For a time, Dorothy Squires was among Britain’s most popular vocalists and was married to Roger Moore, before he was 007. Al Pillay, in a blonde wig and thick stage make-up, is excellent as Squires – this is no over-the-top drag queen act, but a tender, emotional performance, depicting a rise and fall which could easily become very unsympathetic in the wrong hands. With a great supporting cast, Pillay belts out Squires’ hits – the songs punctuating the narrative beautifully. The leading man does suffer with a slightly wandering Welsh accent and there were a few fluffed moments, but beneath the sequins and glitter, the show is a heartfelt portrayal of the melancholy of fading glamour.

Gilded Balloon Teviot, 12-27 Aug (not 20), 12.45pm.
tw rating 4/5 | [Holly Close]