ONE afternoon in 1914, Bradford's Alhambra theatre opened with a variety show which ran for a week.

Variety returned to the Alhambra on Saturday night, with some of the country's best-known entertainers celebrating its centenary.

Dancing girls in feather headdresses greeted audience members, treated to a red carpet entrance.

Glittering show A Night of Variety proved to be just that, with stars such as Michael Ball and Billy Pearce delighting a packed house over three hours.

The show opened with a Chicago-style number from the Renaissance Arts Dancers, then Alhambra panto stalwart Billy Pearce had everyone in stitches with a stand-up routine and hilarious silent tap dance.

Next up was Joe McElderry, Billy's panto co-star this Christmas, who delivered a rousing performance of his X Factor winner's song, The Climb. Actress Lesley Joseph recalled her long association with the Alhambra, in shows such as Annie and Calendar Girls, then came a rib-tickling turn from The Krankies, with the energy and timing of a polished music hall act.

Tributes to past productions at the Alhambra, included a moving scene from Edward Scissorhands, by dancers from Matthew Bourne's New Adventures company, and West End star Louise Dearman singing from Evita.

Billy ended Act One with a big band number, accompanied by Sunbeams past and present. Former members of the dance troupe, high-kicking on to the stage to loud cheers, included Joan Grange, a Sunbeam in 1936.

Act Two opened with slick comedy magic from Joe Pasquale, then headliner Michael Ball had the audience on their feet for a fabulous set of songs from musicals such as Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Cats and Hairspray.

"What a joy to be back in Bradford!" he cried.

It was a wonderful night of variety, and the audience loved it. The last word goes to Billy, who calls the Alhambra his "second home".

"If Francis Laidler was here tonight he'd be very proud," beamed the comic.