Boy George at The Shaw Theatre

'The Boy Is Back' tour hit London last night at The Shaw Theatre - George must like it for some reason since he did a short season there back in January when we last saw him. He arrived on stage wreathed in smiles, laughing and joking with the front of the audience and looking good. When he started singing it was also plain that he was sounding good too, his voice in top form, sounding smooth and effortless. And I approve the 3/4 length trews and sandals!

He was in full-on crowd pleasing mood doing a set full of old Culture Club favourites as well as trying out some new songs on us, his new single, 'Yes We Can', a couple of pop-gospel songs and a couple of special covers. It was a great set list with something there for everyone but nothing from 'Cheapness & Beauty' and 'U Can Never Be 2 Straight', which is a shame since there are some great songs on those albums. Lots of singalongs and I was perversely pleased that I could sing along to 'Yes We Can' while most of the rest of the audience simply swayed in time. The band was tight and, as ever, George's backing singers were excellent, nicely complementing his voice.

Favourite songs of the evening were 'Stranger In This World' from 'Taboo' (I wish he'd record those songs himself), a manic bass-heavy 'Church Of The Poison Mind', a tender 'Victims', 'Karma Chameleon' (one of my Dad's favourites) and a really soulful version of 'Summertime' (another song he should record). He did a great live version of the new single, 'Yes We Can', which sounded much better live than I thought it would and that's bound to be a firm favourite for live shows for years to come. He did two amazing covers - Bowie's 'Starman' and Bolan's 'Get It On' - and both sounded excellent. The show finished with his by now traditional closer of 'Bow Down Mister' with the audience singing along to all the Hare Krishna/Hare Rama's while flowers were thrown into the audience. And phew! I was worn out from singing along.

It was a great show, a fun night out and great to see George enjoying himself and sounding on top form. I was too far back to get any good photos so here are some pics of some of the artwork from the souvenir programme. We're going back in November for second helpings! Well done George!