As a performer, Laura Marie Benson understands the powerful connection between music, confidence, and self-expression. A seasoned musical theatre artist, she has spent years performing on stages of all sizes, bringing characters to life and captivating audiences with her voice. But beyond the spotlight, Laura sees music as something far more personal — a lifelong passion that has shaped who she is today.
From dancing at just four years old to developing a deep love for singing across genres, music has always been at the centre of her world. She describes it as something that not only brings joy, but also offers comfort and clarity, even helping her learn and remember through lyrics. For Laura, performing isn’t just about entertaining — it’s about connection.
On the 28th March, she’ll be joining Catch22Jams for a Northern Soul set at The Front Room, a venue that holds special meaning for her as the place where she performed her very first solo gig. Now returning with confidence and experience, she’s ready to embrace the unique intimacy of the space once again.
I caught up with Laura to talk about Northern Soul, performing with Catch22, and the importance of music, community, and stepping outside your comfort zone.
I have been obsessed with music my whole life. I find studying quite difficult so I’ve always used songs to help me remember things as I’m good at remembering lyrics.
Written by Belle Giffen
Belle: You’ll be performing a Northern Soul set with the Catch 22 at The Front Room later this month. How are you feeling about the show?
Laura: I’m looking forward to it. It’s always a lot of fun performing with the Catch-22 guys.
Belle: What do you enjoy most about singing Northern Soul music?
Laura: I love the rhythm and the beats of the music. There are a lot of iconic songs from the Northern soul era.
Belle: Northern Soul is known for bringing people together. Why do you think this style of music connects so well with audiences?
Laura: I think it reminds people of a lot of good memories. I also think a lot of the music has been passed down through generations of families and that brings everybody together.
Belle: This event is linked with the Connections Project, which focuses on community and wellbeing. Why do you think events like this are important?
Laura: I think since Covid, a lot of people have lost their confidence and avoid large groups or gatherings and I think that we have lost team spirit and community so I think it’s really important to have events like this where people can make friends and share passions that they both love.
Belle: Music can be really helpful for mental health. How has music helped you personally?
Laura: I have been obsessed with music my whole life. I find studying quite difficult so I’ve always used songs to help me remember things as I’m good at remembering lyrics. I’m also a dancer and have been since the age of four so it’s always been a huge passion of mine and I’ve been brought up with all different kinds of music since I was a little girl.
Belle: You’ve performed in many different shows and venues. How is performing in a more intimate venue like The Front Room different?
Laura: The Front Room was the first place I did my very first solo gig and I won’t lie to you, but I was absolutely terrified. I think there’s a good difference from playing a character and being in a costume with wigs on a big stage and you can’t really see the audience. But being yourself, just as you, there’s nothing to hide behind and there is maybe judgment on yourself and your talent as a person rather than the character playing, but I’ve done a few now and I absolutely love it and it’s become second nature to me.
Belle: What do you enjoy about performing with a live band like the Catch 22 Jazz Band?
Laura: I love performing with catch22 because they’ve all got different personalities and quirks and you can just tell that they love what they do from their energy and being around them and it’s a very fun experience to be a part of.
I think since Covid, a lot of people have lost their confidence and avoid large groups or gatherings and I think that we have lost team spirit and community so I think it’s really important to have events like
Belle: What kind of atmosphere are you hoping the audience will experience on the night?
Laura: I hope it’s a really buzzy environment and I hope people are singing and dancing along.
Belle: You perform often to large audiences while doing musical theatre professionally – what’s the scariest thing about being on stage?
Laura: Genuinely I don’t really get scared anymore. It’s more often adrenaline rush, but I think the scariest part of performing to loads of people now unfortunately is the risk that people are going to record you on their phones and put it on the internet when you were potentially not at your best, or not feeling very well, or not having a good day, and something that should have only been seen by a group of people is now being seen by everybody, and you can’t take that back. People who weren’t there at that moment will judge you and share it. I think the Internet is something that we all need to be scared of.
Belle: Finally, what would you say to encourage people to come along to the show?
Laura: I think we should all do something every day or every week that scares us all – puts us in a position that maybe we don’t feel comfortable with – because we might end up loving it! If you’ve never experienced Northern Soul before, give it a chance and come down because 10 out of 10 you’re going to love it!
Next Connections on the 31/01/2026 but look out for more dates if you cannot make it!
Also look out for K-POP on the 25/04/2026 from 7pm get those TICKETS