Recession lore suggests that when times get hard, people party harder. Sounds like Maria Friedman time. Pop her in the spotlight with a small orchestra and 20 of the juiciest songs in musical theatre and you get a two‑hour emotion-fest that makes even negative equity seem humdrum.

This, furthermore, is the re‑arranged Maria, a working title open to several interpretations. There’s her revised material, her successful recovery from illness, or perhaps her emergence from character-player into star of one-woman shows. All valid enough.

She packs the necessary dynamism, versatility, glamour and acting skills, not to mention Piaf-like moments of sturdy, feet-planted intensity when operating at maximum power.

Sondheim — “my reason for singing” — is her muse but those who cringe at his cloying self-pity (In Buddy’s Eyes, Sunday in the Park with Dot) should enjoy her sparklng versions of Broadway Baby and, from Sweeney Todd, The Worst Pies in London.

There is also Michel Legrand, Lloyd Webber and very welcome Randy Newman (Short People, Dayton Ohio).

Maria also appreciates a strong melody (You Are My Sunshine) and a big finish (Somewhere, inevitably). She also teased a fan (I Want To Make Love to You Now) and risked a few stage jokes, the best coming before Dido’s Lament, by Purcell.

“He wrote this in 1689, when JS Bach was three. So many creative people were born that year. Er...” Here she glanced at her pianist‑MD Gareth Valentine, who helpfully replied: “Handel, Scarlatti and Trevor Nunn.”
Until 4 January 4 (0870 060 6615)