5/5

I have to admit that when ITV2 announced that they would be piecing together a reality documentary based around the reforming of six pop acts from the late nineties and early noughties, I was simultaneously elated and aged. As someone who fell hard and fast for the insanity of cheesy pop in my teenage years, I was naturally a big fan of all six acts - 911, *Witched, Atomic Kitten, Liberty X, Five and Honeyz - and as a dedicated fan, I was thrilled at the chance of seeing six acts I had never seen perform live the first time round. However, with the realisation that these six acts had soared to the top of the pop charts a decade ago, came an equally daunting realisation that my youthful years were far behind me. But, having fallen back in love with the six acts through the rather addictive TV Series, I could not resist the allure of the tour's opening night in Sheffield, and so with Five's Greatest Hits blaring, I made my way to the Motorpoint Arena.

As it happens, I was far from alone in my desire to see the six chart-topping acts, with the Motorpoint Arena buzzing with hoards of fans hoping to get a glimpse of their teen pin-ups. With filming for the second series meaning odd glimpses of the stars pre-gig, screams fill the auditorium and teenage-driven euphoria ensues.

Before too long, the lights dim and a series overview pops up on the screens exploring the nervous excitement of the acts waiting backstage hoping for another successful step out in to the spotlight.

First the hit to stage are the now four-piece Five. With bad boy J Brown having refused to join in the fun and frolics of his former boyband, the troupe have redistributed his vocals and bound on to the stage with relentless energy. Opting to bypass their début hit 'Slam Dunk (Da Funk)' in favour of a medley of 'We Will Rock You' and 'Everybody Get Up', Five are sounding funkier and fresher than ever.

Far from missing J's overshadowing presence, the four piece set the bar high with a roof raising rendition of 'If Ya Gettin' Down' The Big Reunion's most reluctant and discordant participants, B*Witched, are next to take centre stage. Having fully buried the hatchet, it is smiles all around as the girls dance their way through the fun-pop of 'C'est La Vie' and 'Rollercoaster'. While there is no denying that the girls still ooze the charm that helped secure their initial success, following on from the forceful impact of Five means their efforts fail to make as impressive and impact.

The oldest of the groups, 911, are next to take centre stage. With the three members in their forties, or close enough to the landmark age, the trio are beyond impressive. As they twist and turn their way through a medley of 'Party People' and 'Love Sensation', Lee Brennan's unforgettable vocal is allowed to shine on the lush 'Little Bit More'.

With less than a handful of hits to their names, Honeyz are without any doubt the questionable addition to The Big Reunion line-up. However, given that 'Wonder No. 8' (both editions) are firm favourites in my CD collection, I am blown away by the latest line-up. Lead vocalist Celena Cherry delivers a breath-taking rendition of 'Finally Found', while both Heavenli Abdi and Mariama Goodman more than prove their own vocal capabilities on 'Love Of A Lifetime' and 'End Of The Line'.

With Precious alumnus and Kerry Katona-replacement Jenny Frost having given birth to twins just before The Big Reunion started filming, the livewire scouser best known to British audiences for her tumultuous private life has returned to the fold, with the original Atomic Kitten finally reunited. With critics keen to slate Katona, the trio (Katona is joined by vocal dynamites Natasha Hamilton and Liz McClarnon) take to the stage for a frenzy inducing rendition of début hit 'Right Now'.

With Katona proving she is more than vocally capable of completing the perfect pop trio, the crowd go wild for 'It's Okay' and 'Be With You'. Though they may have spent the first few months of their pop careers better known as The Flopstars, Popstars rejects Liberty X flawless vocal delivery on the tasty 'Thinking It Over', 'Got To Have Your Love' and 'Being Nobody' sends the Motorpoint into an electrifying frenzy. While many of the evening's acts have seen band members attempt solo careers, Liberty X simply disappeared from the music scene. With Kevin Simm, Kelli Young and Jessica Taylor all capable of spine tingling vocals, the question has to be asked why solo material never followed.

With all the acts having performed their initial sets, a 30 minute break is announced. While the music may have stopped, the electric atmosphere far from wanes. With all the acts having more than proved their worth, the excited audience can barely wait to find out if their favourite songs appear in the next half.

While Honeyz slink on to stage without any real introduction, many of the audience miss a truly touching rendition of 'Never Let You Down'. However, the sex kittens, who once dominated the covers of FHM, captured the audience's attention with a charged performance of 'Won't Take It Lying Down'. Having débuted their intended new single to an unexpectant audience pre-show, Honeyz have used The Big Reunion as a perfect launchpad to be rewarded with the success they should have been experiencing all along.

Having proved their dancing abilities have been far from damaged by their time away from the spotlight, 911 set bums wiggling with a pulse racing rendition of 'Bodyshakin'' before setting hearts fluttering with 'More Than A Woman'. With the announcement of new material and a tour, it appears 911 may be back to stay.

Having wowed in the opening act with their striking vocals, Liberty X don the PVC that broke them into the big time the first time round, and cause a riot with a super sexy working of 'Just A Little'. With the audience having fully worked up a sweat, Liberty X decide to cool the pace a little, with a very moving performance of 'Holding On For You'. Though no mention is made of a permanent return, the audience's response may well tease another Liberty X record out of the fivesome yet.

Though their opening set may have been overshadowed by the sheer powerhouse of Five, B*Witched raise their game for 'Jesse Hold On'.

But it is their sensational delivery of their last number one 'Blame It On The Weatherman' that really raises the temperature. Flawlessly choreographed, perfectly sung and clearly enjoyed by all four girls, B*Witched's new dynamics will no doubt shine further as the tour continues.

Poptastic Singalong!

With just two acts left to perform, Five explode on to the stage with the anthemic 'When The Lights Go Out'. Though all the other acts have been met with raucous applause, there is something about Five's arrival back on stage that induces an uncontrollable frenzy. With temperatures soaring, Five announce their upcoming headline tour before launching into the singalong 'Keep On Moving'. With Kerry having been spotted in the wings waving to fans before the closing set of the evening, Atomic Kitten burst on to stage to rapturous applause. As the trio clearly relish the opportunity to perform 'Tide Is High' to their dedicated fans once again. With a slight reference made to Kerry's departure just before Atomic Kitten broke the big time with 'Whole Again', the girls launch into an emotional rendition of 'Whole Again'. Overwhelmed by the screams, tears can clearly be seen in all three of the girls eyes, but their delivery is far from altered by the overpowering emotion of the situation. With no hint of a permanent return, Atomic Kitten graciously invite their co-stars back on stage for a final curtain call.

Though at first I may have been hesitant to take a trip down memory lane, The Big Reunion more than rebuffed my doubts. A truly poptastic singalong, The Big Reunion is a must-see! Roll on the Christmas tour!