Christmas is almost upon us and the North-East has been given a real seasonal treat this year with a two-week run of the fabulous West End show Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The region’s very own singing superstar Joe McElderry brought the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle to its feet after a truly spectacular opening night of the two-hour Biblical show.

McElderry, who stormed to victory in The X Factor in 2009, gave a pitch perfect performance as Joseph, which left the crowd dancing in the aisles and screaming for more. The atmosphere was electric and more akin to a concert than a stage show.

To be honest, having been bowled over by the show in the West End of London in the early 1990s, I wasn’t entirely sure how the touring version would fair by comparison.

However, director Bill Kenwright, the incredible cast, and, of course, our very own Joe, did a simply astounding job at bringing the very best out of this Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber classic. It left far more impact than the first time of watching, and when the final curtain eventually fell I could have sat and watched it all again. As for my 11-year-old son, he was transfixed.

The power of McElderry’s’s voice hits you from the moment he walks on stage. He may have won The X Factor, but the theatre is where he truly belongs.

There were no weak links in this performance. Narrator Trina Hill was superb throughout, and Ben James-Ellis, from Scarborough, who played the Elvis-styled Pharaoh, was brilliant. Both were given standing ovations.

If you’re still looking for festive gift ideas for loved ones, buy tickets to see this show. I promise, it will make their Christmas.

The show runs until Sunday, December 31. For tickets call 0844 493 6666 or go to the Metro Radio Arena Box Office.

Karen Westcott