@ Theatre Royal, Glasgow until Sat 31 Oct 2015

Thom Southerland and Paul Alexander’s adaptation of The Smallest Show on Earth is taken from the 1950s British film starring Peter Sellers and Margaret Rutherford. The plot stays true to the original with minimal alterations, exploring the journey of a young couple who inherit a dilapidated cinema during a pre-existing financial struggle.

When newly-weds Matt and Jean Spenser (Haydn Oakley and Laura Pitt-Pulford) are made a substantial offer on the building they are forced to choose between selling and re-opening their uncle’s beloved Bijou, locally known as “The Flea Pit”.

Irving Berlin provides the soundtrack to the performance, with crowd pleasers such as “Steppin’ Out With My Baby”, “Shakin’ the Blues Away” and “Blue Skies” to keep feet tapping under the seats.

The cast also includes Liza Goddard (Take Three Girls, Grandpa in My Pocket, Bergerac) as thick skinned Bijou employee Mrs Fazackalee and her right hand man Brian Capron (Coronation Street, Grange Hill, Where the Heart Is) as projectionist Mr Quill. Together with the other cast members, they make a very complementary ensemble.

Highlights of the show include an all singing, all dancing romantic embrace between young lovers Marlene and Tom (with seamless choreography from Lee Proud), some side splitting one-liners from the villainous Ethel Hardcastle (Ricky Butt) and a light hearted ‘drag’ act from solicitor/wannabe entertainer Robin Carter (Matthew Crowe).

From the clever set design to the energetic performance and vibrant vocal contributions, there really are no weak links – an overall great show for the whole family.