SOME might say the telltale sign of a great musical is that you spend the half an hour following the end of the show singing snippets from all the songs.

If this is the case, then Footloose the Musical really is up there with the greats.

As if quality 80s tunes including I Need A Hero, Footloose and Let's Hear It For The Boy aren't enough, the show treats audiences to some of the best dance scenes I have seen in a musical.

A highly-talented cast, including Lisa Scott-Lee's husband Johnny Shentall, former Bucks Fizz girl Cheryl Baker and Stephen McGann of Emmerdale fame impressed with not only their finely honed acting, singing and dancing but with their enthusiasm.

And this applied to every member of the cast, no matter how small a part they may have had. Every actor put their all into their own personal performance, making the show a polished, energy-filled night of fun.

Of course, the first night of any show comes with its hitches, but the few problems with microphones and lighting were dealt with professionally and smoothly by cast members.

Most impressive was world class dancer Derek Hough as Ren McCormack, the lead role made famous in the film by Kevin Bacon, and his sidekick Giovanni Spano as small town boy Willard Hewitt.

It's hard to find a fault with this show - musicals are quite often good but to find one that's great is less common.

ECB