Ray Quinn/ Liverpool Empire

Oct 26 2007 by Peter Grant, Liverpool Echo

THIS was a home-coming spectacular show with style and panache.

The star, Ray Quinn, is already a veteran of stage and screen and he’s only 19.

This one-time Brookside actor, X Factor favourite and ballroom blitzer is in his element when he has a microphone in hand and a catalogue of crooning classics to interpret.

The Liverpool run, part of a UK tour, is sold-out for all three nights – quite an achievement for the likeable lad who reminds me of a young Mickey Rooney from those all-singing, all-dancing black and white Hollywood movies.

Following two support acts – the excellent Lauren Rose and superlative Wirral wonder Laura Critchley (fresh from working with Robbie Williams) – Ray took to the stage to thunderous applause, arriving behind two showgirls.

He seemed to glide down the steps, sporting shades and singing Crazy Little Thing Called Love.

From that glitzy entrance he could do no wrong, whether belting out swing songs or cooly relaying the ballads.

He was clearly moved to be on home territory with such a warm reception – especially from the many young girls wearing flashing bunny ears.

Fly Me To the Moon, That’s Life, My Way and New York, New York illustrate just what a powerful range he has.

The show is slickly choreographed. He also serenaded a young fan from the audience with the Charlie Chaplin standard Smile.

This confident performer asked the audience to shout out ‘Quinny’ and they duly responded before many costume changes.

At one point he said: ‘I’ve got to go and change me kecks.’ Hardly Las Vegas, but then that is his charm the boy next door appeal who dedicates songs to his Nan.

Two huge illuminated letters ‘R Q’ were emblazoned behind him as his polished five piece band accompanied him on an Elvis tribute.

His version of Mr Bojangles is a highlight of this 90 minute show.

He returned in a white suit and sang an emotional version of You’ll Never Walk Alone.

This spectacular show was pure song and dance entertainment and Mr Quinn has a very nice line in confident, humorous patter.

If this is an indication of his talent at just 19 then you can only sit back and wonder what heights he can achieve.

Rating: 9/10 I’m in with the Quinn crowd I’m in with the Quinn crowd