Sophie Ellis Bextor

Reclining on a centre stage chaise longue and drenched in a haze of pink light, Sophie Ellis Bextor looks the picture of decadent elegance. And why shouldn’t she? She’s stuffed the Olympia, cracked the top ten and she’s got the most famous jawline in pop.

More sass than saccharine, Bextor radiates an almost sarcastic aloofness on stage and with her kitsch pink bodice complete with ballerina frills, siren-like coyness and Knightsbridge accent, you can’t help but wonder if she’s taking the piss.

The band behind her is, surprisingly, more than decoration and her voice sounds as polished live as it does on record. Hits such as ‘Murder On The Dancefloor’, ‘Groovejet’ and even the audience’s favourite ‘The Pessimist Is Never Disappointed’ were devoured by the decidedly rapt crowd who seemed to know all the words.

One thing that must be noted is the diversity of Bextor’s appeal. Tonight, there are punks, teenyboppers, 30-somethings, drag queens and even the odd motorcyclist subtly wriggling their hips in sync with hers. (A sight to behold, I swear.)

None of this seems to phase her though as she prances up and down the stage like a seven year old playing dress up in mummy’s heels. Poised still in front of the microphone, she’s soaking in every last clap like a royal before her subjects. One thing’s for sure, this pop princess is more than just a pretty face.