Boo Hewerdine and Heidi Talbot, Traverse

 Each a folk-world star in their own right, this very much a partnership of equals. Heidi's voice clear and a thing of beauty, Boo's expressive and calm. There's no fancy guitar work, but solid accompaniments enhancing the vocals, and some lovely harmonies when they combine. Each took it in turn to sing, both digging into their deep (very, very deep in Boo's case, going back to his days with cult band The Bible) back catalogues. A mix of tempos and subjects, with Heidi adding the traditional Bedlam Boys, all mashed up with Parton's Jolene.

All this and a comedy act too. Boo knows how to tell a good story, and his dry humour had the audience in stitches, while Heidi had a few tales to tell too. Both got the room singing along with them at times, notably on Boo's 'hit' song, Patience of Angels.

The encore gave us a duet of the classic What a Wonderful World, as made famous by Louis Armstrong, but this was one of the best versions I've ever heard.

A wonderful gig that flew by too quickly.

Frank & Percy, The Other Palace Theatre, London

 Percy (Ian McKellen) and Frank (Roger Allam) connect over dog walks on the Heath, and start to arrange to be out there at the same time each day.  First comes the usual dog-owners chit chat, but as the friendship grows they learn more about one anoother.  Frank, a retired seventyish teacher, is a widower still trying to find a place in life after the death of his beloved Alice.  Percy is an eightyish professor and controverialist, still actively writing and being published, who has long ago settled into the single life since her broke up with 'husband' (they were never officially married) Dennis.  

This casual acquaintenceship grows into something much deeper, and physical, as they meet more often, and Frank visits Percy's flat.  And that relationship finds itslef challenged by tsome of the changes which are an inevitable part of the ageing process.

In some ways the script is disappointingly devoid of any real meat, and what we have is very much in the light comedy genre, with both performers having fun whilst using their considerable skills to milk the laughs dry.  

That's not to say it doesn't introduce some more profound themes, but they are largely glossed over in favour of the funnies.  It's still good to see a late-life love affair played out before us, still too much a rarity in theatre and cinema.  Desire, lust and love are all there, along with illness, impotence, grief and loneliness.  Frank's recogntion of himself as a bi man feels a bit heavy handed, (although his Pride costume will live in the memory!). and that line of self examination is a recurring motif.

The set is minimal but flexible, the scene locations cleverly deliniated, and custume changesd, such as they are, often take place on stage.  

While it was a little disappointed to be oresented with somethign so lightweigt, this was more than compensated by seeing two old master paint their pictures before you.  Great fun.