LUCIE BARAT’S LONDON: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE CITY’S INDIE HEARTBEAT
In the heart of London, amid the smoky haze of early 2000s indie gigs and the relentless hum of a city that never sleeps, Lucie Barat navigated her youth with a mix of determination and defiance. Standing in the Shadows of Giants, Lucie’s evocative play, captures her tumultuous journey, from sharing a flat with her brother Carl Barât during his meteoric rise with The Libertines, to her own battles with obscurity, identity and addiction.
Lucie’s story is set against the backdrop of a vibrant yet unforgiving London. A city where minimum wage jobs and odd auditions were the norm and where the sudden fame of her brother—once the black sheep of the family—threw her into a whirlwind of self-reflection and struggle. Her play is a comic and poignant recount of dodging exes, fending off sycophants, and navigating the free bar’s temptations, ultimately leading her to rehab and a profound acceptance of her sexuality.
Interwoven with an original soundtrack co-written with Carl and Pete Doherty, Lucie’s live performances bring the raw energy of that era to the stage, offering a nostalgic yet inspiring glimpse into the London indie scene.
Now, with her brother’s band, The Libertines, topping charts again with their No. 1 album All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade, Lucie reflects on her past with a blend of humour and insight.
Her favourite London hangouts, from iconic pubs to hidden cafes, paint a vivid picture of a city that shaped her—and continues to inspire her creative journey.
Join Lucie as she revisits the places that hold the stories of her youth, each spot a testament to the vibrant, chaotic spirit of London’s indie heart.
How would you describe London during the early 2000s indie music scene and what were some of the most iconic aspects of that era for you?
It was genuinely exciting to have this underground scene develop that was in such contrast to some of the more polished girl/boy band acts of the day. It felt like we had ownership of something again. You could put up posters/flyers or just word of mouth and organise a gig relatively easily and cheaply. Plus it was like an extended circle of bands and punters mixing as one – you could bring anyone to a gig and they’d be welcomed. Likewise with fringe theatre at the time – the circles crossed with poetry, romanticism and music…
What was the atmosphere like in your neighbourhood where you lived with your brother Carl during his rise with The Libertines?
Before they were signed, Carl and Pete lived on Camden Road in a basement studio flat. I stayed with them for a while between house shares. It was probably the most poignant period; all impromptu parties, writing, music and bohemia 😉 As soon as they were signed, I think they started a pretty rapid ascent. Carl came to live with me in my flat share full of drama school graduates as their Bethnal Green flat had already become a 24-hour party house. We then moved to Harley Street which was such a central location, we had everyone stopping by after a night out or afternoon shopping. So, quite an eclectic array of postcodes but all memorable for different reasons and all with their own buzz things going on. All had a similar air of aspiration and excitement – or maybe that was just us.
What were some of your favourite rock ‘n’ roll hangouts in London during that time? Any particular pubs, clubs, or venues that you frequented?
Rhythm Factory, Bar Fly, there was a members club on Camden Road that was pretty crazy! Medicine Bar… We used to go to the Phoenix Bar a lot and the Arts Club. All the thesps hung out there.
Can you share details about the most unforgettable parties or events you attended?
Not really, as that would mean I’d either remembered them (for all the wrong reasons) or I’d have to have you sign a pretty hefty NDA (…laughs)
You’ve mentioned encountering notable figures like Amy Winehouse and the Arctic Monkeys. Did you have any favourite places where you would often run into these artists?
Actually, I met Amy in the greenroom at BBC Studios. And by the time she was in full swing and the parties were really raging, I was electing to stay home and attempt a stint at sobriety, as visited in the play… Looking back, that might have seemed nuts to a lot of other 20-somethings at the time but I was never really swayed by celebrity itself, even in my youth. But the ‘rock n roll’ hang-outs and parties I was part of were more about the people and the moment, honestly – we had a pretty raucous and impromptu sing-along at the Wetherspoons in Soho one night…
Can you share any particularly wild or memorable nights out in London and what made those experiences stand out?
I have to say, as a young actor with our own little residency, we had some nights to rival the bands, and quite often, they’d mingle. The very beginning of Standing In The Shadows… is about that time of being young; all artists, all dreamers. And in the moment before you have any inkling who may take off or where you’ll all end up. It was a time of hustle, togetherness and aspiration.
What new cultural spots or events in London have recently caught your attention? Any new venues, exhibitions, or festivals on your radar?
My recent run at the Omnibus Theatre in Clapham Old Town was inspiring. I hadn’t actually been there before but they have such a timetable of amazing stuff on there. Exhibitions and scratch nights, cabaret as well as two theatres. There were 3 shows on a night during their 96 festival and live music later in the eve. I really rated it.
I’m also looking forward to attending this year’s StART fair at the King’s Cross Town Hall during Frieze. My friend, art curator Christabel Milbanke is running an exciting program of Latenight art events with fabulous musicians.
What are some of your favourite hidden gems in London, places that perhaps weren’t as well-known but held a special place in your heart?
Def the Phoenix Bar – from right back in our days ushering in the west end. John Hassall and Carl and I all ushered. You’d have to show your payslip to prove you worked in the theatre to be allowed in. And all the speakeasies of the time; Blue Note, Gerry’s, Venus Videos. There was this bar beneath the cab office in Chinatown. You entered through a trap door… Marathon in Camden was always an after-spot where you’d bump into familiar faces.
Looking back, how do you feel the city of London itself has changed since the early 2000s? Are there any places that you feel have particularly evolved or disappeared?
It definitely feels a lot more sanitised. Places like Soho, Camden and Hoxton – were all a lot more rough around the edges. More venues, less luxury flats… More characters and grit, which always means more artists in my mind but then there are always new little spaces and collectives popping up. Just another generations turn, I guess.
Are there any contemporary London artists, musicians, or performers that you find particularly inspiring?
On a grassroots level, I don’t know. I have 5 yr old triplets now so my nights are somewhat curtailed! Max Bianco – an old soul and genuine artist…
How do you see the evolution of the London music and theatre scene in the next decade, and where do you see yourself within that future landscape?
I’d love to run a space like The Omnibus – music, theatre, poetry – art combined with its own little community. I’m actually putting on more theatre these days – always with music 😉 It’s full circle in a way. Now that the film and TV world is facing its own difficulties, it feels like theatre is a place where I have control. conception to the audience in a swift timeframe and with us all looking into the whites of each other’s eyes! The upcoming tour of SHADOWS is exciting to me.
Can you describe a perfect day out in London for you? What would you do, where would you go, and what makes those places special to you?
Actually, my brother and I talked about having a nostalgia day. We’re going to head to a matinee – perhaps fringe – and then jump around the old haunts that are still there. Maybe see who’s on at Ronnie Scotts and have an insultingly late dinner/breakfast at Balans on Old Compton St.
Lastly, what advice would you give to young artists in London today, both in navigating the city and in pursuing their creative careers?
Find like minds and join forces. You can find your audience with all the buzz and support of each other. We achieved amazing things looking back – from theatre residencies to exhibitions and gig nights – all by ignoring the naysayers and being cheeky enough to ask for a shot!
