Martha Wainwright concert, Union Chapel, Islington

[CathyM]

Fantastic performance from Martha Wainwright at the Union Chapel on Thursday night. No band, just an acoustic guitar and enormous amounts of energy playing songs from her new album as well as old favourites and covers from Piaf and a lovely version of Stormy Weather. Absolutely hilarious banter with regular comic sideswipes at Rufus's talent and popularity. Her husband and three year old son had just arrived to spend a few days with her. Husband Brad and son joined her on stage, Brad playing the piano and the little one held a microphone and danced with great delight, mirroring Martha's movements. Hilarious and heartwarming. She also mentioned the fact that there were five nurses in the audience who had cared for her son when she gave birth prematurely in London three years ago and commented on how important the NHS is. It was one of those occasions, like an LC concert, when you leave an event feeling that the world is a better place and somehow you can be a better person in it.