IT’S a great little instrument, the ukulele - tuneful, portable and relatively easy to learn.

No wonder it’s become so popular with groups springing up all over the place to play together.

But that can’t quite account for the appeal of The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, which celebrates its 30th anniversary next year.

Who would have thought such a quirky evening’s entertainment could sell out this large concert hall?

Eight musicians in evening dress, all with ukuleles of varying registers including a bass which holds it all together, sit in a line across the front of the stage playing, joking, singing and seat-dancing their way through some brilliant and unlikely numbers.

It’s all done with deadpan humour, style and a whole load of musical talent.

At times it’s extremely silly and always a lot of fun, as when farmyard noises find their way into Get Lucky and Pinball Wizard is re-imagined as a sea shanty.

A swing version of ‘Yorkshire folk song’ Wuthering Heights bumps up against Blur’s Song 2 and Talking Heads’ Psycho Killer, and the playing is just breathtakingly brilliant, particularly when George Formby’s Leaning on a Lamppost is done in a Russian balalaika style.

A great version of God Gave Rock n Roll to You is saved for the encore and followed up with The Clash’s Should I Stay or Should I Go?

They had to go, but they'll be welcome back anytime on the strength of this joyous evening.

And many will have left the Lighthouse vowing to play their uke just a little bit better.