Songs for Nobodies
Songs for Nobodies
Five iconic singers; Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf and Maria Callas encounter five ordinary women in the UK premiere of this critically acclaimed one-woman show.
Written especially to showcase the extraordinary talents of singer and actress, Bernadette Robinson, this genuinely funny and moving play by renowned playwright Joanna Murray–Smith (Honour) is directed by Simon Phillips (Priscilla Queen of the Desert) and is accompanied by live musicians.
Recounting intimate tales of their brief encounters, Robinson seamlessly brings to life each ‘nobody’ whilst with phenomenal control of tone, accent and vocal style, she thrillingly inhabits each legendary and iconic singer in ‘a performance masterclass’ (Crikey) that has garnered rave reviews across multiple sell out seasons internationally.
Returning due to phenomenal demand, Songs For Nobodies transfers to the West End’s Ambassadors Theatre for a limited season, from Wednesday 9th January to Saturday 23rd February 2019.
- Duration
The show runs for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, with no interval
Additional Details & FAQ
- Cancellation Policy
No exchanges or refunds after purchase.
- How Does It Work
Please print confirmation and bring along with you to your performance.
- Where Do I Go
Ambassadors Theatre, London
West St, London WC2H 9ND
Reviews
James
Feb 24, 2019
Not sure at first but really enjoyed it.
Cathy Stott
Feb 24, 2019
What a hugely talented lady
James newman
Feb 22, 2019
I absolutely loved this show, I took my two daughters 26 and 25 and they were as impressed and they are normally more critical than me , well done
Avid theatre-goer
Feb 19, 2019
Wonderful evening watching and listening to this show - fabulous singing of classic songs - highly recommended
Caroline S
Feb 17, 2019
A truly wonderful performance from Bernadette Robinson. The stories between the singing were both moving and funny. She sang and acted so beautifully and got a well deserved standing ovation from the audience.
Sasha
Feb 16, 2019
Amazing!
Derek
Feb 15, 2019
Excellent
Iain
Feb 15, 2019
what a fabulous night out, from the minute the lights went up to the bow at the end she had us transfixed. Her Voice is amazing and the caricature she plays are funny and endearing.
Nic
Feb 12, 2019
I already want to go and see it again. Stunning performance and what an amazing voice. It really was even better than expected. A perfect night out in London that blew me away!
Jackie H
Feb 12, 2019
I hadn’t heard of Bernadette Robinson or Songs for Nobodies until a friend bought tickets - amazing! Such a great show and Bernadette’s voice is wonderful! Only a week or so left at Thr Ambassadors - rush to buy tickets! I loved it so much I went back last night!
Marcia
Feb 10, 2019
Exceeded all expectations. Her voice was amazing and the ability to sound like the singers were superb. Bernadette was able to change her spoken voices, a great actor.
Les
Feb 10, 2019
Was not sure what to expect. What a fantastic show. Amusing stories and excellent vocals.
Stargazer
Feb 9, 2019
Amazing , interesting performance with a talented and very versatile lead . On top of that excellent value for money
Hope Francis
Feb 8, 2019
Interesting enlightening narration. Amazing insightful interpretations of voices.
Denise
Feb 7, 2019
She had a fabulous voice but I felt like it lacked something to make it special.
Theatre lover
Feb 5, 2019
Highly recommended! Bernadette Robinson is amazing.
Cora Lynn
Feb 4, 2019
The performance was a masterclass on stripped-back simplicity, elegance and excellence. The quality of the setting, storytelling, props, musical ensemble and singing were mesmerising. Each of the five parts of the production was superbly crafted. Each transition expertly executed. How one artist can inhabit ten personas - 5 iconic singer with really unique and contrasting styles and accents as well as 5 divinely different storytellers - without missing a beat, a word, a turn-of-phrase or a change of costume and without an intermission is remarkable. I felt drawn into a private drawing-room for an intimate conversation with five different dear and long-standing friends. A real treat that I wished could have gone on! Thank you!
Gareth
Feb 3, 2019
A fantastic show, absolutely brilliant, one of the best performances I have ever seen
Rebecca
Feb 3, 2019
Awe-inspiring one-woman-show!
Pauline Harper
Feb 1, 2019
The script, acting singing and music were all outstanding. Thoroughly enjoyable!
Maria darrr
Feb 1, 2019
Wow, what a show! Brilliantly crafted and superbly acted by Bernadette Robinson. I took my two middle aged sons to see this and what a great. All three of us were mesmerised and entranced by her performance. You could not take your eyes off her for the entire show. Her voice is INCREDIBLE and her Piaf reduced us to tears. The whole show transported us to another ( brexit free) era. Stunning!
Smartypants
Jan 30, 2019
Reviews from non-professional critics are worthless. There is no accounting for bad taste. Stars should be adequate indication of public opinion.
Jane Torday
Jan 29, 2019
To be transported in a matinee on a rainy January afternoon by this performance - nostalgic, witty and very poignant - breath -taking vocal tributes to the Stars and most moving and credible stories of the Nobodies. Terrific play-writing giving a very talented actor and singer full range. An absolute treat.
@simonbass1103 (twitter)
Jan 27, 2019
Really didn’t know what to expect. But a joy from the start. Delightful quirky characters and songs from legends. Ms Robinson... never heard of her. If there’s an Olivier for this category, her name should be on it... performs her socks off. Brilliant theatre entertainment and fits The Ambassadors a treat.
