An essentially unclassifiable performer, whose career spans acting, comedy and tightrope walking as well as singing, Hermine’s musical reputation rests on her cult mini album from 1982, The World On My Plates, on which the allure of her vaudeville torch songs is much enhanced by its iconic cover image of the artist loading singles into a dishwasher, poised and chic in a designer polka dot dress.

Born in Paris, Hermine Demoriane performed as a tightrope walker in the 1970s, including an appearance in Derek Jarman’s punk film Jubilee in 1977. Her recording career included two albums, The World On My Plates (Crammed, 1982) and Lonely at the Top (Salome, 1984). She has also provided vocals for the television comedies French & Saunders and Absolutely Fabulous, and published a book, The Tightrope Walker.