Leisure's Strictly Come Dancing blogger Simon Gross enjoys the return of La Cage Aux Folles to the West End stage

Originally produced on Broadway more than 20 years ago and in 1986 at the Palladium, La Cage Aux Folles finally returns to the stage at the cosy confines of the Playhouse Theatre.

The Playhouse is transformed into the camp and colourful atmosphere of the St Tropez nightclub, owned by Georges (Dennis Lawson) and his transvestite star and long-standing partner, Albin (Douglas Hodge) Amusing farcical situations come thick and fast when Georges’ son Jean Michel -conceived one confused night at the Paris Lido - announces he is getting married and wants to push transvestite star Albin in to the background.

The underlying message behind the piece are famously put over in the musical number I Am What I Am, a song which ensures La Cage is still a winner.

Hodge is not only dynamite in drag, but proves a true clown and master of comic timing, even adding a touch of Piaf and Dietrich to the title song. It’s no surprise he has been nominated for Oliver award for this performance.

Lawson also gives a fine performance as nightclub owner and Albin’s hen-pecked boyfriend, Georges. He has great chemistry with Hodge, both milking the libretto for all the laughs they can get, but still honouring the poignancy behind much of Jerry Herman’s score.

Fine support also comes from Stuart Neal - an up-and-coming leading man with a fine voice - as Georges’ son, Jean Michel.

The fabulous Tracie Bennett as the club hostess Jacqueline, and Paula Wilcox as the mother in law from hell Madame Renaud also deserve a mention, as do the six fabulous men comprising the La Cage chorus, who have the legs and dance moves most women would die for.

La Cage Aux Folles’ colour will soon brighten the early dark nights and cold winter weather. Be prepared to be be humming the tunes for days.

At the Playhouse Theatre, London until Jan 10. Box office 0870 060 6631.