Theatre Review, The Laughter Party, Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay

Four and a half stars

THERE is some fantastic entertainment by both established and emerging artists up on The Downs.

I've been reviewing Matpro productions for some years now, nothing near to the length producer Colin Matthews has been putting them on mind you.

Despite having different elements in terms of line-up and material, a pattern is emerging.

Core production values just seem to get better and stronger.

Take proficient troupe Danze Fantazy.

They've emerged from the background into a league of their own.

Ambitious Georgia Lee choreography is equally matched by the skills of the girls who now deliver routines of their own in which you could hear a pin drop.

And there's emerging talent like Torbay's Got Talent runner up Louis Nayler.

The young singer has a phenomenal voice. Colin seems to have cherry picked and homed in on ideal song choices to match his voice.

It's a similar situation for co-star Gary Richards.

And when it comes to the show's backbone Andy Oakley, you may have heard some material before but boy can he hold an audience.

And what was really impressive was when his true colours shone out from the comedy curtain of Phantom of the Birmingham Hippodrome. He has a powerful voice to match his wit.

Ruby Washington launched into the best opening number I've see for sometime and continued to impress throughout.

Johnny Edwards is a strong addition to the team, backed by Lisa Walker.

The harmonies stood out too, especially in the Lion King, Masquerade, Sister Act and Welsh melodies.

With the odd exception to the rule like the Robin Hood scene and the 'party' peg, (dragging out with some false enthusiasm but worth a go all the same), this is a show delivered by a cast and set of creatives at the top of their game.

Good job it runs until the end of October

JONPAUL HEDGE