One thing I must concede to the giant teen show Monday night at The Gardens . . . with 8,000 kids to look after it was an exceptionally well-run affair.

This was easily the largest teen show to play here, and also the largest attendance so far of the 40-city tour Herman's Hermits are undertaking. Matt Crawford of Variety Theatres doesn't plan a follow up, but as local agent Benny Benjamin said: "For size and scope how can you top this?”

Indeed, The Gardens was jammed up tight for the smooth-running show. No delays, no undue movement out of seats, no crammed passageways and exits, no uncontrollable hysteria . . . it was the kind of show where the well-being of the youngsters was never a cause for concern.

And it proved that whatever criticisms are levelled at the drabness of the teen scene here the kids will always buy tickets for something they really want to see.