Some divas gain their reputations with their tragedies, tantrums and tiaras and then there are those who earn their status through power, perseverance and sheer presence. If this performance is anything to go by, Beverley Knight can certainly take her place proudly amongst the latter. Taking to the stage amidst a blaze of lights and an instrumental introduction worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, Knight announced her arrival in ultra-dramatic style but it was nothing compared to the drama that was about to unfold when she opened her mouth to sing. Immediately it was the power and richness of her voice which struck through the brimming anticipation of the crowd, though as she moved on into the feel good factor of Greatest Day, her infectious enthusiasm and limitless energy took centre stage. Barely catching her breath throughout theÌý set, Knight soared though the best of her material, both old and new, covering everything from the upbeat funk of Made It Back to the emotionally charged No-one Ever Loves In Vain. But the high point of the night had to be the mesmerising warmth of her slowed rendition of Gold. Winding up the night with an acoustic version of Let It Be and a final funky blast of Come As You Are, it was difficult to tell who had had the most fun, the crowd or the sister of soul herself. Ultimately, watching her perform creates a curious paradox – on the one hand, you wonder why she’s not been more commercially successful to date, yet on the other, there’s a part of you desperate to keep her to yourself as part of the select few who are in on her fabulous secret. | 
