I guess I could be excused for thinking something told me I was into something good when I arrived - because I was.

Ipswich Star: Steve EllisSteve Ellis (Image: Archant)

The show quickly and effortlessly took you back half a century to the decade when pop music was born and an enthusiastic and, in the large part, contemporary audience was treated to an evening of pop nostalgia.

The Union Gap led with a beaty set in which the highlight was the group’s multi-million selling Young Girl.

The flambouyant Alan Mosca of Freddie and the Dreamers fame, host for the evening, then introduced the New Amen Corner. They were the cornerstone of the show with a spectrum of hits including their own Bend Me, Shape Me and If Paradise is Half as Nice as well as backing Steve Ellis of Love Affair and the ever vibrant and fresh Chris Farlowe - still innovative and evocative and including new songs for today.

But it was the fabulous Herman’s Hermits who headlined the show with a catalogue of their hits right back to their debut smash I’m into Something Good from 1964, plus There’s a Kind of Hush, My Sentimental Friend, Silhouettes, No Milk Today and Mrs Brown You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter.

Ipswich Star: Union Gap. Photo: John ParkerUnion Gap. Photo: John Parker (Image: JLP PHOTO.)

It was an experience which was still sensational 50 years on.

Chris Mills