THIS iconic show is spray-tastic.

A seemingly throwaway script full of stereotypes which is also very real, very poignant and in amongst the pantomime touches (yes, of course Edna is played by a man, Matt Rixon) deals with some pretty hefty issues – fat-shaming and racial segregation.

There is so much to celebrate about this production.

We have a super cast, led from the front by the mini-bombshell that is Rosie O’Hare, who captures Tracy’s cheeky charm wonderfully.

The cast are having fun and it shows.

Everyone nails their moment to shine, from Edna and Wilbur’s ‘You’re Timeless to Me’ that always stays just the right side of ad-libbing and laughter to Motormouth Maybelle’s big numbers.

Brenda Edward’s gospel treatment is fabulous and she got a mini-ovation from some stall-based superfans for ‘I Know Where I’ve Been.’

The choreography, from Drew McOnie is highly-skilled and uses movement to drive the narrative as well as forming that all-important contrast between the ‘Nicest Kids’ led by superbitches Amber and Velma Von Tussle and the sensuous freer-flowing vibe of Seaweed’s Gang.

The levels between the singing and band were perfect and I loved their placing on the stage.

It’s a brassy show and the musicians are a talented, sensitive bunch, skilfully led by Richard Atkinson and supported by the Sound team – good twiddling, guys!

The projections to denote the scene changes were a bit naff.

I know Tracy and the gang are a team of race-relations revolutionaries, but dancing in the middle of a road is an anarchy too far.

At one stage, the scene went all a bit Mr Benn with a crass moving background. Welcome to the Sixties surely doesn’t mean we have to take our technical expertise back there too.

But, Goodnight and thank you Baltimore – we (s)pray you keep raising the roof!

n Until Saturday 30th June. For tickets ring 08448 11 21 21 or go to www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Sarah Scott