THERE is something quite melancholic about Dusty Springfield.

Her powerful voice and instantly memorable songs seemed to hide a secret sadness and while this musical is not about her life, it does seem to tap into that part of her music.

But that is not the say this new production, which is on a nationwide tour, is not uplifting and memorable.

Taking her most famous song, and tenuously weaving a story about the love lives of three very different people, the show takes quite a modern stance but manages to successfully weave in most of Dusty's iconic tunes along the way from I Only want to be With you and the Look of Love to Anyone Who had a Heart and You Don't Have to Say You Love me.

The story, by Warner Brown, tells the tale of a '60s record shop, Preacher Man, which unites three very different people looking for the man who used to run it and was known for doling out sage relationship advice.

Comedian Debra Stevenson goes back to her dramatic roots playing Alison, Alice Marlow is Kat and Michael Howe, Paul, all from different generations and backgrounds.

All three are strong in their roles, particularly Howe who's story of unrequited teenaged love brings a tear to the eye more than once, and the choreography by Strictly's Craig Revell Horwood and energy never dips, particularly picking up pace in the second half.

This really is about the ensemble, with everyone getting a chance to shine and show what they can do.

The three waitresses who work at the modern day Preacher Man, now a shiny and faceless coffee shop, are standouts for both their humour and versatility - all dance, sing and play musical instruments.

At its heart this is a musical which celebrates music, love and nostalgia and left me humming the great Dusty's most famous tunes all the way home.

Son of a Preacher Man is at Cliffs Pavilion until Saturday Jan 20. Contact the box office for tickets 01702 351135.