PLAYWRIGHT Tim Firth takes us, via Calendar Girls and Flint Street to Camden and total Madness.

School-leaver Joe Casey finds honest employment hard to find, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.

Sam Hussey works hard to portray the two aspects of this character as he tries to impress sweetheart Sarah.

Despite the tendency to rush his lines, he carried it off well.

As Sarah, Aimee Wright handled her first leading-role with great style and her vocals, particularly on NW8, were crystal clear on opening night, when the sound quality was generally patchy.

Mark Barton-Lee was a charismatic father-figure and giggly-duo Emma Harris and Amy Leonard (Billie and Angie) lit-up every scene.

Director Dawn Broomfield deservedly credits choreographers Stefanie Radley and Sarah Turner as the whole cast danced their socks off in every vibrant number.

Great costumes, an adaptable set (some late entrances) and Will Pickering’s excellent band relentlessly drove the show.