Sunset Boulevard – Bradford Alhambra

SUNSET Boulevard debuted in 1993 after Andrew Lloyd Webber’s run of 1980s mega hits, and hasn’t proved as enduringly popular as Phantom of The Opera, Evita or Cats.

This latest revival shows, however, that you’ll be satisfied if you’re a fan of LW’s works, particularly Phantom and Aspects of Love.

It’s the tale of a faded silent movie star living like a recluse in her Gothic mansion while dreaming of her return.

The huge sets find perfect partners in the larger-than-life lead characters and Lloyd Webber’s soaring symphonic score.

All this helps to disguise that not much actually happens after struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis accidentally finds himself at Norma’s mansion.

Joe, played by a terrific Danny Mac, reluctantly agrees to edit Norma’s appalling script for her comeback movie and, faced with a fragile, needy mistress, eventually falls into her bed.

This cynical relationship will obviously end in both tears and tragedy, and Lloyd Webber’s bewitching tunes lead us to a suitably melodramatic climax.

* Until Saturday. Visit bradford-theatres.co.uk or call 01274 432000.

David Knights