Last Friday night saw The Mission Theatre's Main Auditorium packed to capacity with fans of legendary American singer/songwriter Dean Friedman. The audience enjoyed hits from throughout Dean's three-decade-long career, including Ariel, Lucky Stars and Lydia, as well as new songs like I Miss Monica and Under the Weather.

Dean was supported by the talented Michael Armstrong who played a half-hour set before Dean took to the stage. The audience received Michael well, and enjoyed his mix of humorous and wry songs, as well as his talent for story-telling. Especially enjoyable was the tale of Michael's experience at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert - where he ended up on stage with stars including Paul McCartney, Kylie, Stevie Wonder and Elton John, and was introduced to the Queen as a member of the Military Wives Choir!

Dean Friedman played and entertained the crowd for over an hour and a half, finally finishing his set with Lucky Stars - arguably one of his most famous works. The song was originally sung as a duet with Denise Marsa, and Dean asked the audience to sing her part - to great success. It was truly brilliant to listen as at least half the audience sang (word and tune-perfectly) the female part of this beautiful song from 1978.

Dean made sure he met and talked to every member of the audience as they left after a very enjoyable evening at The Mission, and many had pictures taken with him and purchased CDs, books and merchandise which were then signed.

For more information about the rest of Dean's UK tour, or to find out more about him, visit his excellent website http://www.deanfriedman.com/.