Review: Passionflower, The Bongo Club (venue 143)

There’s always an air of mystery about a performer who never speaks – not to say hello, nor thank you after a round of applause.

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Make no mistake, this sleek, satin-clad lady has a lovely voice. She can belt it out with the best of them, as she proves during songs such as Elvis Costello’s Poisoned Rose and an odd number she co-wrote, Passiflora Incarnata, consisting of just one phrase intoned over and over. While showcasing her vocal dexterity, it also manages to be annoying as hell.

She spends a lot of time writhing, and her stage is strewn with props. One of the most beautiful moments, which speaks to the show this might have been, is her rendition of La Vie En Rose. Sanderson is at her best when she doesn’t try too hard – no husky whispering, no pseudo-Southern drawls, just a beautiful woman and her beautiful voice. Unfortunately there’s not enough of that, and too much of the other.

Until 25 August. Today 7pm.