IT would be both easy and at, the same time churlish to criticise Steeleye Span for what they do. Their blend of Status Quo riffery with multipart harmonies and what can, with an admittedly broad brushstroke, be labelled morris dancing music, is even more ridiculous and out of step with reality in 1996 than it was in 1976, but their enthusiasm doesn't diminish.

Sheer enjoyment at their craft - creating an amazingly complex music out of what are, essentially, simple tunes and often nursery rhyme lyrics - radiates from the stage. By any standards, their combination of professionalism and playfulness was exemplary.

Maddy Prior is still nimble on her feet; Bob Johnson still moves ponderously and seems to play guitar in slow motion; Peter Knight still looks like a string section maestro moonlighting in studiously casual attire; while Gay Woods added an element of danger by her very presence, demeanour and Lady Haversham dress sense, and completely stole the show.