The Show Goes On

I have been aware of Bernadette Robinson’s one woman shows for a number of years, but had not encountered them until now. I was not disappointed.

For almost an hour and a half, Ms. Robinson enthralled her audience by presenting many of the iconic female singers of the last century. She effectively combined her acting and musical skills to portray each character. The standing ovation at the end was richly deserved.

She most closely associated herself with Judy Garland, and returned to that character more than once. Her Judy sang a duet with Barbra Streisand, and later Julie Andrews, and the audience was left in no doubt which character was appearing at any particular time.

She talked to the audience as each character, and changed character and accent to portray each one. She engaged the audience from the start and never dropped character.

The powerful women suited her voice particularly well, though she was also able to lighten it for Julie Andrews, and also encompass the operatic repertoire of Maria Callas. The excerpt from “Caro Nome” was particularly beautiful.

The clever lighting enhanced the show and the three piece band was very supportive.

This was a very entertaining show.

Graham Ford

Photographer: Bob King