IN the heady days of Take That, tickets for their concerts sold out within hours.

It must be so satisfying for Gary Barlow - the multi-talented lad from Frodsham - who is having similar fan reaction to his auto-biographical production - A Different Stage.

It is a unique showcase because, he says, he hasn't done anything like it before.

A one man show that is tremendous fun while being very revealing.

It is another successful collaboration with the ever-excellent Tim Firth.

They worked together on Finding Neverland, Calendar Girls and the stunning musical about Take That fans - The Band.

Now Gary displays a super confident word- perfect piece of theatre interspersed with beautiful piano renditions of Back for Good and A Million Love Songs.

And there plenty of behind-the-scenes takes about the much loved supergroup - a fab five.

A two thirds spoken - one third musical journey with Gary on a roller-coaster of a career and he's only 51.

The world premiere of this show took place at the Brindley in Runcorn - now that says a lot about this proud Northern boy-next-door. Well ... down the road, that is.

He arrived on stage beaming and it's only when the smiles subside that you hear all about the highs, lows and highs again of stardom relayed in his own deeply personal words.

He is a master storyteller. Funny and self-effacing when necessary, which is another plus skill added to his already jam-packed creative CV.

The standing ovations are guaranteed for a man who spends two hours (and an interval to catch breath) gliding in and out of the spotlight.

This is an intimate, joyous. poignant and hugely entertaining experience.

Gary Barlow this is your life ... for now.

And the amazing thing is - there's so much more to come from Gaz.

Inspirational.

Five stars.

The show si Until Saturday @garybarlow @LiveEvery