THE "men in red" are on top form in this, their centenary year, and made a super start to their concert season, the high spot of which will be their concert in Symphony Hall on June 19.

We were treated to some popular items such as Cwm Rhonda, the gentle Close Thine Eyes, and one of my favourites Take Me Home, an excellent Cole Porter medley and a Beatles Medley, and, always a highlight, Bring Him Home from Les Miserables.

The duo of singer Russell Painter, accompanied by David Morgan, always steals any show, their sunny personalities and friendly banter soon endearing them to the audience.

Russell must surely be the brightest star on any Kidderminster stage, and soon had the audience in the palm of his hand, with a vast range of music, from oratorio to Poisoning Pigeons in the Park.

His poignant Empty Chairs and Empty Tables was exceptional, and his performance of I'm An Ordinary Man from My Fair Lady belied his young age.

For me the highlight had to be the Anthem from Chess which surely has never been sung better.

The accompaniment, by the man who is surely the most musically multi-talented person around, David Morgan, ensured top class entertainment. It would be impossible not to enjoy a performance by these two young men.

The concerts would not be the same without the compering of Howard Vaughan, who always adds to the fun, as does musical director Justin Parker, who was acting some of the items as well as conducting them.

This was another excellent concert by the KMC and guests.

VJS