In the small, friendly and truly atmospheric Pheasantry, Anne Reid and Stefan Bednarczyk step onto the stage. They start with Reid at the piano and Bednarczyk singing, but soon swap places. This playfulness is carried through the entire evening, proving that this pair has a very charming chemistry on stage. But Just in Time isn’t only about this duo; it is a tribute to American lyricists Betty Comden and Adolph Green, whose 50-year old partnership gave us On the Town, New York New York, Singin’ in the Rain and many other hits.

Although she is a celebrated TV actress, Anne Reid is very down to earth and tells the stories of Comden and Green with honest admiration. Her sense of humour and passion makes the night so much more than just a cabaret night; each piece comes with an anecdote, a biographical piece of information, or even Reid’s personal memories.

Bednarczyk also shines as he accompanies Reid on the piano while never taking his eyes off her, proving once again that they both listen to each other and work in perfect harmony. His voice is strong and emotive, and his portrayals of Captain Hook or a “man of vision” singing about capital gains are magnificent and entertaining.

Reid has a tender voice but, as she herself mentions at the beginning of the evening, the words of these songs are very important, and Just in Time really is a night celebrating the words of Comden and Green. Songs such as the Readers digest or If showcase the wit of these lyricist and Reid’s ability to keep up with these speedy lyrics and performing them with a great sense of humour.

The show is clearly well-researched and both performers put a lot of thought into it; the result is not only entertaining, but very educational. Throughout the evening I keep thinking, ‘Oh, they wrote that too?’, and it makes me feel slightly ashamed that I’m not aware of the success of these lyricist and the impact they had on Broadway. Each song connects to the next and allows us to follow the careers and personal lives of these triumphant artists, whose names might not be as well known as they should be.

Reid and Bednarczyk celebrate them with passion and honest admiration, and they wrap up the evening with Make Someone Happy, a perfect conclusion to this heartfelt and necessary tribute to Comden and Green, which may have been overdue, but for me came (pardon the pun) just in time.

Just in Time is playing at The Pheasantry until July 31. For more information and tickets, see the PizzaExpress Live website. Photo by The Pheasantry.