PLAYING her first UK tour in ten years, Lulu showed that after 50 years in showbiz and at the age of 66, she’s still got what it takes to wow an audience.

Her voice is powerful, edgy and soulful; her patter is eloquent, intelligent and endearing.

And her five-piece band is tight and funky, with excellent harmonies.

The first set features numbers from her past – the successful collaboration with David Bowie’s The Man Who Sold The World, song-writing for Tina Turner’s I Don’t Wanna Fight, and self-penned material from her new album Making Life Rhyme.

The second half opens with Lulu and her band perched on high stools in a semi-circle for an acoustic set of Bee Gees classics – Run To Me, To Love Somebody, and Gotta Get A Message To You, all in rich six-part harmonies.

Having been married to Maurice Gibb, Lulu’s personal anecdotes about Barry and Robin are delivered with affection and love.

Reminding the audience that aged just 16, she had worked with film star Sidney Poitier and had a number one hit with the movie’s theme song To Sir With Love, Lulu produced an unusual reggae version of the ballad.

The show’s climax approached with fresh versions of Elvis Presley’s Hound Dog and soul classic Try A Little Tenderness.

And lifting the Pavilion’s roof with a standing ovation was Lulu’s hooky anthem Shout!

For such a tiny person, Lulu has a huge voice and personality.

Brendan McCusker