A dystopian scene rests in front of us. There are road traffic signs, wheelie bins, twigs and nails, underwear strewn everywhere. Rising out of the refuse a double bass and a birdcage piano are illuminated. A mix of cool blues and dirty amber lights wash the stage as D’Arrietta staggers out from the darkness. His fedora covers his face entirely in shadow and, in his white ruffled shirt and crumpled suit, he makes for a distinctve sight.

The opening number “What’s He Building?” is appropriate. Atmosphere is the answer, as we’re sucked into Wait’s world of mysterious, melancholy and shady characters.

D’Arrietta breaks the dark, tense mood with the first in a series of stories from Tom Wait’s life experiences and his own personal encounters. There’s humour and a touch of the sentimental as we are told of Doug - whose name is sadly in the past tense - and the value of marriage: "a great institution - if you want to live in an institution".

But though the stories are entertaining, this show is about showcasing and rejoicing in more than thirty years of Wait’s music. Consequently, the sound is enormous and variety of song choice is exceptional. The moods shift from romantic to remorseful to "bedlam and squalor". D’Arrietta’s voice tumbles out, crisp, dry and striking, and his skill on the piano is considerable, whether he is sitting, standing or dancing.

If that wasn’t enough he wields Wait’s intense message of the sorrows of tomorrow convincingly too. That he is, for the most part, only supported by a double bass is a testament to his accomplishment as an artist. However the later guest appearance of Heidi Jones brings a new dynamic to the show. She duets with D’Arrietta as a dishevelled and barefoot bride on “Picking Up After You” but I found her performance rather artificial next to his naturally rasping and relaxed stage persona.

The patter continues to entertain but gets a little drier with each occurrence. There isn’t a theme to engage with but his efforts pay off with a final tale of a cabaret cover artist who’s single because he loves his work too much. Hopefully he won’t be alone for much longer.

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from the archive Rope Dr Marigold And Mr Chops 2009: The London Theatre Top 10 FEATURE