The Pleasure of Sad Songs

Presented as a one woman cabaret show with piano accompaniment and a selection of slides as a backdrop, this is a depiction through monologue and song of Ms Cotterell's experiences of troubled family life and its aftermath. One of the motivations behind her return to the stage is also to further her academic qualifications with the accent on mental health, the system and to reflect on her life's journey, in particular the consequences of caring for her mentally ill mother and brother.

Predominantly an evening of pathos, as per the title, with a sprinkling of humour, the show had an almost poetic feel to it, created by someone who has a good understanding of psychology coupled with a past of performing jazz and folk vocals. But what really brought a touch of class to the evening was the style and sophistication of Steve Russell's superb piano arrangements and accompaniment.

Though this evening had a message, and a good one, it felt more like an exercise rather than an entertainment in itself. A pity because Ms Cotterell has an impressive career that was sadly marred by her unfortunate domestic responsibilities; and it's a shame that her vocal talents came across as somewhat strained in this performance. Still, there was an interesting choice of original and cover material and a few highlights along the way, particularly her rendition of God Bless the Child.

A 'Sentimental Journey' in its own right, this was an evening for fans of Ms Cotterell and an endearing platform for those who like to reflect on their own family life and how the simple message of love can move mountains.

Brian Adamson

Photographer: Robyn Mill