Paulus (‘The Cabaret Geek’, BBC1’s All Together Now judge), the writer and performer of the hit touring show Looking For Me Friend: The Music of Victoria Wood, is inviting fellow fans of the late British comedy genius and national treasure to take part in National Two Soups Day on Saturday 20 April, the date which marks the eighth anniversary of Victoria’s passing. Inspired by the lyrics of Victoria’s iconic Ballad of Barry & Freda, Paulus is pairing stilettos with an oven glove in a fresh new photoshoot celebrating National Two Soups Day 2024.
Five years ago, Paulus held his first National Two Soups Day, an idea based on the classic soup-based sketch from Victoria Wood As Seen on TV starring Julie Walters, Celia Imrie and Duncan Preston. Victoria’s fans take a photo of their soup-based breakfast, lunch or dinner, shop-bought or home-made, and then post it online on their social media, tagging #twosoupsday. Paulus makes a fresh soup before lovingly re-enacting Victoria’s iconic (and messy!) sketch in his London kitchen.
Paulus is best known as BBC1’s All Together Now judge and also as one of the UK’s forefront entertainers and educators specialising in cabaret. As an Ambassador for Cabaret vs Cancer Paulus is suggesting that fans donate to the charity in Victoria’s memory to mark National Two Soups Day if they feel able. Visit https://www.cabaretvscancer.co.uk (registered UK Charity No. 1167819). This small registered charity, run by Rose Thorne, raises money through world-class cabaret and burlesque, in order to support those affected by cancer. Since 2016, the charity has been working with child bereavement teams in local hospices, to ensure they have the tools and support they need to help children who are losing or have lost a close relative. Additionally, they work with various organisations to support those currently living with cancer, from the manufacture of modern breast forms for post-mastectomy women to The Loss Foundation and many more.
Paulus said: “My hope is that those who loved Victoria and her sketches and songs will come together to take part in this annual fundraiser, remembering Victoria fondly and with a smile, whilst expanding the reach of this small but brilliant charity.”
Looking For Me Friend: The Music of Victoria Wood features a whistle-stop tour of 21 of Victoria Wood’s best-loved songs. It is filled with love, laughter and fabulous memories for Victoria’s fans as well as being the ultimate ‘beginner’s guide’ for audiences new to her work. The show has served up nostalgia, music and laughter at Edinburgh Fringe, sold out UK venues UK since 2020 and had the seal of approval from Victoria’s colleagues, school-chums and fans. It is directed by multi-award-winning cabaret artist Sarah-Louise Young(An Evening Without Kate Bush), with acclaimed pianist Michael Roulston (Fascinating Aida) joining Paulus on stage. For a full list of 2024 tour dates, visit: http://www.lookingformefriend.com.
