THE last youth production I saw, opposite Shakespeare's Globe in London, was pure torture.

Altrincham Garrick's The Phantom of the Opera, on the other hand, is pure brilliance with the cast spectacularly rising to the many challenges this fabulous musical poses.

Musically, this is Lloyd Webber's finest hour for me, with a score teeming with memorable, sumptuous showstoppers. It is difficult to perform but this vibrant young company make it look oh so easy, under the accomplished direction of Joseph Meighan from Flixton. Remember that name - on the evidence of this stunning show he is going places.

Not only are the cast gifted singers, but they are equally adept when it comes to conveying the intense emotion running through this most un-orthodox of love stories.

Jessica Heaps is spellbinding as Christine, with a voice so pure and powerful it is sure to bring you out in goose pimples. The scenes with the Phantom are so good, so captivating, you don't want them to end. A powerful chemistry exists between Jessica and Chris Wagstaff, who is as sympathetic as he is scary in this difficult stage role. Jacob Robinson also excels as Raoul and a very bright future awaits all three if they embark on a career on the professional stage.

It seems unfair to single out individual performances as there aren't any weak ones and I wish I had the column inches to mention all of you, as this show represents a high water mark for youth theatre. The standard has been well and truly set.

Musical director Daniel McDwyer and choreographer Kirsty Hooper also deserve praise because they've also played their part in making this a truly memorable night at Altrincham Garrick.

What a pity then, there isn't a Saturday performance. But despair not - you still have ample time to go and pack the place to the rafters. Superb.

* Until April 17. The box office is on 0161 928 1677. Star rating - *****