HOT Flush is quite outrageous, a musical about HRT and four women going through the menopause, but this show is brilliant, hilarious and performed with such panache.

Sylvia (Sheila Ferguson of the Three Degrees) is bored with her long-time husband and is having a bit of a fling.

Myra (Rula Lenska) is on the verge of divorcing her husband, Helen (Marti Webb) has been widowed for many years and thinks it's time to look for a man and Jessica (Rachel Izen) is not sure what her retired husband does in his shed all the time.

Each character is portrayed convincingly and most in the audience would know women in similar positions.

Songs and choreography are scintillating, music is witty and tunes we all know are used Women of the Menopause is belted out to the tune of Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! and every word of the droll lyrics are delivered clearly.

Sam Kane is wonderful playing all the male parts: a French waiter from Liverpool, a Chinese therapist, a toy-boy, a would-be lover in leather jockstrap and many others.

This is one of the funniest shows to be seen, much enjoyed by the first-night audience which was on its feet clapping enthusiastically by the end. It runs until tomorrow (Saturday).

JILL HOPKINS