BELTING out his cover version of Singing in the Rain could not have been more apt for jazz musician Jamie Cullum.

Performing under murky grey skies and in sleeting rain, the music star did not let the dour North-East weather dampen his enthusiasm. As fans huddled under umbrellas and held on to their rain macs, Cullum warmed the audience by encouraging them to clap their hands and sway along to hits from his million-selling album Twentysomething.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Lumley Castle, the pint-sized pianist performed songs such as What a Difference A Day Makes, Everlasting Love, These Are the Days and I Get A Kick Out of You. Cullum, whose new album Catching Tales is released in September, put on an enthusiastic two-hour performance.

He kept the fans' spirits alive by bouncing around the stage and being rather hyperactive throughout the show. But it was what the crowd needed to take their minds of their soggy clothes as they huddled on the cricket club's playing field. The musician, who is playing other open air concerts this summer, sounded amazing and did not miss a note in any of his songs. But undoubtedly the highlight of the evening was his rendition of Singing In the Rain... and the setting could not have been more fitting.

Published: 02/08/2005