He was one of the stars of London's diamond jubilee concert and Alfie Boe continued to sparkle as he graced the stage at Thetford Forest last night.

Clearly enjoying his time in the atmospheric open air arena, Alfie played a set list heavily influenced by his eclectic tastes.

From songs from his latest album Alfie, released in October last year, to Elvis covers and well-known numbers from popular stage musicals, he was as skilled as he was enthusiastic, greeting the crowd and welcoming them to the show.

The West End and Broadway star has experienced something of a rise to stardom since being discovered singing in a Lancashire car factory at the age of 17 where he worked as an apprentice mechanic, and has become a well-known favourite within the British music scene.

A classically-trained tenor, he often performs sell-out gigs, and although not at capacity in the forest it was a full and enthusiastic crowd which greeted Alfie and his orchestra to the stage.

The rain even stayed away as families enjoyed a picnic in the unique setting. At ease with the crowd, Alfie's professionalism was obvious, garnered from performing in shows such as Sir Cameron Mackintosh's Les Miserables in the West End and in renowned film maker Baz Luhrmann's La Boheme, on Broadway.

In short it was a joy to listen to the full-bodied sound of Alfie on stage, and listening to him chat to the crowd. Soprano Laura Wright also made a supporting appearance with a voice that sounded just right against the backdrop of the forest.

This year's summer season of gigs at Thetford Forest will end tonight with The Darkness.

Rebecca Gough