Boy George at Leicester Square Theatre

We went to see Boy George at what seems to be his new venue of choice in London, the Leicester Square Theatre, the scene of his residency over Christmas last year and 'Taboo' a few years ago. It's a nice venue, a good size with a bar on either side of the concert room (always a good sign).

We got there just after 7.20pm and the ticket said 7.15pm start - naturally, it couldn't possibly mean the gig would actually start at 7.15pm, that's just not rock 'n' roll. Maybe there was a support act or something...? And there was Boy George on stage, all smiley face and very smooth voice - if George says he'll start at 7.15 then he'll start at 7.15 so get there on time. He played for about one and a half hours with a short interval and it was all over shortly after 9pm and we were ushered out since there was another show planned for later in the evening (some comedian or other). Still, it meant an early escape from the madness that is London's West End on a Saturday night.

George played a well crafted set with something from everyone, the Culture Club hits (of course), his own solo work over the past 20-odd years and some new tunes. He sang the 'Pentonville Blues' (about his 'holiday' last year) which he'd played at his Christmas shows and another new 'un called 'Ken', a lovers rock song with gentle reggae beats. One of my favourites was 'Stranger In This World' from 'Taboo' and I liked 'The Deal' morphing into 'Knocking On Heaven's Door' (again, from the Christmas show). George also did a fab version of 'Get It On' that had everyone on their feet and boogying.

He finished with the glorious 'Bow Down Mister' and I pride myself that I got all the 'Hare Krishna, Hare Ramas' right this time. The encore was 'This Little Light Of Mine', an odd choice for the final song. George said he'd see us again next year so, maybe after his solo tour followed by the '80s tour he'll be heading into the studio? He didn't play the new single, 'Amazing Grace' - unless he played it at the very start of the show and we missed it?

George was looking good, happy and healthy and in great voice. There's always a slight moment of trepidation at the start of a show that it might turn into the horror that was the Koko show a few years back but he seems to be way past that. He was bedecked in his B-Rude clothes, as was the band, mainly sparkly scarabs and skulls but Kevan wins the prize for best tee-shirt - a sparkly skull with an Aladdin Sane lightning flash across the skull.

If you get the chance, go and see Boy George - he puts on a great show and sends you home with a smile on your face. At least he does that for me. And he probably does that for the Pet Shop Boys who were in the audience and Tweeted about it afterwards.