Van Morrison Alumni Band Live at Emerald Theatre – Review & Booking Info

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Van Morrison Alumni Band at The Emerald Theatre – A Night of Pure Joy

Walking into the Emerald Theatre, a short walk from Embankment or Charing Cross, feels like stepping into a secret jazz club from another era. Intimate cabaret tables line the floor, while behind them, banked two-seater stalls each with small tables for your drinks rise in gentle tiers. The middle of the banked seats gave us a great view—though those cabaret tables looked gorgeous for anyone wanting that supper-club vibe. Tip: seating is first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early and claim your spot.

A Back Catalogue That’s Almost Unbelievable

The joy from this band was amazing. Photo credit Justin Sutcliffe

Van Morrison’s body of work is staggering: over 50 studio albums and hundreds of tracks spanning decades. From Astral Weeks to Born to Sing, his music is a tapestry of soul, jazz, blues, and Celtic roots. Ask ten friends their favourite Van track and you’ll get ten different answers—one swears by the smoky tenderness of Crazy Love, another melts for Into the Mystic, someone else belts out Domino like it’s their anthem. And of course, there’s Moondance, Brown Eyed Girl, Days Like This, and Have I Told You Lately, Someone Like You (made even more famous by Bridget Jones) and my personal favourite Bright Side of the Road. Until the band played it, I hadn't realised that Jackie Wilson Said (I'm in Heaven when you smile) was written by Van long before Dexy's Midnight Runners released their version. These are songs that feel like old friends, the kind that you're really happy to re-connect with.

Joy on Stage You Could Feel

The wonderful Wayne Hernadez - photo credit Justin Sutcliffe

Leo Green, saxophonist and charismatic host, introduced each musician with warmth and pride. You could see it—the joy radiating from every performer. This wasn’t just a gig; it was a celebration. When Wayne Hernandes started singing his first number, the room gasped—audibly. His voice soared, rich and soulful, and the applause was instant.

Both female vocalists were sensational: Hayley Sanderson, familiar from Strictly Come Dancing, brought sultry elegance to the ballads, while Jess Greenfield, known for her work with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, delivered powerhouse vocals that shook the room.

Setlist Surprises

Most of the evening was pure Van, but there were a couple of gorgeous curveballs. You Send Me—written by the legendary Sam Cooke—was a soulful highlight. Every track felt fresh, alive, and deeply loved by the band.

The crowd was a glorious mix—long-time fans who’ve lived with these songs for decades, and fresh faces discovering Van’s magic for the first time.

So much talent on that stage

Need-to-Know Details

• Venue: Emerald Theatre (formerly Proud Cabaret), 8 Victoria Embankment, London, EC4Y 0DY

• Dates: Every Tuesday at 7:30 pm, from 13 January through 24 March 2026, with more dates extending into April

• Booking: 

Final Thoughts

If you love Van Morrison—or even if you just love music that moves you—this show is unmissable. A band of alumni who lived these songs, singers who pour heart and soul into every note, and an atmosphere that feels like a warm embrace. Grab your ticket, arrive early, and let the magic of Van’s music sweep you away.

Performers

Leo Green sax

Matt Holland trumpet 

Geoff Dunn drums

Robin Aspland piano

Steve Pearce bass 

Jim Watson keys

Matt White guitar

Sophie Hiller backing vocals

Tess Burrstone backing vocals

Hayley Sanderson vocals (lead vox on Strictly)

Jess Greenfield vocals (currently with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds)

Wayne Hernandes vocals (ex Ed Sheeran/Tina Turner/Quincy Jones)