If the first night audience's reaction is anything to go by, Shout! currently showing at Cardiff's New Theatre is a resounding success.

This high-energy musical reminder of the swinging sixties, whilst admittedly,weak on plot, nevertheless provides an amusing, nostalgic and hugely entertaining journey through a decade of enormous change.

We follow the adventures of three young northern girls who travel to London in search of fame, love and fun.

Their story is told through 32 songs from the decade along with memories of hippies, the man on the moon, love-ins, changingfashions, the football world cup, first package holidays, fast-food, tv adverts, the twist, Top of the Pops, the contraceptive pill and Carnaby Street.

A strong cast led by the talented Claire Sweeney make light of some huge musical numbers.

There are a few show-stoppers, Shona White as Betty, stirs emotions with I Don't Know What To Do With Myself and All I See is You, inter-weaving perfectly with the magnificent Louise Plowright's more subtle andmature You're My World whilst Donna Steele (Georgina) makes To Sir With Love and You Don't Have To Say You Love Me memorable.

Most of the comedy comes from Howard Jones, the single man on stage,who, not to be out-done takes a fairshare in the vocals too.

The audience need no invitation to join in the finale, and with egos firmly aside the cast are more than happy to let songs such as Downtown, It's Not Unusual, Son of a Preacher Man and of course the obligatory Shout be the real stars of the show.

The production truns until Saturday