Maria Friedman: Re-arranged - TNT

Even on a Sunday matinee, award-winning Maria Friedman gave it all she's got - and certainly made one elderly gentleman's day – in her new solo show. Summoned from the front row, he was roped into dancing with the versatile songstress – and certainly fared better than another chap plucked from the audience to taste one of Mrs Lovett's gruesome, pussycat-filled pies in a comic song from Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd. Backed by an eleven-strong band, Friedman's expressive voice floods the intimate auditorium with an eclectic range from Purcell to Suzanne Vega, by way of Randy Newman, Leonard Bernstein and Irving Berlin. Sometimes the "rearranging" goes a step too far – You Are My Sunshine sounds almost miserable. But Kate Bush's The Man With A Child In His Eyes is a heartfelt treat and, even in a whirlwind rendition of Jacques Brel's Play The Song Again, every word is crystal clear. Friedman has, apparently, selected the songs from among her favourites, and (though her links sometimes irritate and her choices might not all be to your taste) you can't help but admire her range – dramatically, vocally and (as she moves easily from comedy to heartbreak) emotionally.
Menier Chocolate Factory, 53 Southwark Street, SE1 (020-7907 7060). Until May 4. £20 (meal deals available).