Freddie Starr looked a shadow of the hilarious performer he used to be when appearing at the Royal Hippodrome on Saturday, but proved he still has a rich singing voice.

The strain of spending 18 months on bail before 13 sexual offence allegations were dropped through insufficient evidence has obviously taken its toll.

Freddie, 72, having taken oxygen – and a cigarette – backstage, appeared on a mobility scooter after Johnny Tait, a comedian with actual punchlines,and talented singer Georgia Sheed had filled the first half.

Starr told how he suffered a heart attack and collapsed lung and referred to policemen coming to his home, claiming he’d "touched a girl 53 years ago!"

He once forgot what he was talking about in a disjointed routine but had the audience in stitches with sheep jokes and a dyslexic naughty story of Rindercella. And he earned prolonged applause for three powerful vocals including a tribute to Elvis Presley with Only Fools Rush In.

There were, however, a few awkward moments when he told a member of the audience to be quiet and berated a couple of mobile phone owners. But he earned more laughs by telling a woman with flowers on her dress: “you look like a grave, love!”

THREE STARS.