Review - Earlier this year I had my head turned by a man in several dresses. This Christmas he's bursting back out of the wardrobe. No - it's not the man I have tied up at my house desperate for mince pies (I always check he's fed, watered and tethered). It's a revival of Frank's Closet. Here's what I thought:

Hoxton Hall, built in 1863, remains in the arty East End, unrestored and rarely ringing with music hall classics - until now. Frank's Closet by Stuart Wood is a music hall musical about one man, on the eve of his civil partnership, given the emotional task of gifting his collection of Diva dresses to the Victoria and Albert museum.

The storyline is probably the weaker element in the show, but it is only the foundation for a riotous night of classic, cross-gender impersonation, witty dialogue, men in pants dancing and a large dose of nostalgia. I am not a fan of cheesy musicals, as you may know from my other reviews, but it took me all of five minutes, and a complimentary G&T, to abandon my defences and cheer for 'more Judy!' That's Judy Garland by the way - played stunningly by Karl Mullaney, like a gay male Jane Horrocks in Little Voice. He also takes on Marie Lloyd, Ethel Merman, Julie Andrews, Karen Carpenter, and the blonde one from ABBA - Agnennanoo...something. Each character was instantly recognisable from Mullaney's demeanour, and when combined with the gorgeous costumes, become larger than life.

Frank's Closet has an energy bigger than the modest Hoxton Hall; but how wonderful to see the once buzzing atmosphere revived. Congratulations also to Donna King who played Frank with debonair grace. Look out also for the Gaiety girls, which in the previous run featured a bouncing Debbie McGee with oversized red velvet lips strapped to her bosom!

Director Ian Burton certainly rang every ounce from his actors, and the whole thing tasted delicious. Please go and see Frank's Closet at Hoxton Hall, even if it doesn't sound to your usual taste. I was converted - you will be too.

Frank's Closet runs at Hoxton Hall until 10th January 2010.