Berry Gordy Jr evidently was not entirely fulfilled as a boxer, for, with the help of a loan of $800 from his family in 1959, he saw fit to create the phenomenon called Tamla Motown.

Motown eventually became the largest and most successful independent record company in the US, and provided a much-needed outlet for local talent.

The locals included The Four Tops, Martha and the Vandellas, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Mary Wells, The Miracles and The Marvellettes to name but a few.

This concert (it wasn't a musical in the traditional sense, there being no story to speak of) was a tribute to, and a celebration of, these performers.

A young, vibrant cast brought new freshness to old classics, infusing them with energy and enthusiasm assisted by a nine-strong onstage band. Carole Todd's choreography captured the period with authenticity.

The songs were linked by a twinkling narrator, Lateef Lovejoy - also a seasoned stand-up comedian, which showed. He could probably have charmed the birds out of the trees, judging by the effect he had on the ladies in the auditorium. And he sang.

The occasional cheesy preamble signalling a number was forgiveable ("Have ya evah been lon-leh? Ah know ah have... it reminds me of a sawng... which goes somethang... laak... thee-us") due to the infectious joie de vivre of the performers.

Overall, it was fun, sassy and well worth seeing.

But by the time you read this, the company will have shimmied off elsewhere, having strutted their stuff in Eastbourne for only two short days.

However, they pitch up at the Theatre Royal, Brighton, July 24-29.

Go see.