Mary Whitehouse wouldn't have liked the Lady Boys. But then, like most of those outraged by their perceived sexual deviance, she wouldn't have deigned to see them.

If she had, the late moral crusader would have been disappointed. The Lady Boys, in their sumptuous costumes, are glitzy and glamorous and, yes, they are beautiful but no more titillating than the dancers at a royal variety show.

What they were on the opening night of their 10th anniversary tour was enormous fun. It was sparkling karaoke, cheesy pop routines and Carry On comedy, with enthusiastic members of the audience dragged on stage and cheered to the tent top.

The cabaret atmosphere was akin to a good wedding; children, couples and families were clapping along to Grease and dancing to YMCA.

The one moment of genuine emotion was when a solo performer dressed to the nines slowly took off his make up and changed into a shirt and trousers while singing My Way.

I doubt Mary would have got it. But who cares? The audience wanted a party night and that's what they got.