There are four pieces of advice that anyone going to see this splendid, spectacular production should bear in mind.

The first is, don't go along expecting to see people skating to the familiar music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. This isn't an ice-bound version of the show which packed in audiences for three months at the Alhambra last year.

There is some dramatic music which matches the gothic atmosphere of the show, and there is some jolly music for the lighter moments. And there are some stirring songs which give the excellent David Lawrence an opportunity to sing out manfully. But Music of the Night this ain't.

Tip number two: get along to the theatre early and read, learn and inwardly digest the programme notes. That way you won't waste time that should be spent appreciating the skills of the skaters on trying to figure out who is who and what the plot is all about.

Basically, brilliant composer is left horribly scarred after a jealous rival torches his apartment, is rescued by two friendly tramps called Mr and Mrs Midnight, and seeks refuge behind a mask in the catacombs of the Paris Opera House.

There he falls for a talented singer called Christine and determines to guide her career. He has a rival - an army officer who was Christine's childhood sweetheart and whose advantages are that he doesn't wear a mask or live in the catacombs. It all ends in tears - but I won't tell you for whom (although if you've seen the Lloyd Webber version, you'll probably know).

The third piece of advice is this: enjoy. The dance-skating is magnificent as the talented and superbly choreographed members of the Russian Ice Stars pack the Alhambra stage with skilful action. These are people who give the impression that they were born wearing ice skates.

And the acrobatic scenes, with members of the cast swinging and twirling on ropes high above the stage, are among the highlights of the evening.

And tip number four? If you particularly enjoy any part of the performance, burst into spontaneous applause.

Last night's audience showed their appreciation in grand style at the end of each scene and especially at the end of the show, but seemed uncertain as to whether or not to reward the brilliant bits that just sort of happened.

Don't hold back. Go for it. I'm sure the skaters won't mind.

Mike Priestley