Matthew Bourne was last in the city with his Early Adventures at the Playhouse.

Now he’s back in his own dancing shoes as director and choreographer with his West End hit, based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale and Powell and Pressburger classic film Red Shoes.

It has been a 20 year ambition of his to bring this show to the stage and its been worth the wait.

It is full of sensual, intense surprises.

The music by Hollywood genius Bernard Herrmann (not the original Oscar winning score) and pre-recorded orchestrations by Terry Davies draws you into all the human emotions throughout this very slick two-hour production.

This is a two-act masterpiece with striking special effects and costumes courtesy of the ever-imaginative Lez Brotherston.

It is the passionate story of two artists – dancer Victoria Page (Cordelia Braithwaite)and composer Julian Craster (Dominic North). There is also a highly-charged impresario in Boris Lermontov (Sam Archer).

All three performers re-tell this triangular love story about art and heart in the true New Adventures style – sheer artistic dedication.

The characters simply love their art.

Set in London and the French Riviera it is a step back in time that never fails to delight in its story-telling and inventiveness.

The set designs cleverly transports us all to front and back stage at Covent Garden with the swish of a curtain.

Spotlights are used to maximum effect thanks to the consistently illuminating lighting designer Paule Constable.

We are in the audience for the ‘ballet within a ballet’ The Red Shoes itself at the Monte Carlo Opera House.

You do a lot of theatrical travelling in Bourne’s work without leaving your seat.

You can almost get a sun tan by the sunshine of the Villefrance-Sur-Mer scene.

Pass the Pernod.

Humour abounds when we return to London six months later and enjoy some music hall fun courtesy of the Egyptian Sand Dance.

There is a real cinematic feel with some Hitchcockian imagery.

And the finale (I won’t hint at anything) but suffice to say it is awesome.

A standing ovation and multiple Empire curtain calls proved that Matthew Bourne has done it again.

Matthew, sitting in the first night audience, saw how Liverpool audiences lap up his own endless love affair triangle with those very special partners in his life – dance, film and theatre.

Five Stars - exhilarating and exquisite.

At the Empire theatre until Saturday. 

For tickets call the box office on 0844 871 3017 or visit http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/matthew-bournes-production-of-the-red-shoes/liverpool-empire/