The double-act headliners are actually a threepiece, with sparkling piano from Carol Hodge. Hodge had earlier performed a set of wry, sad and touching ballads as opening act. When Ginger and Poole later step into the spotlights she is behind them, getting soaked by the wave of joy from the audience in response to the opening Cheers/Taxi medley and second song Boxes.
However, that wave leaves Ginger dry as toast. After 20 fabulous minutes he announces: “I’m having a mild panic attack.” We all laugh because we presume he’s joking; everything looks and feels so good from where we’re standing. But depression tells him otherwise.