Review: Petula Clark, Birmingham Town Hall
With a career spanning more than seven decades, Petula Clark is a treasure trove of incredible stories, wisdom, charisma - and, of course, musical talent.
The star first began her career back in 1942 when, as a nine-year-old girl, she stepped up and sang to calm the nerves of a BBC radio theatre audience when an air raid interrupted the broadcast. After this, she was fondly known as the Singing Sweetheart - and considered a sort of mascot by the British Army, who plastered her pictures on tanks for good luck before storming into battle.
And to this day, she remains the same bold, charismatic, enchanting character - with beautiful vocals and tremendous energy, despite now being 83.
The Downtown star stepped out onto the stage last night dressed in a floor-length black velvet skirt, with a flowing black sheer top and black fingerless gloves.
And from the instant she began, the packed-out Town Hall sat in silence - hanging off her every note and eagerly listening to her many incredible tales.
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These included stories of dancing in 1968 film Finian's Rainbow alongside the legendary Fred Astaire, and playing piano for Charlie Chaplin as he danced and sang for her, before she burst into a spine-tingling rendition of This Is My Song, penned by the late comic actor back in 1966.
She also brought an array of songs - old and new - to the show, with hits such as Colour My World and You're The One receiving thunderous applause.
As is not often the case with many artists, her new material was wonderful - particular highlights being her edgy cover of Peggy Lee's Fever and her dreamy rendition of The Beatles' Blackbird.
But above all, the most wonderful song of her set for me - with the exception of her incredible performance of 1964 hit Downtown - was her rendition of Reflections. Though Petula wrote the lyrics to the song, the music itself was composed by Johann Sebastian Bach - and her beautiful words, talking of her love for music, flowed with the stunning melody perfectly.
The night would not have been what it was without her excellent band, however. Made up of a brilliant guitarist, a highly-skilled pianist and impressive drummer, bassist and keyboardist, the group's sound was tight, clean and faultless throughout.
"Thank you so much to all the people who have travelled so far to see me tonight," said Petula.
"Goodnight. I love you."
We loved you too Petula, please do return soon.
By Kirsten Rawlins
