Zorro, an all-singing, all-dancing, all-action spectacular, is certain to take the West End by storm - just as it did a packed Congress Theatre tonight.

Its world premiere could not have gone much better, with a stunning production earning a standing ovation.

Matt Rawle is superb in the lead role, alternating identities between unprincipled waster Diego and the eponymous swashbuckling hero.

He is so impressive, both in looks and acting ability, that he is a worthy stage successor to Antonio Banderas in the film versions The Mask Of Zorro and The Legend Of Zorro.

The female members of the audience were full of envy when the lustfully handsome Diego kissed the object of his affections, Luisa - skillfully played with a mixture of coyness and allure by Aime Atkinson, making her major musical debut after winning the BBC Voice Of Musical Theatre 2006.

Lesli Margherita is also perfectly cast as gipsy girl Inez, wittily delivering some great throwaway lines. She tells Luisa, "You think you can get him to change the world - it's hard enough to get him to change his clothes."

Diego, having run off to join a band of gipsies, returns home to California after hearing that his father has been killed. He promises to fight the tyrant Captain Ramon and his brutal soldiers, donning a mask and cape to disguise himself.

Adam Cooper, previously a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet, captures Ramon's oppressive spite and jealousy, but would be more threatening if he spoke with menace instead of shouting.

Nick Cavaliere provides moments of hilarious buffoonery as the unfortunate Sergeant Garcia.

There is so much to marvel at in this production, including daring acrobatics, thrilling sword fighting and clever magic tricks. Full credit goes to director Christopher Renshaw, aerial director Bryan Donaldson and Rafael Amargo for his amazing choreography.

The words of the songs, with the exception of Gipsy Kings hits Bambeleo and Baila Me, may not stay in the memory, but the flamenco dancing and gipsy revelry certainly does. An energetic cast injects so much razzle-dazzle, passion and vigour that this is surely going to be the musical of the year.

  • Call 01323 412000