JOHN Lennon once encouraged his fellow Mop Tops with a mantra  that they were heading for the 'Toppermost of the Poppermost.'

He also said that 'girls don't play guitars' when he was told of one Cavern fan's musical ambitions.

That 'girl', along with three other talented, self-taught musicians went on to prove him wrong and in the process they, too, reached heights of success from Scouseland to countries across Europe and even Japan.

Maybe John was throwing down the gauntlet. After all, he helped Cilla Black in her career.

Before girl power there was will power. And the Liver Birds were oozing self confidence.

They made a name for themselves at the famous Star Club in Hamburg where the raw Beatles honed their craft.

Now this musical rightly addresses their amazing achievements from 1963 to 1968.

It is a real life tale brought with sparkle to the stage thanks to the succinct storytelling of writer Ian Salmon.

It was last here in 2019 - now, with eight of the original cast, it's back for a healthy run.

The Liverbirds were at the top of their game and here their journey from Bootle and Seaforth to the big world is well chronicled with dates and facts aided by some atmospheric back projections.

It is directed by the accomplished Bob Eaton who also supplies original songs.

The 60s sound is wonderfully recreated thanks to the four members of the band and an all male ensemble cast who never put a foot wrong.

Indeed, the versatile members switch cameos at the drop of a hat from Lennon and McCartney to Brian Epstein and Mickey Most.

It is a rock and roll, roller coaster of a ride.

The fab female four break the fourth wall on Mark Walters' set featuring a huge guitar, monitors, tv cameras, amps and touring luggage.

The dialogue is witty and punchy and the highs and lows are presented in a well paced production.

This is a love story. The girls loved each other and loved what they did. They were living their dreams.

When the magic went they happily left a Liverpool-born legacy.

And so to the band who are played by an outstanding quartet of actresses:
Molly-Grace Cutler (Val) ; Alice McKenna (Mary); Sarah Workman (Sylvia) and Lisa Wright (Pam).

Five years ago I gave this show five stars. Nothing has changed.
Actually, it has . . .  it's even better this time around.

Liverbirds Soar Again.
5 Stars
Until October 26.
0151 709 4321