WHEN you see the name 'Vesbim' on a show poster you know that all the stops will be pulled out to make audiences happy.

The Wallasey-based company also know a thing or two about value-for-money as this three-hour, 15 minute production illustrated.

They have already sold out two Pink Floyd shows earlier this month.

Now comes The Who's rock opera Tommy performed Live.

An ambitious project using some very seasoned and versatile musicians and singers.

it is always good to see the Hideaways and Supercharge star legend Ozzie Yue on stage and here he supplied some sparkling harmonica work.

The first half sees a stark, functional black-draped stage with six musicians and two backing vocalists fronting the seven-strong cast including Mark Lacey as Frank and Joanna Male as Nora and the acid queen in throaty Tina Turner mode Pete Townshend's gritty words are brought to life.

A back-screen also showed brief clips from the Ken Russell film version.

This first outing of Tommy certainly has plenty of potential – a solid base to build upon.

Many fans gave it a standing ovation.

After the interval there's more doctored Who material.

Songs from The Lifehouse Chronicles - the aborted follow up which became the album Who's Next.

Won't Get Fooled Again, Baba O’Riley and behind Blue Eyes were lapped up by the wide-aged group audience.

With, sadly, no programme available, I would have liked singer Gary Brown (who plays Tommy) to introduce every talented member of the band who deserved a name check.

That's something for future shows I also feel that the second half would actually sit better as the first half.

This would be a real build-up, a cracking warm up to the main attraction - Tommy Live.

This would also allow the stunning lazer show to illuminate and maximise Tommy's transformation.

This double treat for Who fans has a long life ahead of it - bringing it to new generations.

it is a powerful and passionate package which is returning in 2019 – 50 years on since Tommy was born.

Rock On, Tommy!

Four stars