It’s 31 July 1966: four female and four male friends settle down to watch England play in the World Cup final, and will-they-won’t-they romances play out over the course of the match. The thin plot, though, is really just a hook on which to hang the hits of the 60s that the cast perform throughout the show. Each member of the talented eight-person ensemble commands the stage with solo numbers that drive the story forward. The cast’s infectious enthusiasm radiates from every song, creating an afternoon that pulses with warmth and spirit. The celebratory climax – spoiler: England win – is done simply but stylishly. If there’s one complaint, it’s that, like the match itself, I wanted to see this show go to extra time.

theSpace on the Mile, until 23 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Tom Brogan]