HOW quickly our yesteryears become consigned to history - and how quickly they become the stuff of nostalgia.

I loved every minute of my trip back to the '80s last night, especially the rainbow-coloured headbands, bad perms, mullets and neon outfits so cleverly put together for the show and by a few members of the audience. Around 25 brave souls even donned their brides and bridesmaids dresses.

The Wedding Singer is unashamedly cheesy and camp, a fabulous feast of fun with a real feelgood factor.

Wedding singer Robbie Hart (Jonathan Wilkes) is the life and soul of every party until he is jilted at the altar. Heartbroken, he becomes a complete flop.

That's until he meets waitress Julia (Natalie Casey), who he attempts to woo despite her engagement to a rich bad boy.

The leads are You've Been Framed presenter Wilkes and Casey of Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps fame, both with plenty of theatre pedigree but recognisable to TV audiences too.

The pair are instantly likeable and last night's raucous audience, which included 25 brides and bridesmaids, were willing them to fall in love and live happily ever after.

The musical, which has already been seen in the US, is enjoying its British premiere tour and benefits from a new score of songs, well performed by the cast, if a little unmemorable.

Do not expect a re-enactment of the popular 1998 film which starred Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore though. This is no jukebox musical and the cast sensibly steer clear of attempts to emulate their Hollywood predecessors.

The highlights are scenes in the clever revolving restaurant and, best of all, the hysterical flight scene.

The Wedding Singer does not pretend to be anything other than hilarious, heart-warming fun.

It's the sort of show the decade that invented shoulder pads would be rightly proud of.

The Wedding Singer runs until Saturday. The Mayflower Box office: 023 8071 1811.

7:59am Wednesday 23rd July 2008

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