YOU know it’s Christmas-time when Jools and his 18-piece orchestra rock up. He first came to the city, as he pointed out, almost 30 years ago and clearly has a genuine affection for the place.

The feeling is mutual. Most of the audience had been to see him before, as a shout-out confirmed. But showman Jools was not content with the odd “yes” from the audience.

He had us “yeah-yeah”, “wah-wah” and “oo-o”-ing along, in the spirit of inclusion that sees every member of the orchestra showcase their not-inconsiderable talents during the two-hour set.

All other musicians took a break off-stage, mid-song, as drummer Gilson Levis, formerly with Jools in Squeeze, filled the space with a bravura display of timing and stamina.

And guitarist Mark Flanagan got more than his moment, opening as support act with his mellow country blues tunes and nice line in patter.

Everyone got their solo spot as the party unfolded on stage, not least special guest Sandie Shaw, touring for the first time in 25 years.

The barefoot 60s pop princess appeared in sequinned hotpants, displaying her impressive legs and a playful nature as she sang four songs including the hit Always Something There to Remind Me.

Her highlight, however, was a slowed down, soulful rendition of Eurovision-winning Puppet on a String, which worked beautifully.

Jools’s own lightning handiwork on the piano went down a storm, particularly in a number featuring just Jools and Levis, as he moved from boogie woogie to classical and back again.

The amazing vocals of Ruby Turner gave us a soaring Silent Night amid a string of boogie woogie wonders such as The Informer.

And stalwart Ruby later ensured the encores stretched on.

“It’s always the same,” said one audience member contentedly.

Lesley Oldfield