Who needs big video screens, or a soundcheck it seems, when you can boogie along to the Big Sound of his rhythm and blues orchestra... and even have some fun with the arena's echo, echo, echo?

Dodgy acoustics were blown away by his musical collective of around 20 top-rank performers, who might have had some of the adult-orientated audience pining for the days of big band music halls.

Many of the musicians enjoyed their own moment in the spotlight, for Mr Holland is nothing but charitable to the talent he assembles.

His long-time colleague from Squeeze – Gilson Lavis – is a commanding presence on drums; brother Chris Holland shares keyboard duties; Louise Marshall steps from behind backing singer's microphone for her own three-song set; ska legend Rico Rodriguez infuses a '50s standard like L-O-V-E with rum-soaked rhythm; and Ruby Turner reminds you why this British-based singing talent demands universal acclaim.

So by the time special guests Gerry Marsden and Marc Almond arrive, the audience are ready for anything – which is just as well!

While the local lad leads the audience in a community sing-song of Ferry Cross the Mersey, Southport's finest torch song singer follows with mega-brassy versions of Say Hello, Wave Goodbye and Tainted Love – even a little added Johnnie Ray for good measure.

This was pure cabaret, all presided over by a generous host, who boogies along on guitar as well as piano, and jigs around to the sheer enjoyment of it all – in a much more relaxed mood than his occasionally hyper TV persona.

A truly memorable occasion.

David Upton