★★★★☆ DIE FLEDERMAUS takes us back in time to when it was good to be a wealthy man, when patting bottoms was considered to be a bit of a lark. When, for the moneyed classes enough champagne would open almost any (ahem) opportunity.

Unfortunately Vincent Simone was injured and unable to dance at all. The groans in the full house at the announcement were palpable testament to the affection with which Vincent and his long standing dance partner, Flavia Cacace, are held. Vincent even limped on stage with the aid of a walking stick to say hello to his fans . . . but the show must go on . . .

★★★☆☆ Sister Act may not be destined to join the ranks of the very greatest musicals, but it has a growing number of faithful devotees. Last night at the Hippodrome there were some in the audience in full nun’s regalia – the habit is catching on

★★★★☆ No one in the auditorium could be unfamiliar with the story of Dirty Dancing even if, like me, they hadn’t seen the film. The innocent young girl falls for the ‘wrong type’ whilst trying to do ‘right thing’ . . .