NOW running for 30 successful years, this wonderful show has nailed the formula of happy pop songs, hilarious comedy routines, and nostalgic overhead projections. The versatile live five-piece band and the brilliant front six singers are compelling.

Vocal harmony quality is evidenced by the tricky Beach Boys numbers Little Saint Nick and the awesome Good Vibrations.

The unsung hero of this show is Phil Hollender. Rarely featured out front, never doing vocals, Hollender is nevertheless the melodic rock of the band. Classically trained, with the show for over 20 years, his keyboards are richly supportive, never overwhelming, and range from a distinctive Hammond/Farfisa organ soul sound to a full orchestra.

Adding to the show's visual mix are the Bournemouth-based youngsters from the Carrington Hollywood Dance Academy. Blending perfectly with the music, the girls excel in black and white 60s geometric costumes, interpreting the stompin' Dave Clark Five hit Glad All Over.

Particularly outstanding is the slick Shadows' medley of the hooky Dance On and the beautiful When A Child Is Born.

Hysterically funny, the Riverdance routine contains a genuinely convincing Michael Flatley tap-dance cameo and an out-of-control “girl” step-dancer.

The classy finale features Nikki Hechavarria's spine-chilling All I Want For Christmas Is You and a superb soul medley of Reach Out I'll Be There, Love Train, Working My Way Back To You and How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You.