Last night I went to the opening night of MYCO's latest production 42nd Street. Quite simply I was blown away by the quality, energy, enthusiasm and talent on display in their production.

42nd Street takes the well-worn stage device of a show within a show and liberally sprinkles the whole thing with music, sequins and tap numbers. Director and choreographer Guy Brigg has updated the story from 1933 to the present day and with stunning costuming, simple staging and some inspired shadow work has created a glitzy visual spectacular. Ably assisted by Kerry Hudson, Brigg creates dazzling dance numbers using his troupe of young performers – 80% of whom had never tapped before this production. You would not know. The level of confidence and polish on display across the entire ensemble throughout the dance numbers was exceptional. Particularly striking were the full ensemble opening tap number, and Dames, a number that showcased the male ensemble. Being musical theatre they've not neglected the audio experience either – as Musical Director Julie Todd has drilled the ensemble, principles and orchestra, producing a wonderful sound throughout both on stage, and from the pit. It's a true testament to the energy of the performers that they can dance frantically and still make such a cracking noise when the dance gives them pause to sing!

Whilst the ensemble is fantastic, the principles are also exceptional. Brigg and Todd have a wealth of talent to choose from and the leads were fully in control of their characters and performances. Harry Pudwell as visiting director Julian Marsh was masterful, commanding the ensemble and possessing a strong voice. He was also convincingly aged by the make-up team. Jake Halsey-Jones' Billy Lawler looked the part, danced the part and sang beautifully. Anya de Villiers as Peggy Sawyer shone with fresh-faced enthusiasm, really showcasing her beautiful voice in the title song. Particular praise has to go to Anna Morgan as Dorothy Brock, mirroring de Villiers' passion with a jaded vision of entitled stardom. Her singing was gorgeous, her stage presence wonderful, and her wig was something to behold. These four were supported by a superb line up with Saffi Needham and Johnny Allison bringing warmth and laughs as Maggie and Bert, more laughs from James Carter's Abner Dillon, and Tats Nyazika commanding as Andy Lee. Halsey-Jones, Nyazika and Needham were particularly strong leading large ensemble dance numbers with both their faces and their feet drawing the eye for all the right reasons.

As this was opening night not everything was perfect, some of the set changes could take a very slight tightening up and occasionally the accents wandered around the United States from the Deep South to East Coast. That's all largely irrelevant though, when the performance on stage is as much fun as MYCO's latest you forgive the occasional slipped drawl!

The theatre was packed, the audience made their appreciation clear and with confidence set-to grow throughout the week this already slick glitzy production will soar. Don't miss the opportunity to see this fantastic showcase of some of Oxford's best young musical theatre performers.