Patrick Wolf, London Palladium , November 15 WITH his recent album The Batchelor, Patrick Wolf became the artist he'd always wanted to be. Known for his flamboyant dress sense and showmanship, he edged away from the nu-folk tag that had attached itself to him since his first album EP in 2002, recruiting Digital Hardcore legend Alec Empire to vamp up the record. After splitting from Universal Records, he raised cash to record it through selling shares in it through website Bandstocks. The result is dark, epic and menacing but still recognisably Wolf - drenched in strings and fabulously camp, it felt like the record he was born to make. Tonight's show, which boots Sister Act the musical out of the Palladium for the night,is the live realisation of this new persona. The setting is as dramatic as his outfits, the crowd as diverse as his back catalogue – the perfect place to look back on a rollercoaster year of ups and downs. His usual band is joined by a full orchestra, freeing up Wolf to leap around the stage, but during the first half, clad head to toe in black, he seems content plucking at the violin for the likes of Wind In The Wires and Overture. As time goes on, he ups the drama, changing into increasingly sparkly, feathery costumes. Old favourites Thickets, Bluebells and Wolfsong get an airing but it is an appearance by woman of the moment Florence Welch, described by Wolf as "one of the best singers in the country", that really kick-starts the show. Alec Empire follows, adding his dirty, electro twist to Battle and Hard Times. The show rounds up with the brilliant The Magic Position and an emotional rendition of The Sun Is Often Out, dedicated to recently dead friend, but it's his final encore Vulture which, with the help of Empire, seals the deal. From a rotating podium, he contorts and pouts like Madonna and Freddie Mercury rolled into one – it's a spectacular end to the night. It's been the best show of his life and he's the happiest he's ever been, he tells us, and for an hour and a half, we're right up there with him.