Review: Boyzone, Trent FM Arena

THE follow-up to their reunion tour is named Better for good reason.

Better than expected in my experience at last night's return to the Trent FM Arena.

Showing they're not ready to repeat the last tour of greatest hits, Boyzone opened with a new song, Love You Anyway.

That said, the five lads (sorry, men), who'd appeared on a lowering platform, went straight into one of their many top ten hits, Picture Of You. That got everyone going.

Never before have I seen a show packed with so many costume changes, changing themes and special performances.

It was an hour-and-a-half of visual delights, including amazing dancers.

There was a lengthy Queen tribute including three wardrobe changes, as they ran through A Kind Of Magic, Radio Ga Ga and Bohemian Rhapsody.

Stephen Gately pulled off a brilliantly camped up version of Beyonce's Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It), while Ronan Keating's take on Cyndi Lauper's Time After Time was spine-tingling.

For the encore they were winched over the audience on to a mini stage where they sang Keating's solo hit (Life Is A) Rollercoaster, plus the group's Words and Baby Can I Hold You.

For the finale, A Different Beat, with its tribal sound and world peace message, everyone was singing along -- a fabulous end to the show.

Their charm was still evident as they joked about being too old now and having to sit down after four songs.

Each impressed with their solo spots -- including "the shy one" Mikey, who showed he is more than just a background singer.

It was a really dazzling and impressive show. They may no longer be boys but they still have the moves.

AMY HUTCHINSON