The acts ranged from a violinist, to dance, to film, to comedy, as well as singer-songwriters and a French pop duo. Vidya Math, a talented and beguiling dancer mixed contemporary and classical Indian dance. Next up, violinist Sharon Sullivan provided an atmospheric and slightly autumnal interlude.

Other high-lights of the evening included an intriguing short film by Emily Blickem. One Little Step was a musical mixing 1950's imagery with vibrant dance routines and recalled memories of Dennis Potter's Lipstick on Your Collar.

Next up was comedian, Hannah Dunleavy - described on the flyer as ‘rude' she was certainly the only performer to get the crowd to shut up. With a worldview encompassing everything from paedophiles to 30-something angst she was acerbic, irreverent and very, very funny.

If it is possible to criticise a night as inspiring as this it would be simply to say that the huge turn out, and consequent success of the evening, meant that the more lo-fidelity performers, such as Jacqui Carnall and Heather McVey, often battled to be heard over the sound of the crowd enjoying themselves. However, it was a great night of varied and interesting performances and a successful benefit for the highly deserving Dignity.Period! Campaign.

Writer: Nancy Hogg