Live Review: Paige Kennedy - The Lexington, London 10/02/2026
Paige Kennedy shows the true success of DIY music by selling out the Lexington, a hotbed for new musicians, eager to prove why they’re the next big thing.
If there was a flat circle; there was probably a crossover overlap of Magdelana Bay and Paige Kennedy fans; and to sell out the Lexington on the same day as the indie sensation is no small achievement, especially given the size of the Electric Ballroom. But of course – Paige Kennedy has that talent: the pop artist who has been making waves on their Instagram by mimicking radio DJs reading out the playing of their tracks; instantly garnering a media following by DJs who try to outdo Paige at every turn. You can instantly expect then; that this set is going to be funny – it’s not just a live gig but a stage performance; Kennedy using their background as a teacher to keep the audience entertained: we get a cheer for the favourite song to be played next, but we also get an old teacher invited to the gig only for them to show that the most valuable takeaway that they had from the lecturer in front of their own parents’ friends was putting a condom on a cucumber, which was truly the pinnacle of sex education for those of a certain age.
They have the confidence and the opening voice clip note describing a breakup leading into Medical Emergency and What Does Your Girlfriend Think? for the first runout, instantly getting the audience on board with Kennedy revealing the real outfit (spoiled by a quick toilet-break run beforehand) to a loud round of applause. It’s clear that Kennedy can plunge headfirst into a start that sets the world alike – cheeky, catchy and irresistible – Lynks fans will be right at home; and there’s even a bit of Talking Heads and Christine and the Queens here for good measure; with Kennedy being inspired by plenty of pop – but also rap. The early promise of her art is easy to see why when they ask for a Glastonbury slot later – few will be leaving the set surprised if they don’t end up there after the fallow year.
Drummer Imogen Shortall’s relentless energy torpedoes the set forward and guitarist James Cook really shines on the riff. It’s a well-polished band that know exactly what they’re doing and really enable Kennedy to take the spotlight; George Burrage the bassist in electric form complimenting each other nicely. When an artist compares their work to Peter Strickland’s masterful oddity Flux Gourmet and it’s easy to see why; you can’t help but not be converted.
The set drifts between pop excess and pure joy and even has time for a mosh – Oh Honey is so upbeat and funky it feels like it’s transported from a different era, and it’s refreshing to see such a young crowd engage with the audience for Male Friend, where a mock police officer skit interacts with an adoring fan who will likely never forget the moment they were asked if they were a fan of PJ Harvey; owned a toolkit and watched Gogglebox. It takes place in 1913, Kennedy claims – but it’s clear time is at flux here from the word go; and as ever, a natural comedian only on the rise since Ritual Union in 2025; now more polished than ever. How a label hasn’t snapped them up yet is insane – they’re better than many label-backed acts.
My favourite song is probably Tina, rejected for release as a single – because all the best songs are. It’s a song that Kennedy introduces for their best friend; who is at another gig tonight so can’t be here, but talks up the bond of fellowship and how you know you have that one friend who is constantly in danger – and are worried when they finally do something that leaves them to end up in hospital. Kennedy’s storytelling is as captivating as the lyrics: effortlessly charming.
Of course, Male Friend is the hit – no Dennis Lehane on stage but “it’s a crime thriller / I’m a classic and literate sophisticated queer” shows Kennedy dancing, having the time of their life; and the audience are there as well. “Is she gay or does she just like jeans with good pockets?” // “Hey Barbie, are you flirting with me? Or are you flirting with my male friend?” The male friend in question is of course here tonight; Kennedy points him out in the crowd.
The mosh is hectic, brief but safe – nobody felt in any danger and the audience came here to have a good time. This is the kind of night that you want from a Tuesday evening in Camden; full of rich musical history that’s found another hero to add to its roster; even if it is via Kent – the perfect warmup for what is to come. Kennedy’s skill at engaging the crowd is second to none – and whilst I hope they never leave live music, the career as a stand-up comedian is theirs for the taking. It’s a loving room bursting full of life and energy to give and it’s impossible to leave a Paige Kennedy show having had a bad time.
Words by Miles Milton Jefferies
