THIRTEEN months ago I reviewed the world premiere of a new musical dedicated to a much-loved Merseyside legend.

I gave it a Globe rating of five stars and nothing has changed.

This is a show that will be receiving standing ovations as long as we have Cilla Black's amazing legacy.

Director Bill Kenwright and co-director Bob Tomson - as always - pull out all the stops to make sure that this musical hits all the right notes.

They instinctively know what audiences want.

Multi award-winning screen and stage writer Jeff Pope, who wrote the acclaimed TV 2014 drama series Cilla, on which this is based, has created the singer's world from Scotland Road to achieving her first television series.

We see Priscilla White’s transformation from typist to Cavern Club dweller and pop sensation guided by her mentor Brian Epstein.

The show's slick design by Gary McCann allows many smooth scene changes under illuminated arches.

A simple red telephone box is also a wonderful 'cameo' extra playing Cilla's only direct line with London.

We follow Cilla's early life from loving working class household with mum (Jayne Astley) and dad (Neil Macdonald), both roles delivered with real warmth and humour.

We are on a theatrical nostalgia trip, too, becoming flies-on-the-wall at the Cavern listening to the Mersey beat bands.

We are taken to Eptein's office bedecked with Fab Four posters, Abbey Road studios with George Martin and Burt Bacharach and the London Palladium with Danny La Rue.

There is also a trans-Atlantic trip to the Ed Sullivan Show in New York as homesick Cilla tries to crack America in 1965.

The 25 songs, under musical director Scott Adler recreate the golden oldie magic of songs such as Alfie, You're My World and Liverpool Lullaby.

Alexander Patmore plays Bobby Willis, the love of her life, while Andrew Lancel is enigmatic Epstein.

Both top-notch actors give their all for a show spanning three hours including an interval.

The Beatles here play a supporting role as do Gerry and The Pacemakers and The Big Three with a foot-tapping rendition of their '60s classics.

Michael Hawkins and Bill Caple are fab as John and Ringo, respectively.

Now on its third national tour, the musical reveals the ups and downs of Cilla's remarkable life, which ended in 2015.

Humour and poignancy go hand-in-hand.

In the title role is Kara Lily Hayworth who is engaging, emotional and electrifying every single minute she is on stage.

This is an inspirational musical morality tale that proves how determination, self-belief and the loyalty of friends and family can make dreams come true.

A show you can go back to time and time again.

Verdict:

Five Stars

Step inside ... you'll luv it!

The show is on until Saturday.

Tickets are from the box office on 0151 666 0000.