The Show Goes On

Bernadette Robinson does mean impersonations of famous singers. Garland, Bassey and Piaf are meat and drink to her; Julie Andrews puts in an appearance, and Patsy Cline; even Maria Callas turns up, top notes and all. She has a large and loyal following who adore her every move.

This is her new show, following the success of Song For Nobodies, and it features her multiple personalities chatting about what motivates them before she launches into song after song. At no stage (before taking her bows at the end) is Bernadette herself allowed to comment.

Plainly dressed in a sombre black outfit that most suits Piaf, she shows her versatility in a range of songs, accompanied by an excellent three-piece band – piano, bass and drums. From ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ to ‘Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien’ she exactly nails the quirks of delivery of a particular performer.

Particularly impressive is her take on opera star Callas. As she ascends to Rossini’s operatic heights she far exceeds the limits of her audience’s expectations. Her thrillingly clear sound hits home. Even ‘Over The Rainbow’ can disappoint after that.

The setting is a trio of performance spaces that, with a constant supply of pumped haze, she inhabits in turn. The onstage microphones must all be props for her voice rings without them.

Only at the very end does she allow herself to become Bernadette Robinson, dealing with thrown roses and thunderous applause. I recommend more of this smiling, delighted, confident performer.

Frank Hatherley