Kieran Hodgson: Voice of America – Soho Theatre, Soho

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

“Star-Spangled Banter“

4.5 / 5

When Kieran Hodgson got his first gig in Hollywood in the opening scene of a Marvel movie it wasn’t just his agent who was “super excited”. Although he grew up in Yorkshire, America has always had a place in his heart, even if it does have its fair share of controversies.  

He was cast as Sandwich Guy – put to work making The Flash a PB & BRHC (which side note, sounds vile), to fuel him up for a day of saving lives. Although only a short part, it’s very funny, and is seemingly much to do with Hodgson’s determination to make his character the best version it can be. Within his life he’d always followed American politics, watched American movies and listened to American music, so he thought he had a pretty good idea of what personified the country as a whole. But after some disappointing feedback on his accent from the casting director, it was back to the drawing board – and his quest to figure out America’s one true voice was born. 

As a self-proclaimed ‘voices guy’ Kieran Hodgson doesn’t disappoint, delivering a brilliantly talented collection of impressions neatly woven into his set. From Margaret Thatcher at a birthday party, to a multitude of Bushisms, he easily and successfully becomes each persona – perfecting their accents, mannerisms and gestures to a tee. But, although his speciality is impressions, his show is filled with so much more. His natural, charismatic approach keeps the audience completely engaged throughout, as he takes you on a hilarious journey through various points in his life. His spring break that saw him gripped by a New York opera rather than pounding Jello shots on a beach in Florida, his playground impressions that had him recounting Bill Clinton’s famous scandal speech and his visit to a British themed bar in Portland, all have the same style of being wholesome and genuine, while still impeccably funny and witty.

Running at 60 minutes long, his exploration of America and its characters is perfectly paced, with a good range of stories that tie into the American theme. His star-spangled banter is an absolute joy to watch, and his personable, yet political comedic style is magnificently well done.  

Runs until 28th June 2025