IN the late Fifties, Berry Gordy founded what was to become Motown Records, one of the most influential labels in music history. For the first time, African Americans became major stars, achieving record sales and audiences previous unheard of.

The music Gordy produced made household names of Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Lionel Richie among others, and Dancing In the Streets was a massive hit for Martha and the Vandellas.

This company of young Brits proves that we’ve got soul, too – their energy and talent, combined with the chartbusting songs from the Motown stable, make for a spectacular evening’s entertainment for an audience who sing along whenever they get the chance.

The dodgy suits, precision dance moves and lacquered hair are all here, in addition to great vocals.

The eight-piece band provides solid backing for songs originally performed by the Four Tops, Temptations, Miracles and Commodores, and the sound is big and fat and satisfying. Was it really this loud in the Sixties or have my ears matured?

I heard some complaints from audience members about spotlights being beamed into the auditorium – they were a bit off-putting – but that wasn’t going to stop people jumping to their feet to dance in the aisles.

There’s a saying that if you remember the Sixties you weren’t there. One of the things that make that decade so memorable is the Motown songbook. The songs don’t lose their appeal and this show is a joyful celebration of the smash hits the label produced.

■ Until Saturday. Box Office: 01325-486555

Sue Heath