What a way to celebrate 40 years at the Babbacombe Theatre

The latest production at the Babbacombe Theatre, Celebration, certainly lives up to its name. Packed with music, comedy, magic and slick choreography, the show marks 40 years of Colin Matthews at the helm and, if this show is anything to go by, the future looks just as bright.

It takes the audience on a lively musical journey, featuring tributes to legendary performers including Ozzy Osbourne, Meat Loaf, Cher and Tina Turner. From the opening number set to Ricky Martin’s Livin' la Vida Loca, complete with eye-catching costumes and dramatic lighting, the production maintains a vibrant energy throughout.

Babbacombe Theatre's sparkling Celebration Show with diamonds girl Claire Waring

Costume design is a standout element of the evening, with outfits carefully chosen to complement each segment. A blue velvet and diamond-encrusted gown worn by vocalist Claire Waring for Diamonds Are Forever would look perfectly at home on a Las Vegas stage, while performer Lorna Amy Sullivan’s glamorous, glittering Chicago-style jacket provided the perfect look for her solo performance.

Claire also delivered one of the evening’s standout moments with her rendition of As If We Never Said Goodbye from the musical Sunset Boulevard. Introduced with black-and-white backstage footage as she walks to centre stage, the sequence captures a sense of old-school Hollywood glamour as she launches into a stunning vocal performance. It is a real show-stopper, and  Claire leaves a lasting impression.

Host Steve Laister proves a natural master of ceremonies, effortlessly engaging the audience with quick wit, playful references to local places and easy-going humour. When paired with Lorna for several comedy sketches, from exaggerated German characters to humorous portrayals of older people, the duo prove to be a perfect comedic pairing.

Lorna herself is a pocket rocket of energy and a genuine triple threat, seamlessly blending dancing, singing and comedy. Meanwhile, vocalist Paul Cobley makes a welcome return to the theatre and is a brilliant addition to this year’s line-up. He got the crowd involved from the outset with Hey Baby before delivering a powerful and emotional rendition of Bring Him Home from Les Misérables that left the audience momentarily hushed and in awe.

He also shows his comedic side during a Riverdance-style segment, hilariously channelling Stavros Flatley from Britain's Got Talent. The routine also gave the talented Danze Chique dancers a chance to showcase their flawless choreography.

Elsewhere, Kidz & Co provided a heartfelt moment with a touching performance about growing up, while magician Daniel Dean added another layer of entertainment with impressive illusions, including a floating present and a spectacular finale,  where performers appear from seemingly empty boxes. I would have liked to see his traditional hoop trick replaced with something a little more modern, but overall, he still pulled some great tricks out of the bag.

With strong vocals, polished choreography, laugh-out-loud comedy and a touch of magic, Celebration delivers exactly what its title promises: a truly joyful night of entertainment.

Having reviewed shows at the venue for more than 20 years, I have to say this is their best yet. Bravo indeed, here's to the next 40 years!

The show runs until October 14 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays(8.15pm) with a matinee on Wednesday August 12 ( 2:30pm).