HAPPY DAYS, KEIGHLEY AMATEURS

Thank goodness the performances and production of this sitcom adaptation are strong.

For if we relied on the raw material of script and songs we'd have a pretty bland evening.

Instead, thanks to the energy, polish and clear enjoyment of a massive cast we have an enjoyable couple of hours.

In this true ensemble show there are lots of cracking performances and particularly good solo singing.

Uncluttered production by Jamesine Cundell Walker, Judith Chapman and John Sandland ensures everything flows swiftly and seamlessly.

This is a musical version of the famous TV comedy set in smalltown America during the 1950s.

Rock ‘n’ roller The Fonz is the coolest guy in a town where traditional values – family, innocence, mom's baking – are cherished.

Amidst the predictable storyline and run-of-the-mill script there’s a jukebox bursting with songs that, with two or three stronger exceptions, are tuneful enough to hold our attention only while they last.

Happy Days isn't a show you’ll remember forever – but it’s fun while it lasts.

  • Victoria Hall, until Saturday 7.15pm, also Saturday 2.15pm, phone 08456 252550.

David Knights

ANGELINA BALLERINA, BRADFORD ALHAMBRA

What a great show for all the fans of children's favourite Angelina Ballerina.

The show was just a little too short but I can understand the need for a shorter show to keep the little ones entertained without the chance to get bored.

Its definitely a show for youngsters, our three-year-old came away wanting to go back and watch it over and over again and by the finale she was up and dancing in the aisle.

The sets used were limited but very effective and I was shocked that the cast didn't have mouse heads but that didn’t seem to bother the children.

Unfortunately the Alhambra was only half full but this didn’t affect the performance one bIt, and the small but energetic cast put on a wonderful show.

Dean Harness

ST PETERSBURG SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, ST GEORGE'S HALL, BRADFORD

The Bradford International Orchestral Concert Season opened last Thursday when the famous Russian orchestra paid a compliment to our jubilee year with Vaughan Williams's Fantasy On A Theme.

String section leaders encouraged their huge forces in a very satisfying performance.

Returning from their roots for Tchaikovsky, brilliant young Russian violinist Alexander Sitkovetsky electrified the well-filled hall with a rivetting performance of the compost’s concerto, relishing every challenge.

We were treated to an exquisite encore of one of Bach's sarabandes.

Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony concluded proceedings, with particular fervour in the last movement. We then exited to the blazing Czardas from Act 3 of Swan Lake.

John Pettitt