CILLA Black was the Cinderella of the Sixties rising from the rags of stenography to the riches of stardom.

In Cilla - the Musical at the Lowry, we see how this ordinary Liverpudlian achieves fame after Priscilla White became Cilla Black

She briefly appears with the Beatles at the Cavern Club where she works as a cloakroom assistant.

Her first single under Brian Epstein’s managership, Love of the Loved, doesn’t make the top ten but her subsequent recordings Anyone Who Had a Heart and You’re My World make it to number one.

She eventually takes part in the Ed Sullivan show in New York City.

Scott Alder’s score is full of nostalgia not only for Cilla’s hits but also for songs by the Beatles, the Mamas and the Papas and Gerry and the Pacemakers.

The narrative by Jeff Pope is strong and balances well with the score.

Playing Cilla is lead actress Kara Lily Hayworth, whose amazing voice equals that of Cilla, and who manages to convey the humility of her character as well as an accurate Liverpool accent.

She sings her socks off throughout the show and her clear, expressive voice is never overwhelmed by the backing music.

Cilla’s son, Robert Willis, is the executive producer of this show which would account for its tender and true touch.

Another well portrayed character is Alexander Patmore’s Bobby, Cilla’s road manager whom she eventually marries.

His character also has a wonderful voice yet it always takes second place to his primary role of supporting a true star.

An exceptional performance comes from Andrew Lancel as Brian Epstein, the manager she shared with the Beatles.

Epstein is unsuccessful with his violent male partners and one of the saddest scenes is when he takes his own life, whilst clutching in his hand Cilla’s BBC contract.

Equally touching, but in a different way, is the scene where Cilla and Bobby make up after separating for a short time.

Those of a certain age can wallow in nostalgia whilst younger people will recognise at least some of the hit songs, all of which have withstood the test of time.

Cilla - the Musical makes for an enjoyable evening.

* Cilla - the Musical is at the Lowry, Salford until Saturday, September 1.

For tickets, telephone 0843 208 6005.

Star rating: * * **.