THEY don't write 'em like this anymore.

A musical classic brings the curtain down on Altrincham Garrick's current season, a show so stuffed with showstoppers it's impossible to find a weak number among them.

Director Paul Kerryson is in no doubt as to what makes 42nd Street such a special piece of theatre.

Paul said: "The words 'feel good' are often used to describe a musical comedy, but in this case it's really true. Based on the iconic 1933 film of the same title, this musical captures all the glamour and spectacle of the 1930s.

"It also can claim the fact that every song is a hit and of course contains all the excitement of tap dancing and jazzy numbers. 42nd Street has a great moral too- with talent, hard work and a little luck, you really can get to the top."

His favourite songs include what he describes as the "famous" Lullaby of Broadway, which is sure to have even the incurably miserable tapping their feet in time to the infectious music.

He said: "But I also really like the lesser known, Getting Out of Town, where the dancing company leave New York with their suitcases, and travel by train to Philadelphia. In our production, the huge live dance band are also revealed on stage during this travelling number."

The show, as well as having a fabulous score, also has some BIG dance numbers. What sort of challenges does this pose for the production team?

He said: "The choreographer certainly has a challenge with this. The young company really need to have the so called "triple threat"- being able to tap, sing and act brilliantly. Manchester has a huge supple of talented young people, and we are thrilled to have some of them in this Garrick production."

* Altrincham Garrick presents 42nd Street from May 28 to June 7 at 7.30pm. The run also includes matinees and anyone interested in booking tickets should call 0161 928 1677. Anyone interested in finding out more should visit altrinchamgarrick.co.uk