As Andrea Marcovicci observed during her show, a heat wave in London is an unusual and unexpected event. This however did not prevent a full house turning up to see her on one of the most sweltering nights of the summer. Those who attended were not disappointed as she produced a performance of stunning versatility and professionalism. Two shows are being presented 'Just Kern' and 'Ten Cents A Dance'

From the moment she glides on, elegant and sophisticated and starts the opening phrase of Kern's 'Once In A Blue Moon', she totally captivates her audience who know they are witnessing an artist in total command of her craft. The selection for the Kern set is varied, skilfully combining leeser-known material with more well-aired songs such as 'Can't Help Loving That Man' and 'Make Believe' from Showboat. As with all her material, Marcovicci brings an individuality to the compositions, thus the standard numbers are re-invested with orginality far removing them from standard cabaret fodder. In an exceptional moment an absolutely exquisite version of 'The Touch of Your Hand' is combined with 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes' from the 1933 Broadway musical 'Roberta'.

Marcovicci's skill at investing a song with emotion was made for torch songs of which she delivers many during the evening. This can be a dangerous, though well-trodden path to navigate. The fact that none of them come across in a cliched or contrived way is down to precision delivery and Marcovicci's insistence in refusing to take the material for granted, being prepared to explore the nuances and meaning of the songs to see how they can be delivered anew. The feelings and emotions of each song flow effortlessly through her body. She can turn from tragedy to humour in an instant, and is equally effective at conveying both. One moment her face conveys a pensive wounded expression, the next it is illuminated by her wide smile and sparkling eyes. In other numbers she uses a sweep of her hand across her face or the movement of her fingers to indicate the setting sun. When in the second set she sings 'Nevertheless', she embellishes the title phrase with a telling and touching small shrug of her shoulders that communicates the total acceptance of something obviously less than perfect. Nothing is superflous or contrived.

Ruth Etting is probably less well known this side of the Atlantic than in America thus making the Etting set a revelation. Familiar and unfamiliar songs blend with well-researched and detailed biographical information combine to produce an enjoyable and memorable set that is by turns fascinating , entertaining and moving, starting with'Shine On Harvest Moon' and including along the way such delights as 'Mean To Me'and 'Zing Went The Strings of my Heart'

Accompanying her throughout was the marvellous David Lewis who was, amazingly, only performing both sets for the second time, having rehearsed on Thursday and making his debut on Friday. Marcovicci announced that as long as she had breath in her body she intened to continue singing. Her devotion and commitment to her art, together with her mesmerising performances, should ensure that we will continue to enjoy one of the most exceptional talents on the current cabaret circuit for many years to come.