THE rousing song What a feeling is up there as one of the great '80s movie soundtracks.

It never fails to get audiences clapping and singing along.

But Flashdance - The Musical, written by Tom Hedley with music by Robbie Roth, is amply packed with even more popular songs.

Matt Cole's choreography is dynamic notably Alex's jaw-dropping audition sequence.

Music numbers are well balanced throughout from rockers to ballads in equal measure.

There's I love rock and roll, Gloria, Manhunt, Maniac, I'm over the moon, Chamelon girls and A million to one.

Now that's a greatest hits set any show would be proud of.

It is a production that is full of energy, electricity and excitement.

A story of hopes and dreams from dance to acting and stand up comedy with music from a thumpingly good on-stage band under the directorship of George Carter.

I have seen stage versions before but this seems as though it has been re-booted with even more zest and sparkle than usual.

Strictly come dancing champion Joanne Clifton, who was such a hit in Thoroughly modern Millie, is outstanding as savvy qnd sexy welder Alex Owens.

She is a very accomplished dancer having been crowned World and European ballroom champion and, of course, superb Strictly star.

Joanne is also a formidable singer and actress and makes her presence felt in every scene.

She is perfectly cast.

You cannot take your eyes off her – thanks to her on-stage personality and dazzling dance movements.

Her love interest, Nick Hurley, is played by A1 singer Ben Adams, who hits the right note very time and has spot-on chemistry with the very gifted heroine.

Nice guy Nick is a well-meaning son of the steelworks boss and has to impose job cuts, while Alex wants to break free of her day job and nightclub dancing to join the respectable Shipley Dance Academy.

Hollie-Anne Lowe as wannabee actress Gloria never puts a foot wrong.

One of the most memorable scenes is Alex being soaked on stage by a sensual waterfall. The message is don't try this at home.

A two-tier stage with industrial stairs on wheels allows the 18-strong cast plenty of space.

The contrast between bland overalls of the steelworks and the colourful leotards and dance routines is a clever piece of design and director Hannah Chissick offers a nicely-paced show lasting two and half hours including the interval where you can catch your breath.

Like Dirty dancing, Fame and Footloose, Flashdance is one of those films that works very well on the stage – more fleshed out than the screenplay and it is a musical that has rightly built up a loyal following and fan base.

Producers Selladoor are masters of this genre – appealing to all ages with and a slick piece of glorious, gutsy entertainment.

Flashy, feel good fun - four stars 

The show is on until Saturday.

Tickets from the box office on 0844 871 3017.