A native of San Francisco, jazz and cabaret artist Holly Penfield has been a leading light on the London scene for over fifteen years.
Hi Holly, welcome back to London. How would you describe your relationship with the city?
My love affair with London has been alive and kicking in my heart since I became aware of the city as a young girl. Growing up in San Francisco, you’d think I’d want to live there, and often people ask me why I’ve chosen here instead. The answer is simple: because it’s the best city in the world if you want the city lifestyle. It’s harder at times weather-wise and stress-wise, but the payback is worth it. After twenty years here, I’m still learning how to get the balance just right, so that I’m inspired by the city and not drained by it. I’m reminded of an old Judy Garland song called I Belong To London, which I’m learning for the tribute show.
You’re going to be launching your Judy Garland Songbook at the upcoming RVT show; is there a particular song that resonates with you?
My life has been changed learning and performing the Garland Songbook. She was one of the greatest singers and entertainers of her generation, proclaimed by all her peers. I could never have her endurance or sense of time through years of inspired singing, dancing, comedy and acting, but I’ve learned a lot trying. I’d say The Man That Got Away is still “the one” but I also love so many of the Harold Arlen songs that he wrote especially for her.
Tell us more about about the RVT show.
It’s called The Rhythm of Life and does just that; musically, emotionally and madness wise. I do my best to never bore my audience and try to transform their faces and hearts throughout the night.
You’ve been a cabaret artist for many years. Why do you think the word ‘cabaret’ is sometimes used in a derogatory way in popular culture? In particular, a certain judge on a certain TV talent show, who often says ‘that performance was too cabaret”.
Cabaret is still a dirty word to some people, as it did turn into a cliché in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Pop and rock & roll reigned. New cabaret pushes the boundaries and makes it dangerous again with rough edges and button-pushing. My fear is that it will go back to being squeaky clean because people can lose their jobs. People like me. “We will hire you Holly if you promise not to do this or that.” I was a rock chick before I got into cabaret in London so I brought more of a rock and roll sensibility and an avant-gard outlook, and simply had fun.
Would you ever do one of those talent shows?
Maybe. Just haven’t gotten around to it yet.
You began singing at the age of 12. Were you encouraged to follow that path by your parents?
Yes, they were the most supportive parents an artist could want, always there for me emotionally, but I had to work hard to keep their respect and help. Financially they were never rich people but they’d do what they could as long as I stayed dedicated. That was the key to it all. I was so lucky.
Finally, what’s your motto in life?
My new motto is my dad’s old motto. He saw it in a coffee shop in Chicago in the 1940’s: ‘Keep your eye on the hole and not on the donut’
Holly Penfield – The Rhythm of Life is at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern on November 2nd.
