We sat down for an exclusive interview with Henry Patterson, a performer, broadcaster and rising musical theatre talent bringing a fresh twist to the traditional talk show format with his new live series, House Seats.
Launching at Crazy Coqs, the monthly show blends intimate interviews, live music and candid conversation with some of the West End’s most exciting performers.
House Seats premieres 15th March at Crazy Coqs – Tickets here.
House Seats blends interviews, live music and audience interaction. How did the idea for this format first take shape for you?
It came about very organically. Like many people my age, I spend a lot of time doomscrolling on TikTok until the early hours of the morning. My feed is flooded with either late night talk show clips or videos of Rachel Zegler on the balcony of the Palladium. It got me thinking how interesting it would be to combine formats and create a talk show themed entirely around musical theatre.
You’ve described it as inspired by the spontaneity of The Graham Norton Show but tailored to theatre artists. How did you adapt that energy to suit a live cabaret setting?
I’ve been fortunate enough to be performing my own shows for a while and find the atmosphere in the room always feels laidback and easygoing. I think channeling that energy and not taking the interviews too seriously is the secret, after all they’re interviews not interrogations!
When you’re interviewing someone like Ian McIntosh, what kind of space are you hoping to create for them?
Something homely and relaxed. I want the show to feel like we’re catching up with old friends, as that’s when you get people sharing their best stories! The audience will help to create that space too. They’re all big fans of Ian’s so expect the reception will be very warm.
How do you prepare for a conversation that you want to feel both structured and spontaneous?
I met with Ian a few weeks ago and spoke about his journey. We share similar roots in musical theatre, both having started our careers performing in the same venue. The conversation is mainly structured around the songs Ian’s picked to sing. Other than that, we don’t have a set script or talking points. We want to let the conversation go where it goes!
You’re known for your reinterpretations of musical theatre through jazz. How has developing that sound influenced the atmosphere you’re creating for this series?
My musical sound will take a familiar song and put an unexpected twist on it. In a way, the same applies here. We’re all familiar with watching Ian as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar or as Valjean in Les Miserables, but have never got the chance to find out more about his story. For most of the audience, it will be totally new to see West End stars as themselves and not in character, putting their personality firmly in the spotlight.
You’ve performed in London and New York, and built an audience online. How does hosting a live, intimate show at Crazy Coqs compare to those other experiences?
It’s actually very similar. My shows often feel like they’re one on one conversations with the audience. I never plan what I’ll say in between songs and the show often runs very naturally. The one difference here is that I’m in a conversation where the person I’m talking to will be talking back! I’m so excited to be sat in the best seat in the house to listen to Ian’s story. In some ways, I’m just an additional audience member, so I feel very lucky.