John Douglas reviews Copacabana at The King's Hall, Ilkley until Saturday.

The Ilkley Operatic Society must be congratulated for presenting Barry Manilow's Copacabana, which has to be one of the most colourful and exciting shows seen on the King's Hall stage in recent years. The staging is spectacular, the costumes are brilliant, the choreography is stunning and the music noisy, tuneful and clever.

This is one of Andrew Walton's most successful productions in a fast moving and lively show. It opens with a florid overture played by a fourteen-piece band of musicians, conducted by Sylvia Shepherd, which overflows with good tunes. What a promise of a musical feast this is.

The story is slight. Samantha, an ambitious young girl, says she's going to be a star; Stephen a young composer dreams of a show to light up the world; the two get together and that's it, really.

There is a very talented cast of actors and singers. Night club owner Sam Silver is played with rare comic zest by Angelo Clarke. His rival, criminal Rico, gives Jonathan Tate another taste of threatening charm. Gladys, the tart with the heart who oils the wheels of the romance, the story and the show is given full measure by Helen Clarke. Conchita, an aging Latin American star is played very excitingly by Katrina Wood (far too young to be aging, by the way). As the writer of the show, Stephen, and the star of it too, Tony, Greg Silverwood plays both roles with strong conviction: he is in good voice and dances well. Diminutive Anna Yeadon takes on the role of Samantha and also as Lola, the star of Stephen's show. She has a strong and musical voice, dances beautifully and commands the stage whenever she appears. Greg and Anna are the stars of this energetic show and lead from the front.

Director and choreographer of the show, Andrew Walton, also features himself, partnered by Averil Ashworth in a stunning Latin-American cabaret dance. He has put the whole show together with confidence and imagination. The action is fluid as scene efficiently follows colourful scene without a break. The musical direction by Sylvia Shepherd is firm and convincing, The chorus and other members of the cast sing well in an evening to remember. Ilkley folks should flock to see it. This is a jewel in the Operatic Society's crown; a fabulous evening out.