IF you feel like going on a get-away-from it all break then head off to the Empire Theatre where sunshine is in abundance.

Feel-good fun hits you the moment the famous theme tune arrives and the laughter flows non-stop for the next 130 minutes.

People are still laughing in the interval which is always a good sign.

This is the touring stage version of the popular sit-com Benidorm that carried on where the Carry On ... films left off.

The colourful poster for the show invites you to let your hair down in the Costa Blanca and there you are in such fine comedic company.

Imagine an evening inspired by Fawlty Towers, 'Allo 'Allo, Hi de Hi and Are You Being Served.

You simply can't help yourself laughing out loud at the slapstick and accompanying funny one-liners in creator Derren Litten's adaptation slickly directed by Ed Curtis.

But this is more than a tribute to great British sit-coms and farces.

Benidorm has its own loyal following as shown by the wide-age group audience – including many families.

The innuendo isn't watered down - in fact, it goes up a peg.

It takes the TV version to another cheeky level.

Favourite characters received 'whoops' fit for pop stars when they appeared on stage.

Liverpool actor Tony Maudsley as camp hairdresser Kenneth looked as if he was loving every second in front of his home crowd.

Corrie favourite Sherrie Hewson is superb as the resilient manager Joyce Temple-Savage.

Janine Duvitski excels as 'swinger' Jacqueline, who consistently comes out with outrageous remarks delivered with spot-on timing notably a list of cocktails on offer by the pool side bar.

Designer Mark Walters has created a visual joy that revolves to make the audience feel they are on location at the Solana Hotel which is under threat as a 'hotel inspection' looms.

There are some highly enjoyable song and dance numbers including the '60s classics Rubber Ball and Roy Orbison's Pretty Woman and, from the '70s, the Bay City Rollers holiday classic Shang-a-Lang.

Shelley Longworth shines as Sam with her lovely ballad There You'll Be.

The entire cast glide through the farce-like frolics with sheer enthusiasm leading to a rousing Spanish finale and a standing ovation.

Benidorm is born again on stage and it will certainly be a theatrical destination worth booking for in the years to come.

Ole!

Globe verdict

4 Stars

A Heatwave of Hilarity

The show is at the Liverpool Empire until Saturday.

Tickets are from the box office on 0844 871 3017.