The show scores highly both visually and musically, the entrance of the ghostly Jacob Marley played by James Earl Adair is frightening as is the appearance of the five phantoms who join him to sing "Make the most of this world" and this sets the scene for the visitations of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.

Sheri Copeland was delightful and gently reflective as Christmas Past. The happy musical and dance number "December the Twenty-Fifth" set at Mr & Mrs Fezziwigs Christmas party contrasts perfectly with the miser's view of Christmas and shows off the company at its best.

The larger than life Ghost of Christmas Present was played commandingly by Anthony Stuart Lloyd whose robes were dazzling. The song "I Like Life" was uplifting with its "Milk of Human Kindness" and makes for a colourful and spectacular close to Act 1.

Act 2 opens with a rousing overture and the fast moving show includes both sentimental songs such as Tiny Tim's "The Beautiful Day" and the joyous "The Minister's Cat" which again shows off the cast at its best. But the standout was "I'll Begin Again" delivered by a repentant Scrooge having been visited by the gigantic and daunting Ghost of Christmas Yet to come, played by Chris Gosling.

Musical director David Steadman and his musicians bring to life Leslie Bricusse's score wonderfully. All in all a great night out and one in which Shane Richie shows why he is one of the best musical theatre stars around. Don't miss this festive treat!