Review: David Essex – Grand Opera House, York

8:44am Saturday 10th May 2008

As the house lights dropped, the sound of footsteps echoed around the auditorium.

Short samples of familiar tracks played like a jukebox, walking you through the years.

As the footsteps quickened the band took to the stage, followed by the man of the night, dressed in his trademark waistcoat, much to the delight of the female fans.

My mum, who has loved David Essex since the his first appearance in the television programme The River, beamed with delight as he greeted the crowd with a cheeky "Allo", and a twinkle of his blue eyes. What better way to spend her birthday?

Playing a selection of classics including Me And My Girl, Lamplight and Winter's Tale may have fluttered the hearts of adoring ladies, but it also encouraged the husbands to dance and sing along with the lyrics.

David's onstage performance is theatrical and dramatic, a reflection of his long experience as an entertainer. His banter with the crowd is comical and encapsulating, and it's this cheeky cockney personality that he is most loved for.

Well-known favourites such as Gonna Make You A Star, Silver Dream Machine and Hold Me Close encouraged everybody to get up out of their seats and dance in the aisles. His final track of the evening, Missing You, was dedicated to his fans, and he said a special thank-you for all their continued interest and support.

Although he is a little greyer these days, I think he still has the charm that will continue to bring his fans back for many more years.