Mark Westall

This was the first night of the tour and the gig began with a smoke filled stage, set up to look like the inside of a 1950s airliner.

This was the first night of the tour and the gig began with a smoke filled stage, set up to look like the inside of a 1950s airliner.

The story, by Willy Russell, translates fantastically to the stage and makes one of the great musicals.

The story, by Willy Russell, translates fantastically to the stage and makes one of the great musicals.

For an opening night, one might expect some hesitant performances as the cast get used to their new home; but right from the opening number, Steeltown Sky, the cast kept the energy high and Joanne Clifton showed her class with a cameo dance routine, the first of many.

For an opening night, one might expect some hesitant performances as the cast get used to their new home; but right from the opening number, Steeltown Sky, the cast kept the energy high and Joanne Clifton showed her class with a cameo dance routine, the first of many.

It was a shame as I was really looking forward to seeing “Strictly” star Danny Mac at The Regent, however for this performance he was indisposed and the role of Joe Gillis was played by Dougie Carter. It is understood that Mr Mac will be back for the rest of the run.

It was a shame as I was really looking forward to seeing “Strictly” star Danny Mac at The Regent, however for this performance he was indisposed and the role of Joe Gillis was played by Dougie Carter. It is understood that Mr Mac will be back for the rest of the run.

The Illegal Eagles are perennial favourites at the Regent, bringing country rock to Ipswich where it seems to have found a home.

The Illegal Eagles are perennial favourites at the Regent, bringing country rock to Ipswich where it seems to have found a home.