Flashdance - The Musical

It's a sassy 80s film that left a million teenage girls (and boys too) donning legwarmers and leotards. And now finally Flashdance has made it onto the stage.

But, like many musicals of this style, it's big on dance but disappointing on dialogue. Following a similar premise to many of the shows that have gone before it - including Saturday Night Fever and Footloose - sometimes you just wish they'd stop talking and start tapping.

It's the same old story. Character has talent but something is standing in the way of them fulfilling said talent. So character resigns themselves to that fact that they'll never get anywhere and opts to carry on with a dead-end life in dullsville instead.

Then, a shocking family tragedy sees character, usually urged by best friend, finally embracing talent and much to their surprise, getting into that top dance school or winning the competition in a flurry of celebration. Crowbar a love story in between and you've got a housepacking-hit.

Based on the 1983 film, Flashdance - The Musical follows Pittsburgh girl Alex, who, having failed high school, works among the blokes at the local steel mill. Come the end of her shift she strips off her overalls to reveal an array of (very) skimpy leotards she wears for her other job as the number one diva at a strip club.

There's just time to establish a romance with the factory boss (played by dishy Hear'say pop star Noel Sullivan) in time for tragedy to strike. Then, bring in a gaggle of gal pals to persuade her that yes, she should still go to the big ballet school audition, and - well, you know what happens next.

So is it any good? Well, the dancing is dazzling - no surprise seeing the show was choreographed by Arlene Phillips. Victoria Hamilton-Barrit as the leading lady proves just why she's been a star of some of the West End's biggest shows, and Bernie Nolan delivers a heartfelt performance as her mum.

But, though there are some good numbers- such as the mother-daughter piece You're Not Done and the catchy Maniac, its not until That theme song What A Feeling finally kicks in that you feel the last two hours have all been worth it.