The Shacklewell Arms is one of London’s best small music venues, emerging mercifully unscathed from the great Gastro Pub scourge of the 2010s. From its graffiti-covered toilets to the tiny stage and low ceilings that drip with sweat, it’s the perfect place to scout out a hot new band. Tonight it’s packed to the rafters, pints are being poured, fans – wearing double denim, cowboy hats and a lot of leopard print – chatter excitedly.
So far, so normal. But this evening’s headliner is no newcomer. In fact, she’s one of the biggest-selling artists in history: a Grammy-winning, international superstar who changed the landscape of country music forever. “Please welcome,” the venue’s manager yells, “Shania Twain!”.
