Pussycat Dolls @ NEC

Dec 1 2006 By Alison Dayani, Birmingham Mail

THE Pussycat Dolls' origins in cabaret were obvious with a show that was as much about the dancing as the music.

It was 75 minutes of perfectly timed, rhythmic moves, high kicks, splits and booty-shaking.

R'n'B star Rhianna got the night started as an exceptionally strong support act.

It seemed a surprise to get someone so popular and with as many hits as the Pussycat's for a warm up, but no-one was moaning.

Scantily-clad and sexy, she led perfectly up to the main act, who with an array of various hot pants and bikini tops, seemed more associated with bunny girls than pussycats.

They opened the concert boldly with Buttons, showing off their dancing prowess from the start.

The girls did look fantastic on stage, but it was really only lead singer Nicole whose voice stood out. Despite the open sexiness of the band, the family gig never crossed the line into seediness.

In true cabaret style, two children were even invited on stage to shake their booty in a bid to win an Ipod.

Their best song, Don't Cha, was saved for a big finale, rounding of an enjoyable but not overly-memorable night.