Oozing self-confidence and even making jokes at his own expense, Gary Barlow delighted fans at his first solo show in 11 years. In the first of two gigs for The Prince's Trust and The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry, the Take That singer looked as if he was having just as much fun as spectators.
So when the housewives' favourite repeats his performance on Tuesday night for a royal audience – including the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – he's unlikely to be fazed. Gary is a long-time collaborator with Charles' charity work, having performed at a rock gala for the Prince's Trust in 2010.On Monday, much to the delight of the crowd, he called on friends including Jason Donovan and Lulu, who helped him deliver a rousing version of Relight My Fire. Meanwhile, X Factor runner up Olly Murs channelled Mark Owen singing Shine.
And performing a couple of big band numbers, Gary told spectators: "This is from my new album Swing When You're Thinning". This was a lighthearted reference to Robbie's album Swing When You're Winning and his own battle with his waistline. As was to be expected the high point of the evening came when he crooned through Take That anthems Patience and Rule The World.