Terry Wills enjoys the latest production of an old favourite.

To celebrate the success of the Olivier award-winning Best Musical, the Alex’s production of Return to the Forbidden Planet – a 25th Anniversary Tour gives the opportunity to both old and new patrons to either recall memories of days gone by or for those seeing it for the first time, a chance to judge if this production deserved such a prestigious award.

It certainly is a way out storyline, concerning the adventures of a interplanetary space flight that inadvertently crash lands on a planet seemingly under the influence of the mad scientist Dr Prospero and his daughter Miranda.

From then on forget a storyline; it’s merely a backdrop to sit back, wave hands in the air and wallow in nostalgia as the multi-talented cast sing, dance and play a non-stop number of musical hits. Telstar, Great Balls of Fire, Shake Rattle & Rolland many more, plus the showstopping Who’s Sorry Now, featuring a robot bearing a Coca-Cola crest, left the audience roaring with laughter.

Whether you’re a Forbidden Planet debutante, or indeed you’re one of the regulars making a Return, judging by the reaction of the first night audience you won’t be disappointed.

Until 31st January, New Alexandra Theatre. Tickets: www.atgtickets.com