The impressive vocal display was nothing short of what was expected from this acclaimed 33-year-old tenor, who has a Classic FM Artist of the Year title, a Tony Award and UK Classical chart number one album among his accolades.

What wasn't given away in the programme though, was the treat of ex-sports car mechanic Alfie's easy, informal charm and unconventional stand-up comedy style banter with the 600-strong audience and his fellow musicians.

In between classics such as Italian love song O Sole Mio, Alfie gave a glimpse of his easy self-deprecating humour.

There was an enticing warmth between him and the three musicians who completed the tour line up – music director Jill Farrow, piano; Charlie Brown, violin; Tony Woollard, cello.

Another unexpected highlight of the evening was in a musical interlude by the three alone, with Oblivion.

Alfie said he is often asked if he will ever make the crossover to record a pop song but responds that his aim is take opera to the masses and reinvent its popularity – if anyone can do it, he can.

Alfie's latest album La Passione is on sale now – as he jokingly mentioned once or twice during his visit to Lynn!