A Night with Breakthrough Songs

Last week, I had the chance to photograph Breakthrough Songs, a show that felt like stepping into a living history of music. Held in the Club for Acts and Actors in Covent Garden, it brought together a trio of performers and timeless songs.

James Hodgson was the heart of the evening, effortlessly blending his performances with tales of how each song came to be and why it mattered. At the piano, Tom Wakeley provided the perfect foundation, while Onur Uz, the guest singer, lit up the room with their vocals and captivating stage presence. The connection between the three of them made the night feel really intimate throughout the whole evening.

The concept behind Breakthrough Songs is simple. It’s a celebration of the songs that changed everything - songs that launched careers, reflected social shifts, and made people feel seen. From Cole Porter’s “Let’s Do It” to tracks by David Bowie, Madonna, Nina Simone, and even Britney Spears, the setlist took us on a journey through decades of music that shaped our culture.  

What made it special was the way the songs weren’t just performed but were given context. James shared how Cole Porter was an unknown when “Let’s Do It” catapulted him to Broadway fame. He drew connections between these tracks and the broader stories of their time, from shifting gender politics to breaking stereotypes. It was a performance, a history lesson, and a singalong all in one. You could see how much these songs meant to people, the way they connected with the stories behind them. 

Breakthrough Songs is a reminder of how music can reflect who we are and who we want to be. It’s about the risks people have taken to create something new. If you love music and the stories behind it, this show is one to watch. With two more performances coming up in Covent Garden, it’s the perfect chance to experience something that feels both familiar and fresh.