One word of advice: If you are thinking about going to see Movin, Melvin Brown's exuberant retrospective on the history of black music, try to get there in the worst mood possible.

Only when you are feeling at your lowest ebb and the world around you is crashing down will you truly appreciate the power of this world-class entertainer.

Oozing charisma and joie de vivre from every pore he can take the most depressed individual and have them clapping like a loon and screaming hallelujah at the top of their lungs before the show is finished.

Juxtaposing his own impoverished upbringing in Cincinnati, Ohio, with energetic dance routines and legendary soul and rhythm 'n' blues tunes, he creates a hand-clapping, foot-stomping, tear-inducing tale that is movin' both physically and emotionally.

His impressions of musical legends, including the likes of Chuck Berry and Wilson Pickett, are keenly observed and respectfully performed while the dance tributes to Bill "Bojangles" Robinson and Gregory Hines are athletically astonishing.

Even the slightly unnerving sight of a man nearly 60 years of age stripping down to a thong doesn't detract from the sheer joy that this show brings.

A surprise gem of this year's Brighton Festival, see Melvin Brown's show and just try to fight the good feeling.