A TALENTED group of young singers left the audience shouting for more - and no wonder.

For in a two-hour show which passed all too swiftly most of the cast of the production of Carmen, currently playing at the Octagon, entertained with enthusiasm and professionalism.

The concept is simple. Musical greats from the past meet in heaven and talk about well known musicals.

So we have Ivor Novello rubbing shoulders with Oscar Hammerstein ll and Ethel Merman strutting her stuff for the likes of Florenz Ziegfield. Even John Gay of Beggars Opera fame puts in a welcome appearance.

The choice of music is interesting and varied. Many numbers such as There's No business Like Showbusiness, A West Side Story medley and Lady Be Good - are perennial favourites. Some, I confess were new to me.

Howard Gay was a hugely effective John Gay while James Millard charmed as Flo Ziegfeld.

Aimee Thomas belted out the Ethel Merman numbers with gusto and Matt Rawle was suitably suave and sophisticated as Cole Porter. But Rawle showed he could switch tempo with ease when he led the foot-tapping Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat.

The show lives up to its publicity: An evening of pure musical entertainment.

If you like musicals, you will love this.

A Broadway Songbook, Octagon Theatre, Bolton. Runs again on September 10 and 17