Gypsy has to be the best showbiz musical of all time and this production proves it. The news that Imelda Staunton was to be reunited with Jonathan Kent, who directed her in Sweeney Todd, created quite a buzz and raised very high expectations.

Those expectations are well and truly exceeded right from the start. The explosive overture is rewarded with such rapture that it teeters on the edge of receiving its own standing ovation.

The musical, not just a eulogy to the dying world of vaudeville, but a painful study of mother/child relationships with Mama Rose’s obsessive ambition replacing love. But it is also great fun with a tremendous score.

Imelda Staunton is magnificent in the challenging role of Rose, a bulldozing monster, ignorant of the damage she creates and feelings she hurts as she pushes her children to achieve the fame that she desires for herself.

Yet Staunton punctuates the ferociousness with moments of comedy, vulnerability and even flirtatious sexuality. Her powerful voice belies her small frame, out of which she gives a colossal performance.

Lara Pulver skilfully develops from shy, mousy tom-boy into a confident woman and sassy artiste, whilst Kevin Whatley shows that Lewis can sing and dance.