IT TAKES a certain amount of cheek to charge £65 for tickets to a gig consisting mainly of covers - but then again, cheek is something Robbie Williams has never had in short supply.

The former Take That heartthrob had a sell-out crowd eating out of his hand when he brought his Swings Both Ways tour to Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena last night (Sunday, June 22).

The show saw Robbie cut a dapper figure as he paid homage to his musical heroes with a two-hour set that nodded to a diverse range of performers, from Frank Sinatra to R Kelly.

The swing-themed concert lacked nothing in the theatrical stakes, with flamboyant dancers and a big band - headed by long-time Williams collaborator Guy Chambers - helping Robbie deliver a consistently entertaining set that was one part croon, two parts jazz hands and all swagger.

Swing renditions of Robbie originals - Come Undone, Old Before I Die, Millenium, Let Me Entertain You and Millenium - were brilliantly realised in a lively medley while Angels was the only Williams classic to stand alone.

Rat Pack hits were not in short supply. New York, New York was paired with a powerful rendition of Alicia Key's Empire State of Mind for a modern twist while a real highlight saw Robbie's dad duet with him on Do Nothin' Til You Hear From Me.

Kids from a local stage school were given centre stage for a sweet rendition of High Hopes while constant audience interaction meant Robbie never lost his crowd, keeping a twinkle in his eye and tongue firmly in cheek throughout.

These days Williams is a blend of consummate showman and working-class Stoke-on-Trent lad - a rare combination that makes a true British star.

Jo Morris