LAST NIGHT’S FIRST NIGHT

Just as amazing as ever? Oh yes it is!

until the second act, as a golden vision at the centre of the extravaganza forming the Pharaoh’s palace. His entrance was well worth the wait.

And, with his voice deeper than in 1991, he still had one great song, Song of the King. Meanwhile, Jac appeared gorgeously bare-chested and with voice to match but, unfortunately for Joseph aficionados, with no loin cloth.

But the scene-stealer was the immensely talented Sheridan Smith, showing her versatility as the twinkletoed singing narrator. There are singing and dancing numbers with themes as far ranging as the Orient and Wild West. Pyramids are silhouetted by a cardboard cut-out sunset. Something naughty goes on beneath the faux skin of a big cat.

And throughout, there is more than a hint of pantomime – not surprising as this show is from leading panto producer Michael Harrison.

To me, that is what gives it the final element of magic.