THIRTY years ago the world's first rock opera was unleashed upon an unsuspecting public.

It created shockwaves with its outlandish story - set to the blazing noise of Pete Townsend's savage guitar - about a deaf, dumb and blind kid who becomes a pinball wizard.

Three decades on and the question on every critic's lips is can Bill Kenwright's new production of The Who's Tommy match the seismic beauty of its forefather?

The answer? Oh yes!

In the original film version, released in 1975, rock legend Roger Daltrey played the lead role as Tommy. In this new stage adaptation, Jonathan Wilkes bravely fills Daltrey's shoes with varying success.

As a show, Tommy is breathtaking and addictive to watch. The music, despite sounding a little dated at times, still blows you away with its jagged guitars and roaring keyboards and the timeless, unmistakable sound of Pinball Wizard remains as gloriously spine-tingling as it did 30 years ago.

Tommy is one of the most professionally performed productions to take to The Mayflower stage this year. Executed with delightful precision and meticulous flow, the set is spectacular, the cast enticing and the music one almighty adrenaline rush to watch.

Tommy runs until Saturday. Tickets cost £14.50. To book, call 023 8071 1811.