After watching Edson Cordeiro, I find I have to ask myself two crucial questions: firstly, if I say anything negative about him, will I be lynched by the 250 people who absolutely loved this show? Secondly, who am I to criticise the obvious and at times astonishing talent of this four-octave wonder?

Straddling the gulf between high art and high kitsch, his repertory is as wide as his vocal range. From flamenco and opera to soul and contemporary pop, he lights up the stage with both the force of his voice and his sparkling personality.

With a faultless piano accompaniment, he steadily builds a set which sends the crowd into a gleeful rapture. The standing ovation he receives at the end comes as no surprise.

It is with caution then, that I say I believe the show to be a little inconsistent. Moments of stunning vocal virtuosity are awkwardly juxtaposed with somewhat flat pop covers. Prince's Kiss is woefully mistreated and lacks the sexual punch and menace of the original. There is a sense that such an eclectic approach actually diverts the attention away from the areas of the performance which shine.

This is a shame because there are instances of such ethereal power that one is almost transported back to some seedy Weimar Republic nightclub. The inevitable encore, including an irreverent version of Barbie Girl, sees an explosion of smiling faces but ultimately betrays the show's lack of coherence.

  • Call 01273 709709