I suppose we get exactly what we deserve in the modern musical theatre and this audience pleasing ‘musical’ ripped bodily from the million selling album of the same name is thin gruel served with a thick helping of polka dots, slicked back hair, whirling dresses, tight drainpipe trousers and so many toothy grins that at times it felt like a cross between ‘I love Lucy’ and a toothpaste advert.

Is there any plot? Not in the program that’s for sure, the synopsis tells us  (in all of three sentences) that the action takes place in Essex, sometimes in the early 60’s, oh and it’s a love story. 

Who needs plot, and indeed where would you put it in a show that’s far more about stuffing as many songs as possible into the evening than worrying about a protagonists journey, character depth or even decent dialogue. 

This is a ‘musical’ for the impatient X-factor (why-factor) audience and by the look of the packed out Theatre Royal crowd that means just about everyone but me.

I missed the last three numbers because the entire audience but me (yes everyone!) was on their feet dancing, hand jiving and singing along.

It’s rare to see such enthusiasm but this show certainly pleased the paying punters. I was a lonely Critic this evening, rolling my eyes as song after song was pared down to 180 seconds of highlight, waiting to see if the jokes got any better and hoping against hope for some plot to appear.

I was on my own, even my companion left me sitting alone like Rainman, desperately trying to work out how they could fit 43 songs into this show.

I gave up and almost gave in, the cast were wonderful and did their best singing their little talented hearts out and playing the good clean laughs for all they were worth. They were wholesome and eager, the band were vibrant, excellent and rocked the roof off, and the endless twirling and crooning was done to perfection.

The writers Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, (Goodnight Sweetheart, Birds of a Feather, and Shine On Harvey Moon) certainly know what an audience with a very short attention span and possibly early onset Alzheimer's want; short, fun, glitzy numbers with just enough time to glide a comb through your quiff before the next one starts.

This is a good clean show with a raw joy that’s lovely to sit through, I just wish this lovely cast and excellent band had a little more time to shine and a little less playlist to get through.

If you’re not a grouchy snob like me, and just want a really good night out that will leave you singing as you go out the doors, then book now. Just don’t end up sitting next to me!

Enjoy.

At the theatre royal until October 24
www.ambassadortickets.com/822/664/Brighton/Theatre-Royal-Brighton/Dreamboats-and-Petticoats