BRITISH INVASION: THE HITS FROM THE BRITS

Between a brilliant beginning and a fabulous finale, there’s plenty to applaud in this inspired production.

It opens in the “key of happy”. The Beatles in all their early 60s mop-haired glory, complete with screaming fans, kick off this energy-packed, all-singing, all-dancing tribute to the British music industry.

A fizzing ensemble with some stand-out individual vocal talent then takes the audience on a musical tour through selected Brit hits from the 60s and 70s until the current year, with focus on new millennium divas Amy Winehouse, Duffy and Adele.

In between, there’s the Stones, Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, Cilla Black, Boy George, Wham, Cliff, Rod, Elton, Robbie, Annie Lennox, David Bowie, The Clash, Billy Idol, Duran Duran and The Spice Girls in a dynamic show performed over backing tracks that truly transcends any hint of group karaoke.

This is nostalgia in high gear. This production showcases whole eras from Beatlemania and Carnaby Street to Rule Britannia. Like a modern alternative “Proms” concert, this cast – their costumes, their wigs (so many wigs), their vitality, on an evocative Union Jack decorated set reveals a new generation of local talent.

Erica Ward first as Duffy and then as Adele shines as someone who can deliver the big numbers. Michael Doody creates a stir as Boy George and Freddie Mercury, while Cam Dow and Kate Petherick get it off as Elton John and Kiki Dee – as well as other singers, Cam as Robbie Williams, Kate as Cilla, Annie and Amy. There are notable vocal contributions by Drew Pouniu, Harley Callaghan and Victoria Owen while the spirited ensemble all pitch in, conjuring plenty of tap-along, sing-along moments. Artistic director Ian Harman’s attention to detail is everywhere.

(Richard Mays)