REVIEW: BEATS + STRINGS: SOUL RENAISSANCE at Hen & Chickens Theatre 9 – 14 August 2026

‘Virtuoso, cello and violin, soul and R&B in the intimate setting of Hen & Chickens Theatre.’ ★★★★★

Central Standard Theatre bring us a one-hour performances of classical & contemporary soul and R&B.  Virtuoso performances from Tina Bilberry (K’Tina) on violin and Robert McNichols, Jr. (RMJ Music) on Cella with Desmond Mason (D Dot Prof)  on keyboard, a trio of Kansas City’s best. 

It’s a long way to come to perform in a small pub theatre at London’s Camden Fringe, but the producer explains informally, that it’s a third of the price of taking work to Edinburgh Fringe. The company are here annually to bring some Kansas City culture to the UK, and we are immensely grateful to have them.

The excellent sound is electronic, and The Hen and Chickens studio theatre is filled with melody, rich and full, with an exploration of numbers that move from jazz to soul, to R&B. Much of the music is classical & contemporary.  Bilberry riffs on her violin, taking the instrument into the brilliant highest notes and the lower notes, rich, clear and resonant with warmth. 

As performers the pair have a great rapport, they are audience facing and soon get the audience clapping hands, on their feet dancing and generally make sure that it is an immersive experience for all.

McNichols on cello is also a baritone vocalist and occasionally gives a smattering of his voice, but not enough! (Small complaint here). It was largely instrumental which included some well-known numbers which had one or two in the audience singing along. McNichols and Bilberry are top tier performers, with both having credits which include Bilberry performing internationally, and McNichols playing Cello for performances in Kansas of the Wizard of Oz.  His other credits include a lecture recital in collaboration with Carnegie Hall and the Black Speculative Arts Movement in Harlem, and portraying Bob in highlights of William Grant Still’s Highway 1, USA at Spelman College. He is also the 2023 winner of Pick of the Fringe Award at the Bedford (UK) Fringe Festival for his one-man show about Paul Robeson. The list goes on.

So, we’re privileged to catch them here in this small and intimate venue, their astonishing performances, which included a wonderful sense of romance, with McNichols, dropping down on his knees, cello in hand to serenade Bilberry in a touching moment of spontaneity (okay, it might have been rehearsed, but it felt real).

Finally, let’s not forget Mason on keyboards, a vital component, he also had his well-deserved moment in the spotlight. Not the star of the show but essential to its success. 

For anyone who loves electronic sounds, soul and R&B, this is not to be missed. Catch them at Hen and Chickens in Islington or check out their website for further information.

Central Standard Theatre Present

BEATS + STRINGS: SOUL RENAISSANCE

Hen & Chickens Theatre

Part of Camden Fringe Festival 2026

9 - 14 August 2026

Tickets £10-12

BOX OFFICE https://camdenfringe.com/events/beats-strings-soul-renaissance/

Website: https://www.cstkc.com/