Hi - here's the review from Manchester Online - the internet version of the local Manchester Evening News.



MAYBE it's the Canadian way, or maybe it's simply the fact that she's sold more records than any female solo artist in history, but if Shania Twain had been any more relaxed at the M.E.N. Arena last night she'd have been sipping margaritas on a deck chair while belting out hit after hit. Talk about casual!

Not casual in the sense that she couldn't be bothered - far from it, in fact - but in the sense that all this comes so naturally to her.

Enveloped by a 20,000-strong crowd from a sound stage in the middle of the arena, Twain could have been performing for a couple of friends at her local, so comfortable was she with the dazzling surroundings.

Looking stunning in a luminous green top and black pants (how many women can say that?), Twain kicked off with Man! I Feel Like A Woman from her 34m selling album, Come On Over, and from there on in the crowd were hooked.

This was a sing-along slice of country pop like no other, helped by one of the best backing bands ever seen at the Arena.

Applause

Up!, Honey, I'm Home, C'est La Vie and Don't Be Stupid (You Know I Love) followed to deafening applause, and were only occasionally spoilt by Twain's insistence on signing every autograph she could from the edge of the stage.

Those close-by couldn't believe their luck, and it got even better when she actually walked into the crowd, sat down and belted out another great number.

A girl called Samantha, from Congleton, then walked onstage and proposed to her boyfriend of four years (he said yes), before Twain donned a Manchester Phoenix ice hockey jersey in just about the best plug the club could ever wish for.

Which left just enough time for Twain to wrap with the beautiful You're Still The One, Any Man Of Mine and Rock This Country.

Come on over whenever you want, petal, we'll welcome you anytime here in Manchester.