This much-loved musical is a slick and stylish stage celebration of the legacy of a band who sold more than 100 million records and provided a soundtrack to many peoples’ lives on both sides of the Atlantic.

Jersey Boys is the true story of Franki Valli and the Four Seasons and while it never fails to entertain in the feel good stakes - it pulls no punches.

We join these street-wise youngsters as they embark on the long and winding road of pop stardom encountering devious record company bosses.

Their individual and collective experiences turned this all American boy band from New Jersey hopefuls into showbiz survivors.

Written by Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman and directed by Des McAnuff, it is a modern day love story with plenty of ‘Shakespeare meets The Sopranos’ plots.

The research is impeccable.

For those who thought the Four Seasons epitomised bubblegum music the songs here are played in the context of a strong, earthy storyline involving the Mafia alongside other private and professional bust-ups.

Making its theatrical debut in 2005, this is more than a jukebox musical and it has a different kind of energy and sparkle on stage than Clint Eastwood’s 2014 film version.

Back projection creates some atmospheric 60s iconic imagery and references to the Ed Sullivan show are recreated.

The choreography is cracking throughout.

And, of course, there’s the songs – a back catalogue that earned the band a place in the Rock and Roll Hall, of Fame.

Let’s Hang On, Walk Like a Man, Working My Way Back to You, Who Loves You? and Rag Doll are just a few of the hits performed.

The excellent programme notes also mention songs that don’t appear in the show such was the talent of prolific Bob Gaudio (music) and Bob Crewe (lyrics).

Valli’s voice and soaring harmonies were their trademarks in songs which are played to this day on radios across the world.

This two and half hour show has many stand out moments including Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and My Eyes Adored You as well as a beautifully arranged Bye Bye Baby.

The Four Seasons were very much like our own Fab Four they wrote their own songs but unlike the Beatles they were mis-managed.

Here the quartet give their own narrative (Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter) a clever device to show how they each saw the events. There is much humour in the well-structured storyline.

Michael Watson is a faultless Frankie striving to do the right thing and believing in loyalty no matter what life threw at him.

Simon Bailey’s Tommy de Vito also showing the versatility of this supergroup.

The opening press night saw some cast changes due to illness, but this is clearly a company where there are plenty of talented multi-taskers to step into the spotlight.

James Winter became Bob Gaudio while Karl James Wilson took on the mantle of Nick Massi And there was a sensitive portrayal of tragic Francie - Frankie’s daughter - played by Amy Thiroff.

Liverpool audiences love this type of rousing musical biography show and the cast were genuinely thrilled to receive a standing ovation for this accomplished musical for all seasons.

To quote one of their greatest hits the disco favourite December 1963... Oh what a night.

Joyous Jersey Boys.

Four stars!

On until January 20.

For tickets call the box office on 0844 8713 017.