections included) add a layer of cheeky wit. It’s both a satire and a celebration, leaving you uplifted, slightly giddy, and possibly ready to follow RaveRend into the neon-lit unknown.

The chemistry between the performers is electric, each getting their moment to shine, and the audience becomes part of the spectacle in the best way. By the end, the room is buzzing—not just with laughter, but with a genuine sense of connection. I was rather fond of the percussion shakers they provided some of us with as well, perfect touch for the ceremonies. 

If you’re after something wildly original, laugh-out-loud funny, and surprisingly moving, House of Life delivers. It’s a glitter bomb of joy, and I’m officially a believer.

House of Life is running at Brixton House (2-4 July), Wilton’s Music Hall (10 July) and Park Theatre (18-19 July).

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⭐⭐⭐⭐ A raucous, heart-warming spectacle that turns sceptics into devotees.

Photo Credit: Mark Senior