Martine McCutcheon was in full voice on Monday night as she returned to the world of entertainment following her well-documented struggle with debt and depression.

Looking perfectly doll-like in acres of taffeta and lace, she positively glowed on the Pavilion stage as she belted out well-known numbers from Don Blacks’s 50-year career as a successful lyricist.

The show paid tribute to Don's career, his journey from Hackney to Hollywood and told the stories behind the songs including Born Free, Diamonds are Forever and Love Changes Everything.

Artists joining Martine included Gary Wilmot who also took a narrative role; Ricardo Alfonso and the surprise addition of Martine’s musician husband Jack McManus.

One of the most memorable parts of the evening was Jack singing I’ll put you together again – seemingly a fitting and touching tribute to his wife.

Wilmot was the consummate professional with a slick and warm delivery, while Alfonso kept the audience riveted with his renditions of The Journey Home and The World is Not Enough.

Other highlights included Martine’s performance of As If We Never Said Goodbye, and her duet with West End performer Ria Jones (they packed some punch into Take That Look Off Your Face).

It was a shame they weren’t playing to a capacity crowd, and there were grumbles that the show ended more than half an hour before advertised.

That said, it was great to hear Martine back on song. Her low register was fantastic and she gave a very convincing performance.

The excellent team of supporting musicians were clearly having a ball and the whole thing had a very personal and intimate feeling.

Martine told the Echo she wanted the audience to ‘switch off, forget your problems for a while and just be swept away’. And that they were.

After the show, she graciously signed autographs at the stage door and announced to her delighted fans: “Tonight is exactly as things should be. I’m now back: And I’m back for good.”