THE local musical-theatre scene is blessed with a number of talented companies, able to choose from a back-catalogue of proven audiencepleasers. To take on new works requires a giant leap of faith and many stick to the old favourites. Not so this company, where director Sam Quested is carving a name for himself, with support here from musical-directors Stephanie Amies and Sophie Day. With more than a nod in the direction of Rent, the show revolves around regular passengers in a London Underground lift, unaware of how their lives are interconnected.

Jez Roberts takes the male lead, displaying great stage presence to complement his fine voice, but the solos from Vicky-Jo Keens, Eliza Dunn and, particularly, Rosie Summerville were exceptional.

Paul Budgen’s ebullient performance was marred somewhat by a strong accent that often masked some great, if explicit, lines.

First-night lighting, staging, music and sound were all fine. Going up!