This explosive show blew in, appropriately enough from the Windy City, for a week's run.

Set in a women's prison, the 24-strong cast strutted their stuff with split-second position, a vocal and dance tour de force.

In particular, Twinnie-Lee Moore As Velma and Miriam Elwell-Sutton as Roxie relished a two-hour rivalry which finally, and perhaps unexpectedly, ended smelling of roses.

Gary Wilmot was the benign referee, and Wendy-Lee Purdy was a practised matron, strongly supported by GE Weaver.

But it was Adam Stafford as Roxie's underestimated husband Amos who captured most hearts on the first night with his sensitive, moving performance of Mr Cellophane.

And it was a 10-strong orchestra under their conductor Garth Hall, excelling themselves on stage throughout, who finally saw us off.

* Until Saturday, phone 0844 848 2705.

John Pettitt