Natasha wows pub audience (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Natasha wows pub audience

9:42am Friday 29th June 2007 in Swindon By Gazette Reporter

During a bouncy gig at the White Hart pub it seemed that much of Natasha Bedingfield's secret show could be named after one of her hits.

The working title was Wild Horses, as she packed energy into a mix of album tracks that delighted more than 100 fans last night.

But when she left the Stratton stage after just 35 minutes it seemed the song Unwritten would be more appropriate.

The audience clapped strongly, as they had done all evening, but there was an undercurrent of mild disappointment.

That is not to say that the award-winning pop star had taken it easy during the set.

The GWR FM Live at the Local crowd cheered her renditions of These Words and her latest release Soul Mate.

On mentioning the Diana Memorial Concert she is taking part in, she joked that she would prefer to go out with Prince William.

"He's the same age as me, although perhaps Harry as a toyboy would be nice," she said.

And she gave credit to Swindon, revealing to the audience that she had wanted to return here for some time.

There were insights into her success too, when she explained the hectic US touring schedule that has enabled her to record a platinum-selling album.

"I had to visit one state every day for weeks, playing in small radio stations to make my name known throughout the country," she said.

During the show Belinda Wiltshire said she had become a fan the moment she heard the song Unwritten.

Belinda, 45, a sales director from Stratton, said: "I think she is an excellent singer and when I heard that song it really struck a chord.

"I think the atmosphere is great, and the venue is very cosy."

Will Trueman, 24, from Park North, said: "She takes the time to engage with the audience, so you really get a feel she is making an effort.

"She has a good range of songs and a fantastic voice."

Darren and Jenny Taylor were taking a rare night off from looking after their three children. Darren, 36, from Keynsham, said: "It's not often that we get the chance to go out, so this is fantastic."

Jenny, 29, said: "She has played a nice mixture of her hits and some songs that you wouldn't necessarily listen to."

All of which made it more frustrating when the curtain came up while the sky was still light. Being charitable, it could be said that Ms Bedingfield was leaving the audience wanting more. And she certainly succeeded with that.