Lovelier than ever

It is difficult to believe British songbird Petula Clark is 72 years of age, as she is youthful and energetic on stage. She looks absolutely outstanding and sounds even lovelier.

The audience welcomed Clark to the Hummingbird Centre with clapping and cheering, as she presented herself on stage looking beautiful as always, wearing a sparkling midnight blue dress. She waved to her many fans with such joy that the happiness became contagious.

Clark and her fans have spent more than 50 years together – whether it was watching her on the big screen, listening to her melodies or attending a live show. Clark is a household name and after watching the concert, it’s obvious why so many people adore her.

A dark curtain was displayed behind Clark and her six-piece band, which created a theatrical effect. She has a charming stage presence, as men from the audience were going up to the stage, holding their hands out, in hopes the beautiful lady would hold their hand as she sang flawlessly.

Clark shared stories about Broadway and what living in Hollywood used to be like. She said she loved working with Francis Ford Coppola in Finian’s Rainbow and that his work inspired her immensely.

She sang her most famous songs, ‘This Is My Song’, ‘Don’t Sleep in the Subway’, ‘I Know a Place’ and ‘Colour My World’. She danced happily, moving and grooving, and could beat Britney Spears on a dance-off any day! She also has a performance trait of throwing the microphone into the air and catching it while ending a song with a glowing smile.

Clark, who made her Broadway debut in 1993, performed songs from her Broadway years, such as ‘Sunset Boulevard’ and ‘Blood Brothers’. For each Broadway performance, she put on robes that represented the character she played, like crowd favourite Norma Desmond. She also sang French songs from her career in France.

Clark concluded the evening with her most popular hit ‘Downtown’. She welcomed audience members to sing the chorus with her and everyone in the crowd seemed to enjoy that moment most of all.

The evening was enchanting, as Clark delivered a wonderful, warm performance. So when Clark comes downtown again, don’t miss it!