An old friend is back in Liverpool and he's in great company.

This is a timeless musical.

Director Bill Kenwright loves it as much as the audiences do.

Every touring production is different.

I know, I have been reviewing it on and off for three decades.

Mr Kenwright has the same zest for the show he has had from day one when he produced Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's tale of brothers - loyalty,  family values and...Elvis.

That is the key to any long- running show -  keep it fresh, tweaking it  along the way and never losing  the initial charm.

There is no danger of that when you see this lavish, feel good, family-friendly fest of fun.

Choreography and set designs are faultless.

Amazingly, we are taken on a world tour with Egypt, Paris, Latin America -  a few of the locations where wonderful numbers - under musical supervisor Tom De Keyser- take you on a magic carpet.

Sean Cavanagh's set design is simply superb and the costumes stunning.

Indeed, the handmaidens made so  many changes I thought I was in Las Vegas.

Oh and we can all get shook up by the Pharaoh - played on opening night by Perry O'Dea standing in for (or should be hip-shaking for) Matt Lapinskas.

And of course there's (pause for drum roll) Joseph, courtesy of a a charismatic Lloyd Daniels of X Factor fame.

He is a great piece of casting as is 'Over the Rainbow' star Danielle Hope as the Narrator.

And full credit to the combined talents of the Joseph Choir from the Performers Theatre School.

Songs such as One More Angel in Heaven and Those Canaan Days are given wonderful make- overs and the visual humour is first class.

There are cheerleaders, American footballers, cowboys and some extra surprises.

Inflatable sheep, a chariot and a singing camel.

If you have seen Joseph before, then try and catch this one.

In true showbiz style you ain't seen anything like it. Till next time....

Oh and if it's your first time you are in for an amazing, colourful treat.

10/10 - Slick and Sparkling

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is on at the Liverpool Empire Theatre until October 18. Tickets from the Box Office on 0844 871 3017.