LAST year's dinner theatre in the intimate surroundings of The Studio was a resounding hit, so a sequel was inevitable.

Attempting to repeat something successful is a dangerous thing, although it helps when you're working with composer Stephen Sondheim's material.

The previous choice, Side By Side By Sondheim, is better known than this year's musical review Putting It Together, but the new show hangs together better as a dramatic piece. Numbers from some of his biggest hit shows are worked together into a loosely-connected narrative about life, love and loss.

Staging a musical like Oklahoma! in such a small space would be sheer madness but it makes sense with Sondheim. His lyrics, witty and perceptive, are as important as his music. Having them performed at such close quarters gives them all the more impact.

The size of the audience - around 40 a performance - also gives an intimacy that no "proper" theatre can. There's also the unique atmosphere of an evening that moves from champagne and canapes in the bar into The Studio and dinner (prepared by Bower's bistro of Harrogate), and then on with the show.

The production values are as impressive as anything you'd see in the main house, in terms of both West End performers and the staging itself. Nick Winston's choreography makes the most of the small space to avoid a concert feel, while Paul Sheard's design and lighting ensure the show looks good.

Sophie Bould, Hadley Fraser, Alasdair Harvey, Mark Hilton and Rebecca Thornhill are the superb singers who shine both collectively and in individual numbers it would be unfair to single out.

*Until January 2. Tickets 01423 502116.

Published: 08/12/2004