Trailblazing New York performance artist Taylor Mac will bring two celebrated productions to London this winter, appearing with the Philharmonia Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall before heading to Soho Theatre Walthamstow with the UK premiere of Holiday Sauce.
On 26 November 2026, Taylor Mac and the Philharmonia Orchestra will present the UK orchestral premiere of A 24-Decade History of Popular Music at Royal Festival Hall.
The acclaimed work reimagines 240 years of American history through popular music, storytelling, audience participation and theatrical spectacle. Originally performed as a 24-hour event, the show explores identity, community and social change through songs spanning more than two centuries.
Produced by Pomegranate Arts and Nature’s Darlings, the performance forms part of the Philharmonia Orchestra’s season marking the 250th anniversary of American Independence.
Taylor Mac said: “Performing A 24-Decade History of Popular Music during the American250 is an act of resistance; it’s a reminder that America, and her parent country, are best when transforming tyranny into freedom. And doing it with songs.”
The production features costume design by Machine Dazzle, with Alan Pierson conducting, Matt Ray serving as musical director and Ted Hearne providing orchestral arrangements.
In December, Mac returns to London with Holiday Sauce, which will have its first live UK performances at Soho Theatre Walthamstow from 17 to 23 December 2026.
Produced and co-presented with Pomegranate Arts, the alternative festive show combines music, burlesque and audience interaction in what is described as an irreverent celebration of the holiday season. Musicians from the Philharmonia Orchestra will also feature in the live band.
Taylor Mac said: “My mantra during the holiday season is: when the sun gives less, the heart gives more. In a time of darkness (greed, fascism, and isolation), we gather to laugh, recognize, and sing the light back to us.”
With costumes by Machine Dazzle and a band led by music director Matt Ray, the production offers a playful and unconventional take on festive traditions.
Steve Lock, Soho Theatre’s Head of Comedy, said: “We first saw the remarkable Taylor Mac perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2006 and presented Taylor’s London debut at Soho Theatre the following year. 20 years later, with Taylor having blossomed into one of the most acclaimed and exciting theatre artists in the world, we are bringing Holiday Sauce to Soho Theatre Walthamstow – a brilliant and very Soho way to celebrate the end of the year.”
The London appearances coincide with the forthcoming UK publication of Mac’s debut book with longtime collaborator Matt Ray, Bark of Millions: Queer Songs for the Living Library of the Deviant Theme, which is due to be released on 29 October 2026.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
