Barbara Dickson, Mayflower theatre, Southampton

DEFINITELY a concert of two halves.

The first reflected Barbara's early career as a folk singer, opening with Ewan McColl's First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.

Despite Barbara's flawless voice and sensitive accompaniment from three superb musicians, it was a little one-paced, and the applause seemed respectful rather than enthusiastic.

It was a different story after the interval when Barbara's powerful voice got more scope on a series of show tunes and standards.

Highlights included two fine interpretations of Bertolt Brecht songs, Pirate Jenny and The Wife of the Soldier.

The applause increased for Easy Terms from the musical Blood Brothers and two Beatles favourites She's Leaving Home and In My Life.

Other highlights included a rocking version of The Letter, by which time the audience were well and truly warmed up, demanding two encores from an assured and charismatic singer who made full use of the theatre's excellent acoustics.