CARRY on ... the '80s.

That is one way of describing this jolly jukebox musical show that does not take itself too seriously.

It's a pop panto - an unabashed feel good, frenetic farce with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and an '80s soundtrack crammed to the rafters.

The poster says it all.

A beaming holiday camp rep with a microphone watched on by the type of folk who frequent Love Island.

It is also reminiscent of the hit TV show and subsequent stage version of Benidorm.

So if you follow that type of entertainment, Club Tropicana is for you.

The story rattles along at a fair old pace and concerns a double booking with a difference - complete with lashings of double entendres.

There's two love stories in there, too and a best hotel competition to be won with an inspector on the prowl.

Add to that a karaoke competition and a Blind Date tribute and you get the picture.

The 19-strong cast work their summer socks off.

X-Factor star Joe McElderry looks as if he is having more fun than the audience playing Garry. His beaming white teeth competing with the colour swamped set.

He is clearly inspired by the late, great Dale Winton and the current chief of camp David Walliams. But Joe makes the role his own.

Wirral's multi-talented Kate Robbins received a huge home-coming welcome.

She deserved the applause playing the crazy cleaner Consuela - a cross between Mrs Overall from Acorn Antiques, Les Dawson in drag and Norah Batty.

Her rendition of Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue in an Adam Ant costume has to be seen and heard.

As do her impressions of Mrs Thatcher and Cilla Black.

Also hitting the top spot is Sugababes singer Amelle Berrabah as hotel manager Serena.

Her plaintive version of Yazoo's ballad Only You is outstanding.

There are more than 25 songs and a medley encore to soak up in two hours and ten minutes of sheer fun.

Classic hits include Aha's Take on Me and Depeche Mode's Just Can't Get Enough presented by a five-piece on stage band

This is a show that wears it's heart on its T-shirt sleeves.

The programme notes by producer Mark Goucher sum up the honest appeal of this lively production.

"We have tried to make a fun show with some great music - we are not trying to win any prizes - let the show wash over you. Remembering a time that wasn't half bad."

Well, Tropicanas, you succeeded.

Cocktails all round.

Four Stars

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Until July 6

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