A SUPERB performance by Kara Lily Hayworth as one of the UK’s best-loved singers and entertainers is the lynchpin of Cilla The Musical.

Taking on the title role, she offers us a memorable Cilla Black, delivering outstanding, spine-tingling renditions of Anyone Who Had A Heart, You’re My World and Alfie.

Cilla’s hit songs are at the heart of the show at The Palace Theatre in Manchester, against a backdrop of classic hits from the 60s, in particular The Beatles, brilliantly played by members of the cast as the Fab Four.

The heart of the evening is the relationship between Cilla and her manager husband Bobby, played by Carl Au, and the way Cilla’s timeless songs give expression to the increasing demands her career made on her personal life.

The show really starts to deliver after Cilla meets Brian Epstein and signs to Parlophone Records, with the first act in danger on occasions of becoming a tribute evening to The Beatles.

Andrew Lancel plays Brian Epstein, a tortured soul who had a huge influence on Cilla’s career and that of The Beatles, but battled his own personal demons.

Standout numbers include Twist and Shout by The Beatles and A Taste of Honey by Carl as Bobby, the latter a spellbinding performance showcasing Carl’s superb vocal talents.

Michael Hawkins is excellent as John Lennon, and the backdrops for some of Cilla’s most memorable shows also deserve praise, the huge illuminated letters spelling out her name emphasising how brightly her star shone.

The cast earned a standing ovation on the opening night of a musical which touches on many subjects – love, fame, family, success, loyalty – while celebrating a woman who found extraordinary musical success with her ability to touch people.

Cilla The Musical is directed by Bill Kenwright and Bob Thomson, with Robert Willis as executive producer and musical direction by Scott Alder. It runs until Saturday, November 25.