Explorer
Jan 27, 2019
Very well executed. Singing excellent. Very laid back and enchanting performance
Pww
Jan 26, 2019
Bernadette Robinson is wonderful; an amazingly talented singer & actress. Joanna Murray-Smith has written an interesting & moving piece that showcases Ms Robinson’s skills. Saw it at Wilton’s Music Hall last year & again last night at the Ambassador theatre & would gladly watch it again. Brilliant.
Joanna
Jan 25, 2019
Excellent acting and singing. Freezing cold theatre, sat all performance in my down jacket.
Kellie
Jan 24, 2019
Really enjoyed the show it was amazing and I would recommend this show to anyone just brilliant. I want to go and watch it again it was that brilliant
Philippa
Jan 23, 2019
Last night I attended Songs for Nobodies. It was an excellent show, stories with songs from Garland to Callas. Bernadette Robinson's ability to switch from one leading lady to another was superb. And what a voice!! Highly recommend to anyone wanting a great night's entertainment!
Siobhán Bryar.
Jan 22, 2019
Fantastic - in fact this was my second time seeing the show and this time I brought a dozen roses - enough said!
Dd
Jan 20, 2019
What an incredible voice! Very talented to be able to do a one woman show and keep the whole audience engaged throughout! Small intimate theatre could do with a refresh but that is nothing to do with the show
ChrisandIan
Jan 20, 2019
The story telling was emotional The singing out of this world Edith Piaf, Billie Holliday and Maria Callas inparticular was breathtaking and made me cry. Brilliant
Povey
Jan 20, 2019
I would have liked more Judy Garland
Janet
Jan 19, 2019
I went to this show after reading a review in the Metro. I would have given it 5* for the singing and 4* for acting. She saved the best till last. Her performance as Maria Callas was outstanding.
Ian Elmslie
Jan 19, 2019
Hmmmm. It promises more than it delivers. The concept is lovely, Gumpian though it be, but it just falls short packing a real emotional punch. I am spoilt by having seen Audra McDonald’s extraordinary performance as Holiday and Elaine Paige as Piaf remains peerless. I’ve seen Jim Bailey as Garland, so close to the original that my jaw swung, kd lang singing Cline is incredible, and we’ve all seen umpteen Callas impersonators. She just stops short of going for the gut of all these singers, avoiding running the risk of occasionally sounding ugly. It’s the “ugliness” that was the greatest “miss” for me. I’m a mega Billie fan, even when she is at her most damaged. It’s un-easy listening, and there lies the power. “Strange Fruit” demands so much of the singer and the audience. When she hit the word “bitter”, it sounded too “sweet”. Likewise Callas. Often derided for over-emoting and honking like a goose...but therein lies the magic. A strange imbalance of music too... Only one Garland number, and yet the others got three or more. The stories around the songs are cute as opposed to clever, and while it all rolls along pleasantly enough, you mourn the missed opportunity to make a powerful comment on the times or the situation. It’s an enjoyable evening, but I left wondering what might have been. Ixx
Mrs Theatre
Jan 19, 2019
Well Bernadette is very talented being able to imitate all these great singers. The songs were amazing. I just didn't like the long monologues in between. They were at odds with the characters she was portraying. It all got very confusing. And not another cup of tea, or fag or interrupting her song intros with more dialogue, lost it for me. Shame. The band were wonderful & should have been used more. You do have to see it to make up your own mind. She does a phenomenal Maria Callas...
Anastasia
Jan 19, 2019
If you are expecting a traditional musical it's not for you, if you are expecting singing throughout also not for you, if on the other hand you want to watch one woman deliver a performance of utter originality and talent, a class actress, a comedian, a chameleon who has the ability to play 10 parts and sing in the style of 5 of our best known divas then this one is for you. Sometimes her voice was so amazing that I could not get lost in the moment because it was interrupted by the acting and switching of roles but that was the essence of the play. Every diva had a different 'nobody' from different backgrounds and with different voices and accents which Bernadette drew on. But for me the whole show came alive when she sang....whether that be as Piaf or drawing on her classical background to sing opera as Maria Callas. Spellbinding.
Kas
Jan 19, 2019
Bernadette is astonishing in this gem of a play (with songs). The vignette of characters that are interwoven into the legend's lives are beautifully played and her her singing made me tingle! Her Piaf had the audience shouting "Brava!" I held my breath as she sang Callas as my husband adores the woman and can be quite critical of others but he was genuinely impressed with Bernadette capturing the "musical nuances" and mannerisms of Callas. What a treat!
Alex
Jan 18, 2019
Bernadette Robinson is spectacular.I loved this show,every song a favourite of mine.Each anecdote a gem,marvellous writing .
Soy harby
Jan 18, 2019
We watched the show last night, it is stories about or containing each artist, the performance is stunning and her voice so accurate. The show is only just over one hour but leaves you captivated Great show
Simon
Jan 16, 2019
What a lovely show 'Songs for Nobodies' is, perfect little piece of theatre, well told stories , enriched with wonderful songs all performed with such talent from Bernadette Robinson . A MUST SEE !
Andy
Jan 11, 2019
She was mesmerising... beautifully and subtly told and acted stories with great performances... her Piaf was sensational!