Nearly 30 years have passed since CP Taylor's hugely enjoyable play was first performed when this atmospheric Quayside theatre was only a few years old.

That was back in 1977 when the now glitzy and fashionable riverside was semi-derelict.

Had Cecil Taylor lived (he died in 1981 aged only 52 just as his career was taking off) he would undoubtedly have been amazed at the changes which have taken place in the last three decades.

Now Live Theatre, the company which Taylor helped set up, is about to undergo its own £4.3m make-over which will involve it going dark until 2007.

As the last production for quite a while, Live director, Max Roberts, decided to revive Nightingale as a tribute to Taylor and, judging by the storm of cheering, stamping and applause which greeted the end of Wednesday's performance, that was a sound decision.

The funny, tender and moving play follows the trials and tribulations of a Tyneside family caught up in the Second World War. Punctuated by familiar wartime songs like Roll Out The Barrel - performed with great gusto by David Whitaker as Da - the excellent cast brought blitzed 1940s Newcastle to life.

* Runs until April 29. Box Office 0191-232 1232

Published: 31/03/2006