La Cage Aux Folles lifted the spirit of everyone in the theatre on Tuesday evening on the opening night in Bristol following the heart breaking news of the tradegy in Manchester twenty one hours earlier.

The first ever tour of the award winning play is a brilliant reminder of how far we have come over the past thity years with no truer words sung in the iconic anthem I Am What I Am.

A powerful storyline of family, love, discrimination, prejudice - Georges (Adrian Zmed), manager of a St Tropez nightclub and his diva partner Albin a drag queen and the clubs star attraction live happily together. When George's son Jean-Michel announces his engagment to Anne the daughter of a right wing politician determined to shut down the club - the sparks begin to fly when the gay couple are forced to appear 'normal' for the sake of their son. 

The chemistry between them was believeable, beautiful and sincere.

Sassy, charismatic and outrageous John Partridge as Albin gave an amazing performance he was outstanding enthralling the audience - he and the cast deserved the standing ovation.

Fabulous costumes, wonderful sets and the magnificent chorus line boys. It would have been nice to have heard a little more of West End star Marti Webb's voice she was playing the role of the restaurateur, it would be remiss of me not to mention the oh so camp Jacob (Samson Ajewole) whose performance was one of the shows highlights.

A show stopping musical extravaganza.

Runs until Saturday, 27th May at the Bristol Hippodrome.