NOW undoubtedly a leading lady of British musical theatre, Olivier Award-winning Beverley Knight has been busy playing Felicia Farrell in Memphis, Grizabella in Cats and, spectacularly, Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard.

Yet understandably, the opportunity to record her own songs and a collection of Stax staples at the famous Royal Studios in Memphis, alongside members of the Reverend Al Green’s band, proved too exciting to resist.

Collaborating with Jimmy Hogwarth and Matty Benbrook, the original songs include the single Middle Of Love, an edgy rock solid soul stomper.

The new material sits comfortably with the evergreen numbers, such as Anne Peebles’ I Can’t Stand The Rain and Private Number featuring Jamie Cullum. However, the cover of Big Momma Thornton’s Hound Dog, featuring Jools Holland, and Beverley’s duet with Sam Moore on his classic Hold On I’m Coming are the stand-out tracks.

Beverley Knight is a top drawer act and Soulsville is a wicked album, but it will be great to see her back in the theatre world.