What a trooper.
24 hours previously conductor Carl Davis had apparently not been at all well.
But he still stepped out on the stage of the Phil on Saturday night with a cheery smile and plenty of the 'New Yoik' patter Liverpool audiences have grown to love.
There was a real sense of anticipation in the air. And rather a lot of expensive face powder.
It was a sellout show and I was lucky to get a last minute seat - one chair away from Mrs Davis (aka Bread matriarch Jean Boht).
Actually, that was a teeny bit awkward trying to take surreptitious notes about her husband's performance while surrounded by his wife and family.
I took the unprecedented step of giving the evening 10/10. I've always said no performance is perfect, and this was no exception.
But the image of the birthday boy coming on in a gorgeously hideous coat and tap dancing while singing 'happy feet' swung it for me.
Now, if only they'd got Colin Firth to make a guest appearance during the Pride and Prejudice theme (wet shirt optional) the event may have got a Nigel Tufnel-inspired 11/10 from me.
Carl Davis, top of the pops as ever. Happy birthday!
