As an Emmy-nominated writer and a director, it’s easy to overlook that Sarah McGuinness is also a singer, musician, and spent her early career as a club owner.
By Graeme Smith
It’s to those early club-owning days she returns with her new single, a re-release of Don’t Let Our Love Go. “[It] is my love letter to Soho,” she explained when I asked her about the release.
“Cast your mind back to the vibrant Soho of the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. Bright lights, excitement, ambition and sheer joy filled the streets of that effervescent corner of London.”
She goes on to paint a scene of clubs squeezed in everywhere full of creative people before lamenting how the central London district has been gentrified. “That’s what Don’t Let Our Love Go is all about, a plea to Soho not to lose that dazzling flamboyance that we shared together.”
The track certainly conveys the flamboyance, opening bold and brassy before McGuinness’s powerful and lilting vocals come in. A sense of vibrance and celebration is infused in its every note, even while its lyrics speak of heartache. It’s a beautiful contrast that gives the track plenty of character as well as classic appeal.
McGuinness’s time in Soho was very much defined by her own venue, The Halyon Club, a place central to the track, its video, and the re-release. “Back then, night clubs were wild, the laws changed to allow all-night licenses, and the streets of Soho were bubbling with utter excitement,” she reminisces.
“But I noticed the ‘shy types’ were hiding in the corners. I could see they wanted to express themselves, but they didn’t feel fully at home in the clubs being offered to them. So, I created The Halyon Club as a night for those shy souls.”
On 22 March 2026, coinciding with her birthday, McGuinness will be opening the club again for one night only. “It’ll be everything that it once was, and more, with surprise guests, dancing and song with me, the ring-mistress of The Halyon Club circus emceeing throughout the night,” she promises. “If you’re in London, make a point of coming down, you’ll find your heart bursting with joy at the experience that I have in store.”
In many ways, Sarah McGuinness needs no introduction, but it’s worth looking back at her career which features award nominations and plenty of highs. The last few years have been kind to her too. We last spoke in 2023 and recently she’s been busy presenting a radio show and putting on her stage play, Grit, Glitter and Gaslight which ran both in London and Australia. “I’m bringing that back to London this March for a three-week run,” she adds. “So, music, radio, performances, it’s been a thrilling time.”
And she won’t be stopping there. “I’m doing a run in Ireland then a longer run in Los Angeles of my theatre show. I’m also launching the London return of the Halyon Club after many years. It’s the perfect time for the more immersive themed variety style show I love to put on.
“I will be doing that around the country also. Plans are also afoot for Edinburgh, India, and New York before the end of the year too, so it’s going to be an exciting 2026!”
It all bodes well for a performer who puts in the hard work and reaps the benefits. I look forward to our next chat.
You can keep up to date with all Sarah McGuinness is doing via her website, and by following her on Facebook, X, Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube.
Don’t Let Our Love Go is out now, and you can listen to it below.
Supported by Musosoup #SustainableCurator
