THIS is a traditional version of the classic story of seven brothers and their – after much trouble and strife – seven wives.

Set in 1850s rural America and based on the short story The Sobbin’ Women (which centres on the Roman legend of the capture of the Sabine women) this sparkling show mixes great dance numbers, some memorable songs (especially Bless Your Beautiful Hide) and a flimsy yet effective narrative.

Young backwoodsman Adam goes into town looking for a wife. Wasting no time, he takes his new bride home to his log cabin.

To his new wife’s consternation, Adam has six brothers – rude, crude and unruly – with whom she’s supposed to live.

As Adam’s wife Milly, Southampton's Helena Blackman (from How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?) is engaging and endearing.

With a cast of 25 energetic performers, a superb live seven-piece orchestra, imaginative sets and colourful costumes, this is an entertaining spectacle.

Absolutely outstanding are the sensational dance numbers – acrobatic, balletic and mesmerising.

On opening night, the microphone was occasionally inconsistent and too low, particularly on the busy noisy numbers, but this tiny blemish will surely be eliminated as the production continues.

The story may be a little sexist, a trifle misogynous, and – in an old-fashioned way – it might romanticise male domination and female subordination...

but what a terrific show!