Cafe Noir is a monthly event at the Cella, where residents Mandy And The Magdalenas begin proceedings then introduce various guests.

On Thursday, these were Hanna Burchell, a fascinating local singer/songwriter joined by Magdalena Reising for a stunning rendering of Kahlil Gibran's Children, Graham Lipscombe, who offered gently-rendered satirical songs then accompanied an unidentified orang-utan on a rousing King of the Swingers and Petra Creffield, poet and photographer, reading personal and affecting poems.

Mandy Wild fronts Mandy And The Magdalenas but the two Magdalenas are not mere accompanists.

They all contribute songs, badinage and harmonies and the overall effect is marvellous. The songs are witty, tuneful and very entertaining.

My only niggle is they do rather focus on finding the right man. Surely women have other interests?