CLARE Teal didn’t just walk on stage at the Theatre Royal on October 22; she arrived sylphlike and full of bounce, with an easy, friendly manner that quickly won over the lively and appreciative audience.

Throughout the performance and between numbers she treated the full house to little chats, regaling us with snippets of her career and bringing everyone into the spirit of the show. Everybody loved Clare.

After kicking off with Fascinating Rhythm, Coffee Song, Get Happy, Love Hurts, and a polished Cheek To Cheek. There followed many faves which were too numerous to mention, but she absolutely excelled in the Latin numbers. Particularly poignant was I Love You Porgy, and a tribute to Anita O’Day with Tea For Two. My personal pick was If I Were A Bell, and Cavatina also has to be mentioned in her tribute To Dame Cleo, who is 82 next week.

MD/pianist Grant Watson excelled in his accompaniment, as did the rest of her band.

Elizabeth M Harris, Kirkwell, Bishopthorpe, York.