SHOWMANSHIP is an art form and one man who has perfected the craft delighted the audience at King George’s Hall.

Marc Almond provided one of the most enjoyable 90 minutes I’ve spent in a concert hall for some time.

It’s amazing to think that less than four years ago there were fears he would never recover from a serious motorbike accident which left him unconscious for two weeks.

Well never fear, the supreme performer is back on top form — and clearly enjoying life to the full.

With a nine-piece band behind him including strings and a three-piece brass section, all was set for a great night — and that’s what we got.

From Soft Cell hits to solo work, this show was a celebration of Marc Almond.

He’s always possessed one of the most distinctive voices and it remains as powerful as ever.

Highlights? Where do you start?

A passionate version of Jacques Brel’s If You Go Away reduced the audience to stunned silence as Almond wrought emotion out of every line, Ruby Red was like stepping into a Seventies disco in New York and then there were stunning versions of Bedsitter and Torch.

As encores go you won’t find a better triple bill than Tainted Love, What and Say Hello Wave Goodbye.

This was 90 minutes of expressive, emotional and enjoyable music from a true talent.

Marc Almond proved that he’s a national treasure to be celebrated.