Who would have thought the good folk of Windsor were capable of telling such porky pies? "Anyone here remember 1964?" asked one of the cast of New Jersey Nights when the production opened at the town's Theatre Royal on Monday evening.

Only a few in the audience reluctantly answered in the affirmative, a surprising response when a cursory glance around revealed many present would have clearly remembered munching through packets of Spangles while watching Fireball XL5.

No doubt an element of coyness induced the limited response.

All credit then to the energetic and talented singers, dancers and musicians in this sparkling show who, by the end of the evening, had this same bashful crowd up on their feet dancing, arms waving in unison and cheering for more.

It was easy to understand the reaction, for this is a fast-paced, joyous tribute to one of the most celebrated and influential pop acts of the sixties, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

Unlike the West End hit show Jersey Boys, which similarly honours the work of the group, this production chooses not to go into massive biographical detail about Franki and the boys.

The result is that it's more wholesome, devoid of sordid aspects and therefore able to put the focus on the group's wonderful songs which, even after more than half a century, remain some of the finest pop music ever recorded.

That's not to say the show is devoid of narrative. The enthusiastic cast remind us of the highlights of the Four Seasons' history, weaving in important facts and anecdotes amid their breathtakingly accurate recreations of all those hits, from Rag Doll and Let's Hang On to Walk Like A Man and Big Girls Don't Cry. As a bonus there are some brilliant versions of other sixties pop hits which had links with the group.

Some might argue that this is simply a tribute act evening similar to those staged at all sorts of venues across the country.

But it's far more than that.

For a start, the cast aren't just going through the motions. They look as though they're having as much fun as us, totally throwing themselves into the proceedings and relishing the chance to create some stunning pop nostalgia.

They're also supported by six lithe and sexy dancers, three girls and three boys, who provide eye-catching routines to enhance the musical delights of the evening. They too seem to be having the time of their lives as they cavort and strut around the stage. And no backing tracks here.

A four-piece live band provides the perfect accompaniment to the singing and dancing. It's a shame they aren't given a little more acknowledgement at the end, though the saxophonist does get his moment in the spotlight during a solo accompaniment of Earth Angel.

There's obviously a real sense of camaraderie among the four main members of the cast, witnessed at the end when, with the crowd roaring, they embrace each other after a job well done.

Despite their youthfulness - the music of the sixties was created more than a couple of decades before they were born - the four, Jon Hawkins, Ricky Rojas, Damion Scarcella and Simon Schofield, have impressive musical CVs ranging from West End shows to TV appearances.

New Jersey Nights is a very democratic show, with no one performer dominating, but each given the opportunity to shine individually as well as recreating those unmistakable Four Seasons' harmonies.

There's a stunning version of Unchained Melody and two glorious acapella numbers, Silence is Golden and Blue Moon. Even the three girl dancers get a chance to show they can sing too, with meticulous versions of Be My Baby and Da Do Ron Ron.

The cast go through umpteen costume changes, keeping the wardrobe department on its toes, and there's never a dull moment as the pace is maintained throughout.

As the audience spilled out into the night there was little doubt that everyone had enjoyed themselves immensely. My wife, who like many present, remembers the songs from the first time round, commented: "That made me feel young again!"

New Jersey Nights, put together by renowned international theatre producer David King, has toured the world over the past few years. You can catch it at the Theatre Royal, Windsor, until Saturday (February 6).

The Theatre Royal, 32 Thames Street, Windsor, West Berkshire, SL4 1PS - 01753 853888