HARK! I've now decided all I want for Christmas is another ticket for this sparkling show.

This is a very slick piece of theatre - not a panto (no Santa, elves or thigh-slapping, love-lorn prince), but a well-paced, wonderfully-performed package of inventive comedy with cracking music.

Yule love every inspired minute.

This is a joyful re-telling of the most famous story ever told with touches of Dave Allen meets Monty Python and Jeremy Kyle (courtesy of Andrew Schofield's spot-on impersonation of the chat show star).

Drew is an integral part of the much-loved Court ensemble crew where everyone is allowed to shine thanks to Cal McCrystal's direction.

And despite the Scouse in the title it is not at all 'Scousified'.

Indeed, this re-booting could travel anywhere.

Writer Kevin Fearon, also the Theatre’s executive producer, knows just what the loyal Royal Court fans want and with input from Cal, he delivers a two-hour, 20 minute production with real Christmas presence (see what I did there).

The set, by Mark Walters, is a huge pop-up book with each page depicting a massive scene from Nazareth to Bethlehem and back.

And Ian Scott's lighting is suitably effective.

And so it came to pass the Angela Gabriel (played by Lindzi Germain) on ariel wires needs her wings.

The last time I saw her this high was in the Court after-show bar after celebrating her own successful Court show The Royal.

Our Lindzi is a huggable celestial messenger who needs to impress 'the boss' who instructs her to oversee a special birth.

She asks Terry (Drew) and his fellow shepherds Jerry (Stephen Fletcher) and Lil (Keddy Sutton) to help her aided by some camels, an emu and other puppets.

Stephen and Keddy are a big hit with the audience who lap up the Cilla Black references.

Paul Duckworth is exceptional as the villain Herod. He provides endless laugh-out-loud moments.

His dancing - like all the choreography - is spot on. And his impersonations are truly hilarious.

Mary (Hayley Hampson) and Joseph (Mark Fletcher) work perfectly together – great casting.

Hayley's version of When a Child is Born is tingly while Mark's interpretation of Just My Imagination was so apt for the script.

We are treated to many great pop songs from ELO's Mr Blue Sky to Fleetwood Mac's Go Your Own Way.

And can I say Hallelujah for the 13-piece choir.

This is a seasonal show that also treats the subject matter with just the right amount of poignancy – yes, there’s some truly beautiful moments amid the mayhem.

Walking out into the city centre I felt I had been showered with feel good magic dust and I hadn’t even had a drink

Go forth and see it.

Amen.

Faultless festive fun - five stars

Until January 13.

Tickets from box office on 0151 709 4321