It’s been two years since this feel good show last came to Liverpool. Back then I recall how everyone in the wide-aged group audience was - as we say on both sides of the Mersey – ‘up for it’.

A party, that is.

Now it has returned with gusto. A very versatile cast look as though they are having a ball throughout the two and half hour hit packed show.

The mould-breaking CD compilations of Dreamboats and Petticoats really took off.

This inspired idea to turn the songs into a musical has been a popular critical and audience success.

It is now in its 10 th year and shows no sign of ageing especially when you have producers Bill Kenwright and Laurie Mansfield with director Bob Tomson at the helm.

This is one of the sharpest, most attractive ‘jukebox’ musicals you will ever see and hear.

We first see the hero Bobby in an attic telling his grand daughter about his first love - a guitar.

Then it’s flashback time to 1961 and a pre-fab four music scene where Helen Shapiro, Del Shannon and Billy Fury were influential artistes. Indeed, stars who shone on the very Empire stage.

It’s a bit like Grease meets Happy Days but set in Essex - a celebration of the care-free 60s with its boy meets girl storyline followed by romantic twists and turns.

Schoolgirl Laura (Elizabeth Cater) has a crush on nice guy Bobby (Alistair Higgins) who has a thing for sexy Sue (Laura Darton) but she has fallen for Norman, a t- shirted show-off in the Fonz/Travolta mould played by Alastair Hill.

He is dim but he lights up those around him when he sings and struts his stuff.

His backing band The Conquests are reminiscent of The Shadows.

In fact the show is a homage to the Cliff and Elvis films with characters using any excuse to break into song.

And then there’s Donna (Gracie Johnson) and Ray (David Luke) who ‘make out ‘in the Tunnel of Love on a trip to Southend. The fairground sequences are very nostalgic.

It’s all about true love winning in the end with a song- writing competition being the driving backdrop.

The set from Sean Cavanagh is a collection of pillars splattered with atmospheric 60s posters.

And an on stage platform is the base for some talented musicians to display some super LIVE arrangements at St Mungo’s Youth Club.

Sax appeal is rampant.

And full marks to choreographer Carole Todd for getting the most out of the cool cats on stage.

There are guest appearances from neon signs and a glitter ball.

There is also a running gag with the club caretaker being the victim of pranks. Mike Lloyd provides the laughs as Frank/Slugger and cheesy compere.

Equally talented Jimmy Johnston is a likeable older Bobby.

Happily, no one says ‘Hey, Daddio ’ in the very funny script from sit-com legends Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran.

The very strong 17 member cast deserve praise for energy levels especially for the rip-roaring finale.

The audience loved singing along to the playlist which includes more than 40 songs - many staying faithful to the originals.

Others are given wonderful arrangements notably Roy Orbison’s In Dreams – which set my companion Linda off with a few sentimental tears.

Like so many in the audience the songs form a soundtrack to our lives.

Poetry in Motion was performed acappella-style and had the wow factor.

So, pop pickers, let’s have a run-through of some of the hits you get: Shakin’ All Over; Little Town Flirt; Only i Sixteen; The Great Pretender; Runaround Sue ... phew my feet are tapping just thinking about them all.

If you fancy letting your hair down - the emphasis here is on sax, hugs and rock and roll.

A sweet, sizzling, slick show that plays the nostalgic cards perfectly.

FOUR STARS - Poptastic

Until Saturday.

For tickets call the box office on 0844 8713 017.