THE old ones are the best. That’s how the saying goes.

Don’t expect innovation or anything newfangled or fancy. But do expect some exceptional tap dancing, sequins, the odd laugh – and plenty of jazz hands.

Jessica Punch strikes just the right note as small town girl Peggy Sawyer who rises overnight from chorus girl to Broadway star when leading lady Dorothy Brock (Marti Webb) breaks her ankle just days before the opening night of the biggest new musical of the time.

As usual, Dave Willetts impresses as producer Julian Marsh in a show that is all about the large perfectly timed toe tapping chorus numbers.

The orchestra are exceptional as a large cast bring classics like Lullaby of Broadway and We’re in the Money to life on a set which includes lit stairs, a train station and a well depicted backstage.

Last night’s first night audience joined in and lent their noisy support to the show within a show as well as the production, which ended on a high note with an ear-splitting tap routine to the title number.