Barry Manilow’s Copacabana will be a familiar tune to many, but his musical?

A love story about the dewy, innocent Lola La Mar, played and sung expertly by Harriet Lee and, unsuccessful songwriter Tony Forte (Alex Clements). The two meet when Lola joins the Copa girls, but then falls prey to a rival club-owner, the evil Rico Castelli (Akhil Gowrinath), who drugs and kidnaps her. Rescued by sultry Conchita (Ruth Angus), club owner Sam Silver (Ollie Woods) and Tony, she returns to the Copacabana and her beau.

This show really hit the mark with its involved and technical choreography (Elle Wolf), which the cast made look effortless, and some great numbers, played and sung well.

The director (Simon Kain) has developed the characters convincingly and added some amusing touches in his interpretation. The lighting lifted the simple set and sound was spot on. A great night out.

Rebecca Welsh