Back then it was an experience to be sipped and relished like fine wine.
I am happy to report that it gets even better with age.
In fact, it is timeless . . .
Not a word is spoken in under two hours, but the dance speaks volumes.
It soars and soothes.
It hits, comforts and shocks you as the ensemble of ten dancers transport you back to the rain-drenched, fog-swirling London of the 30s and in an around the Midnight Bell – a public house in seedy Soho – we fall in love with characters whether we want to or not . . . a bit like real life.
Imagine stepping into familiar classic paintings. Here we visually complete a jigsaw puzzle Director and choreographer Matthew invites you to fit in each piece with your own senses.
At times it seems like a split-screen on stage – a visual treat with so much going on at any one time.
All the characters weave into the separate stories that are beautifully played out.
We meet a range of flawed individuals including: an out-of-work actress, a tortured romantic, a spiv-like cad, a prostitute, a jilted barmaid and care-free waiter.
All the dancers tug at the heartstrings and Michela Meazza is outstanding as a lonely spinster who conveys the melancholy aura of a lost Hollywood star.
There are two male characters who enjoy a secretive affair that dare not speak its name, The stories takes place on a truly magnificent set from Les Brotherston who created the period costumes.
It is a time when phone kiosks worked – years before a world where we are not stressed by social media.
Oh to be in a past England without mobile phones. Nostalgic feelings washed over me.
There is top-notch lighting from Paul Constable in this faultless production and Paul Groothuis deserves a special mention for the stunning sound design – you hear birdsong, Big Ben, signs of passion and the piercing silences of rejection.
And there are wonderful lip-sync songs that charm and delight.
Composer Terry Davies is also a storyteller in his own vivid way.
When I see Midnight Bell I am reminded of Billy Joel’s Piano man with its panoramic character sketches of real people.
And The Beatles’ classic You Won’t See Me where Lennon and McCartney tell us that ‘love has a nasty habit of disappearing overnight.’
This is Sir Matthew Bourne at his most illuminating. It is his unique love letter to love itself.
VERDICT: Heart-breaking and life-affirming: Five stars.
It is on until September 20. Tickets from Everymanplayhouse.com or 0151 709 4776