CAN somebody tell me, what actors have to do to get a standing ovation these days?

I really thought we were on the verge of witnessing one at Altrincham Garrick on Monday night, after the audience had been treated to a production of Gypsy that was flawless in every respect.

But the audience, appreciative throughout nearly three hours of unadulterated musical pleasure, somehow managed to stay in their seats.

The show is inspired by the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee who made her name as a burlesque entertainer and unusually for musicals of this genre you do care about the leading characters.

Mama Rose may be the archetypal pushy parent as she strives to turn her daughters into showbiz stars but it's impossible not to like this larger than life, no nonsense character. Dawn Flint is fabulous in the role and she certainly does justice to the big numbers with her awesome vocal range.

There's a great chemistry between her and her loyal daughter Louise, played to perfection by Megan-Hollie Robertson. Megan-Hollie has a fabulous voice and is a very gifted actress, conveying her character's transformation from frightened rabbit to demanding diva quite brilliantly. Steven Finney is highly likeable as Rose's love interest, Herbie.

The production's other big selling point is the choreography which makes for some truly exhilarating and memorable dance routines. Choreographer David Needham, who is also the stage director, deserves an enormous amount of credit for this.

Sometimes children look as if they're performing in front of a firing squad when they're on stage. The youngsters in this production look like they've been acting, singing and dancing forever and I was particularly impressed with Isabelle Smith and Chloe Radford and Baby Louise and Baby June. If there were ever two children who were born to perform, it's these two.

When word gets out as to just how good this Gypsy is, it is sure to sell out. So, make sure you don't miss the best musical to hit Trafford in years. Brilliant.

* Until March 6. The box office is on 0161 928 1677. Star rating - *****