YOU can't have too much of a good thing, according to the old saying.

That's certainly true at the Theatre Royal, Windsor, this week, where audiences are revelling in the return of one of the most popular productions to be staged at the venue in recent times, Dreamboats and Petticoats.

It's the fourth time in as many years that a touring version of the show has pulled into town, but theatre-goers show no sign of losing their enthusiasm for this grin-inducing, foot-tapping extravaganza of pop and nostalgia. The opening night on Monday was packed to the rafters and overheard snippets of conversation made it clear that for many of those in the audience it was far from the first time they had experienced the Dreamboats and Petticoats phenomenon.

The show was the original of the so-called jukebox musicals and since its premiere five years ago, has spawned numerous copycat productions, some more worthy than others. It remains head and shoulders above the best.

On its three previous visits to the Theatre Royal many of the cast have remained in the same roles, becoming almost like old friends. This time it's different. It's a whole new line-up, with several making their professional debuts, watched over magnanimously by a performer who was 'there at the time' - former sixties heartthrob Mary Wynter.

He's no doubt been able to offer all sorts anecdotal advice about the pop scene of the early sixties, not that his young colleagues in the cast seem to need much nurturing. Like all the numerous actors who have appeared under the Dreamboats and Petticoats banner, they thrown themselves whole-heartedly into recreating all the highs and lows of being a teenager in those days, and, of course, belting out all that phenomenal music.

As well as new faces in the cast there seem to have been a few minor 'tweaks' to the show since its inception, with some new ideas brought brought in to keep the format fresh. But fear not, the vast majority of the award-winning formula remains intact, with all the songs, dances and humorous undertones that have brought so much pleasure to audiences over the past five years, not just those lucky enough to remember the early sixties but vast legions of younger fans who appreciate those unforgettable sounds. You'll find it all there - the flirting, the unrequited love, the wonderful slow-motion boxing scene, the hilarious bedroom episode, the attention to detail with hoola-hoops and duffle bags and all those mentions of Wagon Wheels, Tizer and Jubblies!

Dreamboats and Petticoats
Dreamboats and Petticoats

If nothing else, Dreamboats and Petticoats disproves the theories of those trendy 'rock academics' - whose outspoken comments were aired yet again on a recent TV documentary - that there was no good pop music between the best of Elvis and the coming of the Beatles-led beat boom and that the charts 50 years ago were dominated by legions of cardigan-clad crooners.

Try telling that to the audiences wallowing in the joyous emotions brought back by hits like Let's Dance, In Dreams, Runaround Sue, Quarter To Three and At The Hop.

This new production is another winner. The enthusiastic and hugely-talented young cast appear to thoroughly enjoy themselves on stage and exhibit impeccable timing, two of the vital aspects for any production of Dreamboats and Petticoats to succeed.

Each and every performer gives 100 per cent and, as usual, it is difficult to come to terms with the fact that they're recreating sights and sounds that took place two or three decades before they were born, with the honourable exception, of course, of Mark Wynter who amazingly reached his 70th birthday earlier in the year, and Mike Lloyd, who copes expertly with the several different roles he is required to fill.

Hannah Boyce, who despite making her professional debut, is perfect as the pig-tailed school swat Laura who transforms into a beautiful teenager, while Stephen Rolley  as the love of her life, Bobby, also gives all that is asked of him, be it acting, singing or dancing. The same can be said of all of the cast, particularly Matthew Colthart as the swaggering Norman, and Louise Olley, who is a wonderfully sassy Sue.Mark Wynter, who is no stranger to the Theatre Royal, having appeared in several productions at Windsor, particularly Agatha Christie mysteries, seems totally at ease as Phil and the Older Bobby, and even gets a chance to revisit his three hit singles at the end of the show, the first time he has sung them together on stage since a summer season in 1973!

It rounds off another pacy, flouncy colourful and sparkly evening of fun and music. As the audience filed out into the cold on Monday evening it was impossible to find a face that wasn't smiling broadly. Many, this reviewer included, are already looking forward to what we hope will be a fifth visit!

Dreamboats and Petticoats is at The Theatre Royal, Windsor, until Saturday November 9. Contact the box office on  01753 853888 or  www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk .