A MUSICAL canvas of colour, style and texture, Petula Clark isn’t shy to move away from familiarity in her live performances. Even now, at the age of 83 and still thriving with the energy singers half her age would be envious of, she can deliver a two hour show displaying creativity, originality and flair, much to her fans delight.

Her live show at St David’s Hall on Sunday evening, five dates in to her current “From Now On” tour was packed with greatest hits, new tracks and some neat cover versions and twists on familiar favourites.

Backed by a strong band who were able to shift and rearrange from a Nashville style on Pet’s 60s smash, My Love, via a rocky upbeat take on Peggy Lee’s Fever to the gentle lilt of The Beatles’ Blackbird, there really was something for everyone to enjoy.

60s hits were sprinkled accordingly throughout the show, with Petula giving several acknowledgements to hit songwriter Tony Hatch who produced many of her hits, and as favourites such as Don’t Sleep In The Subway, I Couldn’t Live Without Your Love and Downtown started up, her audience showed their appreciation and in many cases joined in.

Pet of course showed her appreciation for Wales, her connections to her mother’s Welsh roots and growing up in Abercanaid still strong to her heart as she performed the autobiographical Reflections. Pet told her fans, ““I’ve been looking forward to coming back to Cardiff, now I know why, you’re a lovely audience”.

She closed on piano with her own composition, Here for You, featuring the poignant lyrics “and remember when you're gone, Special things live on and on.” Certainly the memory of this concert always will live on for all in attendance.

Andy Howells