Neil Diamond began a six-night run in the Point Theatre last night, playing to a rapturously enthusiastic audience. The rotating "in the round" stage was a work of art, brilliantly designed and bathed in light from every angle. As for the music . . . it's not easy sitting through two solid hours of Neil Diamond.

Diamond has written a few great songs, but he's also produced lots of poor material. In short bursts his voice can be attractive, but he is a limited singer and his melodramatic, declamatory style can quickly become tiresome. The best material was held back until well into the concert.

He opened with a brash rendition of Beautiful Noise. In the early stages his large band was too dominant, producing a confused blur of sound which interfered with the singing. Hello Again was the first ballad of the night - a nice song, although his vocals were somewhat strained. By the time he got to Solitary Man, things were getting really dull.

Diamond performed a series of songs from his latest album - surprisingly good versions of Unchained Melody and I Can't Help Falling In Love With You. Then he introduced several of his own finest songs, and for about 15 minutes he was outstanding. Cracklin' Rosie had the whole house swaying and he milked Sweet Caroline brilliantly. He was helped here by the band's notably restrained approach.

It was all downhill from there, with a series of turgid songs to end. But, in the eyes of the audience, he could do no wrong.