They don’t write ‘em like that any more – but then I suspect they never did. Paul Milton, the Everyman’s creative director has tapped into a very rich seam with his “songbook” themed shows, the latest of which, The Irving Berlin Songbook, opened last night in The Studio. Presented by the same team that brought us The Cole Porter Songbook the evening was a foot-tapping, non-stop kaleidoscope of songs which, although intrinsically American and little to do with our way of life, are woven into the fabric of our memories and psyche – they are songs that were always there and always will be.

What struck me most was that a lot of the songs were older than one thought. Alexander’s Ragtime Band was written in 1911, a long time before the Broadway and Hollywood musicals with which Berlin is primarily associated.

Backstage shows rarely fail. Partly because everything is already in place but mainly because people have a fascination about what goes on before the curtain rises. So it was clever to set The Irving Berlin Songbook in this environment complete with ropes, costumes, fire extinguisher and other backstage paraphernalia. There was no dialogue as such (this would have led to licensing issues) but nevertheless, Paul Milton skillfully managed to weave a coherent story line, taking us through the half-hour before the curtain goes up on a show and the opening sequence after it does.

Needless to say, all the songs are good but they were enhanced and beautifully performed by three singers and their pianist. Caroline Mander was forceful and assertive, as was Ethel Merman for whom Berlin wrote many songs. I really liked Daniel Cane who has a very nice voice and trips the light fantastic with confidence and aplomb. I thought the Fred Astaire sequence was particularly well done with some excellent tap-dancing by Mr C.

But for me, the star of the show was Emmy Willow, a graduate from the performing arts department of the University of Gloucestershire. She has an exceptional voice and presence and it would be hard to find anything about her not to like. I think her best number was Anything You Can Do with Daniel Cane. Absolutely brilliant.

The Irving Berlin Songbook provides a very entertaining evening, and not only for those of a certain age. A good song is a good song, whatever it’s origins or age. ★★★★☆ Michael Hasted