Theatregoers from Kent were cured of their January blues on Tuesday, following the opening night of La Cage aux Folles at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.

No expense has been spared on this touring professional production, which includes a star-studded cast, eye-catching glitzy costumes and a set that could give some West End shows a run for their money.

Despite being one of the biggest Broadway successes of the last few decades with several Tony awards, La Cage aux Folles is one that may be less well-known to some British audiences.

This Bill Kenwright production brings to life once again the dazzle written by Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein, based on the 1973 French play by Jean Poiret.

The musical follows the story of nightclub manager Georges and his partner, Albin, an eccentric but lovable drag artist. Everything is perfect in their crazy, theatrical lives, until Georges’s son Jean-Michele announces his plans to marry the daughter of a straight-laced, homophobic politician set on closing down the La Cage aux Folles club.

The first thing that strikes you when you walk into the theatre is the attention to detail that has gone into producing the set. An elaborate red curtain and stage-front facade fill the Marlowe stage from top to bottom, which adds to the nightclub feel. Fans of Moulin Rouge will certainly love this show.

Former EastEnder John Partridge completely stole the show as Albin, both in drag, as his alias Zaza, and out.

Partridge was born to play this role, getting the balance right between sexy and humorous, in addition to some heartfelt scenes. His performances in all forms of his character were a triumph. Women in the audience physically swooned when he walked on in a suit... and also left the theatre dying to know how he re-applied different make up looks so quickly and perfectly...

He brilliantly executed the famed song "I Am What I Am" with conviction and emotion. It was also refreshing to see an actor, especially with theatre and television credits such as his, overwhelmed by the standing ovation at the end of the show.

Grease 2 and 1980s show TJ Hooker star Adrian Zmed as Georges oozed confidence. A true professional in every sense, Zmed was the perfect pairing with Partridge vocally, and it was easy to believe that the couple could have been together for years.

A few of the big dance numbers, despite being well choreographed, were let down by a couple of weaker performers, which was all the more noticeable by its small ensemble playing the nightclub dancers. A rare sight in a professional production.

Luckily, a stand-out ensemble performance came from Jordan Livesey as Hannah, who had some funny scenes whipping his co-stars into shape.

Dougie Carter as Georges's son Jean-Michele is also set to have a long career ahead of him. His performance of 'With Anne on My Arm' was an all-round impressive performance.

Singer and actress Marti Webb, well-known for her critically acclaimed performance in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tell Me On a Sunday, was a brilliant addition to the show as a busybody restaurateur, with witty jibes between her and Partridge's Zaza. More scenes starring Webb would have been welcome.

The show has some serious but relevant undertones of acceptance, but its songs will leave you skipping out of the theatre, ready to accept that 'we are what we are'.

The show runs at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre until Saturday, January 28. For tickets, visit marlowetheatre.com or call 01227 787787.

It will also be at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford from Tuesday, May 9 to Saturday, May 13. For tickets, visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call 01322 220000.