A Playhouse of fun in Madness musical

Our House ****
Edinburgh Playhouse

THE welcome is not so much to the house of fun this week, but the Playhouse of fun, as this rumbustious, energetic yet beautifully poised musical based on the songs of the band Madness hits town.

Our House is a rarity among modern musicals – a production using the songs of one band that works equally well for fans of that band, and for fans of musicals as well.

The benefit for those who like good musical theatre is that Madness didn't only write catchy, simple pop songs – they wrote songs which are capable of interpretation and carrying a story. And tunes which can be taken out of context yet still carry a central idea.

The benefit for Madness fans is that you can do what you like with their songs and they are still one hundred and one per cent certified madness. This might not be an exact recreation of their last gig at the Playhouse in 1985, but it is a darn fine representation of their songs.

All of which makes for a fantastic piece of entertainment. There's a great plot that goes big on the redemptive power of love, gives a literal interpretation to Madness' first "two-tone" record label and still has time for plenty of fun and games along the way.

The story finds young Joe Casey, of Casey Street NW5, confronted with a terrible dilemma when he takes his girlfriend Sarah out on a date on his 16th birthday. In a sliding door type scenario, it follows him on both the courses his life might take.

Not that life is easy for the white-clad character who made the morally correct choice by facing up to his responsibilities. Or that the sharp, black-suited version of his future, the one who didn't make the right choice, has a horrible time to start off with.

But, while you can be sure that the moral values of family and truth will out, you can be equally sure that this clever story will not be obvious in the way it delivers them.

The fun and games do take a little while to get going, as the songs Our House, Simple Equation and My Girl are used to get the plot well and firmly established.

The expectation is there, however. The simple dance steps are ready to be expanded on, the tunes set into your mind and the energy of the ensemble demonstrated. So that when Baggy Trousers finally comes around, the stage bursts into brilliant life. Later, a filmed backdrop for Driving In My Car sets up a stunning piece of fantasy.

The soloists are equally up to scratch. X-Factor winner Steve Brookstein holds it all together as Joe's Dad. Chris Carswell is brilliant in both aspects of his character as Joe. And, although Finnish-born, Miria Parvin is a perfect English rose as Sarah.

One step beyond, from start to finish.

• Run until Saturday.