Ernie Wallace reviews La Cage Aux Folles, byChINA theatre group,Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre until Saturday.

OH, what a night of unbridled gaiety - gay in every sense of the word.

The Hyndburn-based musical group have revived the production that knocked out their audiences several years ago both in Oswaldtwistle and in Manchester.

Some faces are the same, some are new, but director Anthony Williams has given it his usual panache and pzazz while Michael Power returns as MD with a lively orchestra.

The show is about two gay men - a St Tropez club owner and his star drag artist - and what happens when the owner's son (that's another story) wants to marry the daughter of a raving homophobic politician.

Simon Westwell and David Norris play the star roles warmly and convincingly without causing embarrassment.

Don't worry; no-one will get corrupted watching it.

The worst that can happen is you'll bust a gut laughing at the witty plot, the outrageously over-the-top characters and the guys glitteringly dressed as showgirls.

It's a happy return, and by the end of this week you can bet the audience will be on their feet singing "The Best of Times" and going ecstatic.

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