SONGS FOR NOBODIES Her Majesty’s Theatre Until 10 Jun 2012 Review by Jamie Wright Five of the greatest singers of the twentieth century – one performer. How is that possible? Because of the astonishing talent of Bernadette Robinson, whose capacity for accents and vocal and physical mimicry is nothing short of stunning: from the jazzy tones of Billie Holliday all the way into the soaring notes of Maria Callas – while also visiting Judy Garland, Patsy Cline and Edith Piaf along the way. But Robinson isn’t a one-woman jukebox; she doesn’t ‘just’ sing these amazing songs; instead, they form the kernel of five stories (courtesy of playwright Joanna Murray-Smith with direction from Simon Philips), each one about a woman who is somehow connected to the great women who made those songs their own. Robinson plays all five ‘nobodies’, plus a whole raft of other characters – as well as the iconic singers – in a show which would be worth seeing even if she didn’t sing a note. Credit should go to the backing band as well, who segue through each of the different musical genres with ease. The combination of brilliant concept, excellent script, great direction and tremendous talent results in a mesmerising, hilarious and deeply touching and entertaining – not to mention unique – cabaret show. An absolute cracker.