NOT many bands were given the tag 'mania' by the media.

The first were The Beatles who emerged from Liverpool to conquer the world.

Over in Utah, USA, a band of talented, versatile band of brothers followed their strict 1960s and '70s mantra: "Faith, family and career.''

Led by their military-styled father and an encouraging mother they were carefully packaged for stardom from a humble barber shop quartet to beng talent-spotted by the great Andy Williams who made them regulars on his rating-winning variety shows.

Along the way individual talents shone through, notably heart-throb Donny, sweet Marie and cute Little Jimmy.

Above all, family came first and they had meetings to vote on all decisions. They rose at 4.30am each day, clearly serious about success.

Sometimes their focus was lost even though they achieved so much by sheer hard work selling 100 million albums, picking up gold discs and fronting numerous TV series.

But then it all went wrong.

Did they over-reach themselves with their ambitious film and recording studios or were they were too trusting and naive in business?

Suffice to say, they bounced back from losing their hard-earned fortunes.

Jay Osmond has written this hugely, entertaining and enjoyable piece of entertainment - it offers plenty of drama and nostalgia and many 'I didn't know that' moments.

And for two hours and 45 minutes (including an interval) the story is told well - aided by the back catalogue of hits.

No real special effects or old footage is offered instead sparkling songs and choreography on a set resembling an illuminated TV screen.

There are thirty songs (played by an unseen on stage band) to get through including: Love me for a reason, Crazy horses, One bad apple; Let me in and solo hits Paper roses, Puppy love and Long-haired lover from Liverpool.

Alex Lodge as Jay immediately connected with the audience (many of whom had brought along 'We Love Donny' scarves).

There's some fine acting, too in a large cast with solid performances from the individual Osmonds: love-sick Merrill (Ryan Anderson); Alan (Jamie Chatterton); Donny (Joseph Peacock) Wayne (Danny Nattrass) and George Lennon as Marie.

Director and co-writer Shaun Kerrison and choreographer Bill Deamer have succeeded in bringing this fascinating bitter-sweet story to life.

An effective device is seeing the younger Osmonds on stage with the older versions - a concept that works well visually making this a notch above other jukebox-styled pop musicals.

If you want to know about how the Osmonds became American idols then this production fills in the gaps and if you just want to wallow in whole-hearted nostalgia you won't be disappointed.

The finale seals a true celebration of The Osmonds and their legacy.

Globe verdict: Four stars - Having a Party!

The production is at the Empire until Saturday. Tickets from 09448717615