Saturday Night Fever, Grand Opera House, York

When I saw the film version of Saturday Night Fever I never really took notice about the dark issues that were present in the movie: depression, domestic violence, abortion and drug addiction are all there underneath the disco soundtrack.

The stage at the Grand Opera House in York looked to be too small for the dancing from this talented cast. They all can certainly dance, it was enough to make you get out of your seat - which the audience did at the end of the night for a good Yorkshire boogie.

There is a 4 piece band hidden away at the top of the stage whilst in the centre are 3 wig wearing Bee Gees. Some of the songs they perform though were not actually in Saturday Night Fever - certainly Tragedy came out a whole year after the movie was finished and was never on the soundtrack album.

For me Richard Winsor as Tony Manero did not have the swagger and attitude that John Travolta portrayed in the original movie. He has appeared in Matthew Bourne productions previously so you can expect his dance moves to be spot on which they are.

Of course the female members of the audience cheer when he puts on that white suit so synonymous with the film. Kate Parr was excellent as his fellow dancer Stephanie Mangano. She had the innocence and charm that was expected, though there did not seem to be that much needed chemistry between her and Winsor, they needed to have a spark which didn't seem to be apparent.

Dancing throughout most of the musical - on an elevated platform is DJ Monty played by Faizal Jay - the music appeared to flow through his whole body and at times he was in danger of out dancing the star of the show.

The songs though remind you of what good songwriters The Bee Gees were. As the night ends of a megamix of Disco Inferno, Night Fever and You Should Be Dancing the dark ending of the musical is soon forgotten.

The music was still a disco inferno, the dancing well rehearsed and in time and if you like the disco hits you will have a (Mirror) ball of a time.

York Grand Opera House
until Saturday 16 February
www.atgtickets.com/York
Box Office: 0844 871 3024