AUDIENCES were treated to the sparkle and pizzazz of a large-scale West End show on Saturday night.

It came courtesy of Katherine Jenkins – the Welsh classical singer (and glamourpuss) who has carved out a multi-faceted career for herself in recent months, including roles as presenter, judge and mentor via ITV1’s Popstar to Operastar.

Many of the skills she’s acquired during her journey were evident during her Arena show... as well as the note-perfect singing of course.

Her affable and girl-next-door manner made her immediately accessible to the mainstream audience – reaffirming her as queen of classical crossover (with a sumptuous feast of frocks in her bag).

The stage show included acrobats, character performers and ballet dancers – offering memories of the recent Circus tour from Take That – but with the very beautiful Katherine as the mistress of the big top.

She sang Lara Fabian’s famous vocal version of Adagio with just her and a pianist. I would suggest that at points, it seemed Katherine immersed herself in the notes, without fully engaging with the sentiment.

But it has to be said, what a voice. No lip syncing going on here.

And a sexy duet for her hit track Believe ensured some eye candy for the ladies too. Whether it be virtually taking to the stage with Darcey Bussell; performing Edith Piaf's La Vie En Rose; or giving Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah a classical twist, Jenkins has definitely put herself on the map with this tour.