IF anyone ever needed a working definition of high camp, then this glorious, super-fun production would fit the bill.

The show, a pure-bred Broadway hit has catchy numbers, including the iconic Fabulous, Baby which has been borrowed by many a Pantomime Dame and when a lyricist (Glenn Slater) rhymes Deacon with Freakin', you get a measure of the ecclesiastical tone.

Ex-X Factor winner Alexandra Burke is great as Deloris and the role almost seems to be that of a Drag Queen, what with all that sparkly other-world tragedy. The legit nuns provide a mixed ensemble, stand outs for me were Karen Mann as Mother Superior and local star Alice Stokoe as Sister Mary Robert.

For me, the extremes of silliness – the really bad singing particularly, were too much to bear. Some ‘comedy’ is over-acted to the point of stupidity and the result was barely a titter. It could just be because it's been touring for a year and bad habits (sorry) have snuck in. The odd accent, particularly Irish-Amercian was bizarre.

But there is no denying that this is a thoroughly enjoyable, high-quality show production. The set, which unusually is open for the audience to see beforehand is a looming blue gothic pile, with the turrety pipes of organs everywhere. Big Allelujahs to Lighting Designer Richard Jones, for a confident, engaging display and those mega Disco Balls are seriously heavenly.

The sound is fine, some muzziness in the second act and I am growing very bored of pretend playing. Yes, the music is live, but the musicians aren't always seen. Saxophone-touting sisters are just not my bag.

Profound it ain't, with barely a fake fingernail in naturalism, but Director Craig Revel Horwood delivers a production worthy of this hit show.

n Until Saturday, June 24. For tickets ring 08448 11 21 21 or go to www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Sarah Smith