FULL marks to producer Bill Kenwright for mounting the first UK tour of hit musical La Cage Aux Folles. What a five-star night out in the theatre it proves to be, winning a standing ovation from the first night audience. Absolutely fabulous, darling is the only true and just verdict.

You'll certainly find yourself leaving the theatre singing Jerry Herman's songs, be it Best Of The Times or the gay anthem I Am What I Am. The latter is delivered with searing emotion by John Partridge's drag queen Albin. Who'd have thought that the actor who played Christian Clarke in the BBC's East Enders had it in him to deliver such a blockbuster performance. His performance is a revelation, eschewing the stereotypical drama queen to give heart and soul to a man who sees his relationship with long-standing husband Georges under threat.

The announcement by Georges' son from another relationship that he intends to marry puts the cat among the pigeons. For Georges and Albin's potential father-in-law is a fanatical conservative anti-gay campaigner. If the plot sounds familiar that's because it had its origins in a French stage farce that was later remade as The Birdcage with Robin Williams and Nathan Lane playing the couple.

Adrian Zmed - remember him from US TV series T J Hooker? - offers fine support in the less showy role of Georges. And, of course, there are the Cagelles, the gaggle of high-kicking drag performers at Georges' St Tropez nightclub.

  • Until Saturday. Box office 0844 871 3024. Online atgtickets.com/York
  • Touring to Sunderland Empire 1-5 August. Box office 0844 871 3022. Online atgtickets.com/Sunderland

Steve Pratt