The start of his concert features film clips of a galaxy of stars
interpreting his songs – Frank Sinatra, Connie Francis, Cher, Neil Diamond, Tom Jones, Elvis and many more. Even Homer Simpson is in there.

Then the man himself strolls on to the stage, now 70 and looking good, to take the warm applause before sitting at the piano.

It's a one man show, just the master craftsman, his many hits and a dip into his new album, The Music Of My Life.

There's more applause as he fondly remembers the 50s and 60s and says: "You could understand the lyrics!"

Yet it is more than a nostalgia trip. Sedaka's voice retains its pure
crystalline quality, readily adaptable to the ballads and to the upbeat pop fluff of Oh! Carol and Happy Birthday Sweet 16.

The second set begins with more film, this time footage shot in 1961 ("the first pop video") to accompany Calendar Girl.

It's later material, though, that shows the true depth of his writing and delivery, songs such as Solitaire and The Hungry Years.

Despite the gloss, the approach is elementary: simple love songs with melodies that stick, a formula still being applied to the new album.

Neil Sedaka is the ultimate pro who has been writing magnificent pop songs for 57 years. Three encores and three standing ovations said it all.

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