Movin' Melvin makes audience members who are considerably younger than him feel ancient.

Starting with a spirited five-minute, tap-dancing intro, the all-smiling, spangly-suited storyteller goes on to sing and dance for more than an hour, without taking a break or even a sip of water.

This kind of stamina can only be reached through years of practice and Melvin has an abundance of experience.

The former minister pays tribute to Ray Charles and Sammy Davis Jr.

He condenses the highs and lows of their careers into a rhythm 'n' bluesdrenched cabaret.

Impassioned recollections of music, politics and the history of black music are interspersed with jokes and songs.

This is where Melvin shows off his greatest talent - his voice, which would not be out of place on the Motown roster.

Melvin, with his smile of pure delight and gleeful chuckle, seems highly entertained by his own anecdotes. He's all about spreading the happy vibes and it's impossible to feel anything but warmth for this original soul man. Leilah Nicola
Until Sunday, call 01273 647100