I'm in the money

To Edinburgh Playhouse, to see Marti Webb and Dave Willetts in 42st Street. Sadly, neither were around to pose ...

(Some time later ...)

I'm just back from 42nd Street at Edinburgh Playhouse, starring Marti Webb and Dave Willetts. It's a few years since I've seen this Thirties-set backstage musical and it's as brilliant as ever. I never tire of songs such as Lullaby of Broadway, We're in the Money, You're Getting To Be a Habit With Me, Dames, and of course, the unforgettable title number.

Veterans Webb and Willetts are as excellent as you'd expect, while younger stars Jessica Punch and James O'Connell, with their nigh non-stop singing and dancing, announce that they're going to have long, great careers. The entire ensemble shines, with its tight tapping and knockout delivery of the Al Dubin and Harry Warren numbers, expertly played by a talented orchestra. And the glittering costumes and sets dazzle, lighting up the Depression streets as we see Punch's Peggy Sawyer rise from chorine to star.

For me, the MVP of the production is Graeme Henderson, doing double duty as dance director Andy and, appropriately enough, the show's real-life choreographer. A stunning hoofer, he's put together a battery of memorable dance numbers - mostly tap, but not all - which are witty and romantic by turn, telling the story as much as do script and lyrics.

42nd Street runs through Saturday - tap your way to a ticket!