A musical in this day and age? Whatever next? Extremely colourful, and with warmth and affection in many of its performances, this is nevertheless a slightly strained version of the old chestnut, and difficult to relax with. Bette Midler might have been born to play the part of the stage mother who, frustrated in her desires for stardom, pushes her two untalented daughters into vaudeville. Midler really gets her teeth into the role of Mama Rose and, if her singing is sometimes not at its best, she enjoys some inspired moments on the acting front. Peter Riegert is quietly excellent (although he can't sing) as the agent who loves her, and Cynthia Gibb entirely competent as Louise in a role that gives its actress little chance to shine. The songs are melodic and one includes the classic line: 'Soon this bum'll be Beau Brummell'. Rhymes like that are worth waiting to hear.

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