3 Stars

***

Lili La Scala is what I would describe as a niche artist. Her choice of songs is taken almost exclusively from the 1920’s to 1940’s. Her appearance evokes this period also. She does have a strong singing voice which suits the songs of this bygone age and her diction is crystal clear. This is important because the lyricists of these times had to tell to a good story whether of love, sadness or humour.

Classic favourites appear such as ‘Cheek to Cheek’ and ‘Makin Whoopee’. The first half of her set was made up of American selections. For the second half, British songs figured including the humorous ditties of George Formby and Gracie Fields. Between songs, there is a bit of banter with her excellent piano accompanist. More interesting, perhaps, was the background to the songs. For example, by a fluke of circumstances she managed to obtain the music of a long forgotten Gracie Fields song.

She does live up to the title of her show, and to round things off as an encore, was a lovely, simple treatment of ‘Over the Rainbow’.

Reviewed by Ben

Assembly George Square – Bosco Theatre: 3

3 to 28 August 2011 (not 8,15, 22)

17.00 – 18.00

Fringe Programme Page Number: 12