Mari Wilson: Girl About Town

With a career spanning four and a half decades, Mari Wilson has done rather a lot. There have been chart hits, jazz clubs, musical theatre, a skyscraper beehive, a twelve-piece band, and more than a few famous faces along the way. Now, the Neasden Queen of Soul is back with Girl About Town, her first album of original material in more than a decade.

Joyful, melodic and packed with soul, disco, pop and psychedelic touches, it is an album that feels unmistakably Mari. We caught up with her to talk dream dinner parties, terrible household habits, shoulder pads, Barry Gibb and why, after all these years, she still believes in following your gut.



You've described Girl About Town as being "very much me". If someone had never heard Mari Wilson before, which one song from the album would you play them first – and why?

Good News, because it has an upbeat, positive chorus that shows off my voice in the same way Just What I've Always Wanted did. It just sounds like it could only be me.

The album is full of musical nods – from Philly Soul to disco, psychedelia and 60s pop. If you could invite three artists from any era to your dream dinner party, who would they be – and who's getting stuck doing the washing-up?

Barry Gibb – I’d planned to marry him when I was 11 – John Lennon and Judy Garland. Rod Stewart could do the washing-up. I’ve seen him doing that on a video, so he’s pretty good!

Tomatoes in the Fridge has to be one of the best song titles of the year. What's the funniest or most ridiculous everyday annoyance that almost became a song?

I have a whole concept album for this! Not loading the dishwasher properly, untidy sock drawers, not taking or bringing in the bins, using up all the loo rolls… it’s endless!

You were at the heart of one of the most colourful eras in British pop. Which 1980s fashion trend are you secretly hoping never makes a comeback?

Massive shoulder pads and ra-ra skirts.



You rubbed shoulders with everyone from Boy George to the Eurythmics and Visage. Was there ever a celebrity encounter that left you completely starstruck?

Being kissed by Barry White at the Albert Hall in 1975, when he came down the aisles. And meeting George Clinton of Parliament-Funkadelic in 1982. He was in all his wonderfully colourful regalia – he’s larger than life.

If you could take today's Mari Wilson back to meet the Mari who was about to release Just What I've Always Wanted, what's the one piece of advice you'd give her?

Trust your instinct. Go with your gut because it’s usually right.

You've had chart hits, jazz clubs, musical theatre and even an Emmy nomination. Which chapter of your career surprised you the most?

Musical theatre, because it wasn’t anything I had an ambition for. But I did end up in a few different kinds of productions, the biggest being playing Dusty Springfield in Dusty the Musical.

It’s a completely different discipline. You have to do exactly the same thing every night.

Your songs always seem to have a warmth and optimism about them. When you're having a difficult day, what never fails to lift your spirits?

Getting outside, exercise, listening to uplifting music – right now it would be Bruno Mars' latest album, The Romantic. Finally, counting my blessings and finding something to laugh about – usually myself!

You've waited over a decade to release a new album. During that time, what made you realise, "I've got something worth saying again"?

Getting older and having a career that’s lasted over four decades. I’ve been around the block a few times and have lots of stories to tell.

If Girl About Town were turned into a film, who would you cast to play you – and what would the opening scene look like?**

Circa 1970, a young Shirley MacLaine walking through London’s Soho and arriving at the Marquee Club in Wardour Street.

You mention Camden Palace in Lost on the Dancefloor. What's the most unforgettable night out you've ever had that you can actually tell us about?

I found myself talking to Paul and Linda McCartney at the 1983 BPI Awards, now known as the Brits, and Paul introduced me to Michael Jackson!

Wish we’d had phones with cameras then…

You've performed with some incredible musicians over the years. Is there still someone on your musical bucket list you'd love to collaborate with?

Daryl Hall.

You've reinvented yourself more than once. Do you think artists worry too much these days about sticking to one "brand", or is it healthier to keep surprising people?

I think it’s much healthier to keep moving forward, trying new things and challenging yourself. Take risks, be a bit scared – it’s good for you. And certainly don’t repeat what you’ve done before.

Try a few different hairdos too!

Finally, your album ends on such an uplifting note. What's the best piece of "good news" you've received recently that genuinely made you smile?

That there’s a new season of King of the Hill.

And with that, perhaps Girl About Town has the perfect motto: keep moving, keep surprising yourself, and always leave room for a little good news.

Girl About Town is released on 4 September 2026.

Live dates.
4 October – Cadogan Hall, London
7 November – Music Room, Liverpool
8 November – Otley Courthouse, Otley

More details are available at Mari Wilson's official tour dates.