ELIZABETH Mansfield returns to York Theatre Royal in Ensemble's touring production of Portraits In Song, an exploration into the separate lives and music of Edith Piaf and Bertolt Brecht, two highly influential artistic figures of the mid-20th century.

While Piaf and Brecht are separated by their opposing approaches to life – Piaf is the romantic and Brecht the thinker – their songs capture the mind and heart in equal measure.

Portraits In Song is beautiful in its simplicity. The first half is dedicated to Piaf, the second to Brecht in a one-woman performance, accompanied by Stephen Rose on the piano, in which Mansfield interweaves the songs with the life stories of the subject, delivered as though she were the artist in question. All songs have been carefully translated into English by Steve Trafford to release the tales held within the original lyrics.

The intimate space of the Theatre Royal Studio holds the modest production perfectly. There are no amplifiers or microphones and the lighting is unobtrusive. The performance is honest and untouched by dramatics. Mansfield does not impersonate Piaf and Brecht, she just conveys their words.

Her voice is strong and clear and her storytelling is heartfelt. Even though some songs such as La Vie En Rose and Mac The Knife, are more recognisable than others, all 22 are paid due reverence and delivered with absolute heart by both Mansfield and Rose.

Portraits In Song is a rare treat in a world where musical theatre now relies on flashy tech, big casts and even bigger budgets. It is a fitting tribute to Piaf and Brecht’s music and a reminder that the very soul of theatre is the ability to tell a story, or in this case, several very good stories.

Elizabeth Mansfield in Portraits In Song, Ensemble, York Theatre Royal Studio, tonight at 7.45pm. Box office: 01904 623568 or yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Review by Stephanie Faye Bartlett