A madcap musical comedy tale of science and sauce is the subject of St Austell Amateur Operatic Society’s (AOS) latest show, and it’s no exaggeration to say it’s right up there with the best performances you could ever see in the West End: rip-roaringly funny, with stellar lead performances, an entrancing ensemble, brilliant music and fabulous costumes.

Young Frankenstein was adapted by Mel Brooks from the movie screenplay he co-wrote with Gene Wilder. Dr Victor von Frankenstein’s grandson, Frederick, has no interest in inheriting the family business – or so he thinks. Upon arrival in Transylvania following the death of his infamous ancestor, he is persuaded by his late grandfather’s motley crew of staff to create anothermonster – with hilarious results.

As leading man Frederick Frankenstein, Kieran Whitmore cuts a dash in almost every scene, with Jack Foster as his stooge, Igor, displaying impeccable comic timing and musicality. The two love interests also shine: Camilla Mills makes a toothsome songbird as “laboratory assistant” Inga, with Julie McAuley-White as Frankenstein’s stylish but self-absorbed fiancée Elizabeth. George Turner deftly takes the Monster from pathetic figure to side-splitting hoofer and – well, that would be telling.

The loudest cheer, surely, went to Georgina Walkey as Frau Blucher, the dour housekeeper whose mere name scares the horses, but who hides a bodice-ripping passion beneath her dark robes. Her show-stopping number, He Vas My Boyfriend, brought the house down with its Weillian sensuality and gravity-defying climax. Brava!

Special mention must also be made of Lionel Burrows as the lonely Hermit, and Isaac Salaman as the ghost of Dr Victor von Frankenstein, who has a truly fantastic voice.

Families should be advised that there is a fair amount of saucy content in this show – Carry-On style sexual innuendo and occasional swearing, for example. However, there were children in the audience and much of this would probably have gone over their heads. They will be far more taken with the slapstick humour and the company numbers – the tap dancing in particular wasworthy of Busby Berkeley, while the costumes (including 34 wigs) and music were simply top notch.

My partner and I roared with laughter on the front row, and were completely in awe of the prodigiously talented performers on stage. What a great way to spend an evening, being thoroughly entertained. This show is on until Saturday, with nightlyshows plus a Saturday matinee - everyone within a 50-mile radius (at least) should be forced to go and see it.

For performances details and tickets, www.ticketsource.co.uk/staustellaos