Penguin Café was formed by Arthur Jeffes in 2009 to play the music performed by Penguin Café Orchestra, composed by his late father, Simon Jeffes. Perhaps then, they epitomise a tribute band and one that couldn’t be more faithful or true. The seven brilliant musicians who played in the Howard Assembly Room created a few hours of blissful musical entertainment.
Playing a vast array of stringed instruments – violins, violas, a cello, guitars – both electric and acoustic as well as ukuleles and significantly the piano, the group move seamlessly around the space, equally skilled at whatever they pick up. The music is magical – mesmeric, almost hypnotic, with repetition of themes and melodies which transport the listener to the most joyful of places. Listening to Penguin Café is like bathing in sunlight – there is warmth and contentment in abundance made even more sympathetic by the gentle and humble introductions by front man Arthur Jeffes.
Explaining some of the histories of the pieces, Jeffes tells the story of ‘Telephone and Rubber Band’ written whilst being on hold with a crossed line so that his father heard both an engaged and ring tone. Capturing this on his reel to reel he then adds an additional note by twanging an elastic band. As the piece develops, so too does the conversation that ensues – chatty and cheerful and full of light.
Other pieces reflect perhaps the travels and musical experiences of the composer – chords and styles reminiscent of the traditions of the Southern States of America – square dances and Hawaii are evident in the piece entitled Dirt. In this Jeffes manages to play two flageolets at once – more than just a party piece in his case! Another piece – Giles Farnaby’s Dream, blends a 16th century madrigal with folk tunes from Venezuela – combinations that shouldn’t work but do and in the most stunning way.
Communication between the band is key and watching them as they nod, wink and smile to message each other is almost as integral as the tuning – some of the pieces only conclude by mutual consent – Numbers 1 to 4 – a piece inspired by just a simple tuning pipe – can’t stop until it can be played no more.
There are searing melodies here – the violinists Oli Langford and Clem Brown sweep their entrancing tunes with incredible beauty whilst Rebecca Waterworth and Andy Waterworth on cello and bass play with real depth and richness bringing heart to the ensemble. Darren Berry flits from ukuleles and violins to piano and brings a bit of magic to each. Aron Chambers is equally compelling on both percussion and electric guitar and the tiniest of ukuleles. If this is an ad hoc ensemble, then the music has clearly had the power to bond.
Having listened to the music of the Penguin Café Orchestra for over thirty years, to hear them live, in this guise, for the first time, was like seeing a much-loved old master rendered richly in oils. It’s music that should be available on prescription, much like a light box for seasonal adjustment. It is glorious in its warmth and the joyful places it transports you to.
Only two dates remain in this all too brief a tour – Manchester and Brighton. Catching it will make winter seem a much happier place.
Reviewed on 21st November 2025
