That Lea de Laria is multi-talented is undeniable. I saw her some years ago at the Drill Hall in London performing her stand-up comedy set and she has something of Joan Rivers about her.

It was original, refreshing and hilarious, based mostly around her sexuality (she is gay), and the truism "write about what you know" was borne out.

She has also notched up Broadway performances as a gifted jazz singer, most notably playing Carnegie Hall in concert with Julie Andrews, Linda Eder, Liza Minelli and Elaine Stritch.

Therefore, I confidently anticipated her show at The Old Market to be of the highest standard. Disappointingly, de Laria arrived on stage more than half an hour later than advertised, already an affront to the paying audience.

The show consisted of just her and her jazz band with no frills. However, given her considerable comedic skills, her patter between songs was half-hearted and flat and, although her vocals were as strong as ever, the vitality and charisma I had seen in her before were absent.

She can do so much better. Perhaps she should decide what she wants to do, stick to it and do it well.