The atmosphere at Birmingham Symphony Hall was bursting with excitement for the return of living legend Liza Minnelli on her first UK tour in 20 years.

Weighing 44lbs less, flaunting a pair of cracking legs and having put some difficult years behind her, the 62-year-old was clearly relishing the live experience.

Maybe she was just relieved to be there – a mix-up with work permits had threatened the tour and Birmingham would have missed out on a night of razzle dazzle.

Liza is still the epitome of cabaret, well she did win an Oscar for the film of the same name. Favourites Cabaret, Maybe This Time and My Own Best Friend were bashed out before the half-way point of the two-hour extravaganza.

Ticket prices may have been high, but every line of every song was delivered with real emotion.

She seemed truly appreciative of the support the audience showered on her, with too many standing ovations to count.