THE much-awaited musical comedy Curtains is at Liverpool's Empire Theatre for a week.

And the entire cast should take a well earned bow.

A 'Curtain call' for real, so to speak.

It's a quirky, feel good show with many refreshingly different strands.

A whodunnit with a difference - direct from the West End and now on a UK tour.

Curtains is a slick piece of entertainment offering a 'show within a show' featuring dazzling choreography and top-notch songs notably Coffee Shop Nights and the added bonus of starring one of the UK's top comedians.

Jason Manford happens to be a very good actor and singer.

To set the scene a murder takes place in a Boston theatre - where a rather odd musical about Robin Hood in Kansas is getting lousy reviews.

Alas, there's murder afoot when the non too popular leading lady is killed.

Lieutenant Frank Cioffi (Jason) - a rain-coated, detective obsessed with musicals - is brought in to solve the crime.

He has a nose for crime and an ear for music.

A labour of love for the instantly likeable amateur dramatics- loving police officer.

Frank proceeds to set traps and create a 'suspects' list from the cast and find time to fall in love while also offering some critical advice to the show's crew.

Jason's delivery is perfect.

He has some funny exchanges with the 'luvvie' director played with spot-on comic timing by Samuel Holmes.

There is a lot happening throughout the two hour forty minutes production directed by Paul Foster including many upbeat and ballad songs from the team behind mega hits Chicago and Cabaret - John Lander and Fred Ebb.

While it is not as well structured as their two other 'C' shows the third 'C' - Curtains - has its own appeal and charm.

It's a must for anyone who has a love for big time traditional musicals.

The nine-piece live band are a consistent delight tbroughout.

As for the Whodunit? I'm not saying ... but I can reveal no butlers were involved.

Killer Musical!

Four stars

The show is on until Saturday

Tickets from the box office on 08448713017.