‘Tis the season of adaptation it seems, as another film is transposed onto the stage. This time it’s the Liverpool Empire’s turn to host and, until 11 July, the theatre is showcasing a glamorous production of the 1988 film, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

Set against the stylish backdrop of the French Riviera, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a highly entertaining comedy musical about two con men and their desire to get rich quick.

Laurence Jameson, played by Michael Praed, is a suave and sophisticated British fraud who funds his lavish lifestyle by conning thousands out of unsuspecting victims.

He’s joined on stage by Freddy Benson, an American idiot with tonnes of personality but zero morality, played by Noel Sullivan. Yes, that’s Noel from Hear’Say.

On their quest for cash, both rogues stumble across Christine Colgate – a Sandra Dee type figure – whose $50,000 fortune quickly turns the pair from sidekicks to rivals.

An amusing end reveals Christine’s butter-wouldn’t-melt character to be precisely that – an act; she also happens to be professional con artist who spends the entire show playing the fools at their own game.

Performances from the principal actors were consistently strong and the ensemble did not let them down; the all-singing, all-dancing cast members were decked out in an array of glitzy costumes and lit up the stage throughout.

Particular highlights came mid-way through the first act, with a funk song entitled Great Big Stuff followed by a cowboy extravaganza. An outrageous number about Laurence’s fictional brother, Ruprecht, had the audience in stitches.

Credit must be given to the musicians who performed an unpredictable score flawlessly. Whilst the music itself was pastiche, it didn’t really matter; the show’s catchy tunes had everyone toe-tapping and what could be better than a live brass band?

If you take yourself, and your theatre, too seriously then this show isn’t for you. But for those who aren’t afraid to admit that musicals are just a downright guilty pleasure, you’re in for a real treat.

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