I AM of an age to remember when even tapping your feet to an Abba song would be totally un-cool.

Dad knew all the lyrics and it was your job to tut and shake your head as he strutted his stuff on the dance floor to the rousing Abba anthem “Dancing Queen”.

But the tables have turned — and last night’s performance of Mamma Mia, at the beautifullly ornate Blackpool Opera House, proved Abba is for everyone.

The grey-haired octogenarian on the row in front of us spent the entire performance waving her hands in the air and the hen party — clad, appropriately, in bright pink boas — was in fine voice.

Small children were kneeling on their seats. This really is a stage show everyone can enjoy.

While many Bolton folk might — on automatic pilot — only think of Manchester for their stage shows I can highly recommend heading for the coast to enjoy this joyous offering.

Stripping the show down to its bare bones it is fair enough to say there is a very loose plot that really does not constitute a complex story line but who cares?

We were not there for the story what we were there for was the music and thank you to the cast for ensuring we were not disappointed.

Every song was there in all its glory and the cast was superb. There are many magical comic moments — several thanks to the sheer genius of Sue Devaney who played the part of Rosie to perfection — and Sara Poyzer’s portrayal of Donna was worthy of the rapturous applause she received.

There were fine singing voices, dancing queens all over the stage — as well as plenty in the audience too — and a colourful mix of pure camp, fantastic fun and smiles all round.

It seems Abba has transcended the generations perfectly and there are few bands that can honestly same the same.

For me it was a return to my roots in more ways than one. I was that teenager shaking her head in disbelief at her dad’s choice in music in their bungalow in Blackpool.

On Sunday night thought I was proud to say I was back in Blackpool rocking in the aisles and singing — albeit out of tune — like a true fan.

A sheer genius production putting Blackpool firmly back on the stage show map.

Mamma Mia runs until September 14. Tickets from £20. Contact the box office via Ticketmaster 0844 847 2517 or VisitBlackpool 01253 478222.