Whenever I hear that a show is ‘inspired’ by the hits of a band or artist, my heart sinks a little.

I’ve seen enough frothy jukebox musicals to know that they’re usually just a flimsy plot held together by a few familiar songs.

There are exceptions, however, and this show is one of them.

Set in the late 1970s, the gritty but warm-hearted tale of fairground folk coasts along like a light rock opera. It’s only when you hear David Essex songs like Rock On, Gonna Make You a Star and Silver Dream Machine that you remember how good they are – and here they fit well with the action.

Ian Westbrook’s impressive set and Ben Cracknell’s atmospheric lighting have created an authentic-looking fairground, complete with shabby stalls, dodgems racing around the stage, carousel horses bobbing in the air, and the thrilling roar of the Wall of Death.

David Essex, fresh from Albert Square to play stalwart Levi, showed he still has the voice, the moves and the twinkle in his eye to get his fans whooping.

Strong performances came too from Rob Compton as Levi’s headstrong son Jack, and David Burrows and Barry Bloxham as Life on Mars-style Seventies villains.

A show with a big heart, and enough nostalgic appeal for anyone who recalls being spun around on the waltzers by dangerous lads in flared jeans.

It runs until Saturday.