JERSEY Boys was a musical education for me and the experience was so good I would have willingly volunteered for detention.

Before seeing the show I never realised Frankie Vallli was the voice behind such stunning pop hits, songs released decades ago that sound so fresh and so invigorating they could have been released yesterday.

This is without doubt, Manchester's musical event of the year and, when word gets out just how good this musical is, the Palace Theatre run will surely sell out.

It's the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and while it's a classic piece of feel good entertainment, it also leaves you in no doubt that fame comes at an often hefty piece. When tragedy befalls Frankie himself, you will feel very moved.

Matt Corner played Valli on press night and managed to master the unique vocal style of the original artist. He shares the role Tim Driesen who has a very tough act to follow. Corner and his fellow group members, played by Sam Ferriday, Lewis Griffiths and Stephen Webb looked and sounded fabulous in their sharp suits, moving around the stage like the own every inch of it.

With an excellent sometimes laugh out loud funny script and a soundtrack that includes timeless numbers like Big Girls Don't Cry, Walk Like A Man and December 1963 (Oh What A Night), Jersey Boys is the complete musical package. You simply must not miss this. Superb.

* Until October 4. Tickets are available from 0844 871 3019. Star rating - *****