COMBINE bright sunshine with equally bright day-glo socks and you are transported back to the Eighties to Club Tropicana, a fictional hotel in Palma.

Joe McElderry as entertainments manager Garry soon gets the holidaymakers and the audience in the mood for dancing, or at least clapping along to some of the most popular pop songs of the decade. He has rejected a red coat for a pink one which reflects his personality.

This effervescent show explodes with numbers like Don't You Want Me? and She Drives me Crazy getting a massive response from the addicted audience.

In this story, a bride jilts her groom at the altar and each, accompanied by their bridal parties and unbeknown to the other, arrive at the same hotel in the same resort.

When they meet, their passion reignites. The pair are Lorraine (Karina Hind) and Olly (Cellen Chugg Jones) and you can sense the vibes between them immediately.

On opening night in Manchester, understudy Nye Rees took the part of Robert revealing great talent as he woos, first of all suspected hotel inspector Christine (Emily Tierney) until he finds his true love, Serena (Sugababe Amelle Berrabah in her first stage role) leading to a happy ending.

Another element of the show is the delightfully politically incorrect humour, much of it coming from the hotel maid Consuela, played by Kate Robins.

This all-singing, all-dancing, all-laughing production compels you to throw yourself into a different age. Much of the credit must go to musical director, Charlie Ingles and his on stage band.

The light heartedness of this production raises your spirits and makes a summer night even brighter.

Club Tropicana continues at the Opera House until Saturday. Details from 0844 871 3018 or www.atgtickets.com.

JULIA TAYLOR