THE headline on a London critic's review of the Katherine Jenkins and Darcey Bussell extravaganza, Viva La Diva, reads: "All singing, all dancing, all wrong".

I don't know whether that critic caught them on an off-night, or was suffering from a bad case of indigestion, but the show I saw at Newcastle Arena was a sheer delight - pacey, well-structured and a fabulously energetic treat of dancing and singing "lollipops".

On a set like a Las Vegas parlour, the pair pay tribute to showbiz greats, such as Maria Callas, Doris Day and Judy Garland (Jenkins), Moira Shearer, Fred Astaire and Bob Fosse (Bussell).

The trick is not in Jenkins' singing, although her range is a lot wider than some would have you believe. She switches from Doris Day's Calamity Jane, to an impressive Maria Callas, to a considerably more tuneful Marilyn Monroe than the original.

The trick is not in Bussell's dancing either, although she is so amazing to watch, partnered with special guest Gary Avis, in tributes to styles including Gene Kelly, flamenco and the Red Shoes.

No, the trick is in the Bussell- Jenkins crossover, with the singer dancing and the dancer singing.

It has to be said that Jenkins is the one who shines. The audience were left gasping at her ability to belt out songs immediately after particularly energetic and sparkling dance routines.

It would be cruel and probably incorrect to say that Bussell appeared to be miming rather than singing at some points, but she has a very quiet voice, in contrast to her oppo.

Purists may not be happy with the idea of this show and perhaps that was evident in the fact that it was somewhat short of a sell-out.

It's not classical, it's not ballet or tap, it's not opera or musicals - it's everything.

Yes, it's all-singing, yes its alldancing and yes, it's very right.