THE heat of Havana came to Clacton’s West Cliff Theatre as Clacton Musical Theatre Society gave a dazzling rendition of Barry Manilow’s Copacabana.

Based on the hit 70's song, the musical follows Lola Lamar as she moves to New York in search of fame as a showgirl at the famous Copacabana nightclub.

But her dreams of stardom become fraught with danger after she catches the eye Rico Castelli, the dastardly owner of Havana’s Tropicana.

Leading lady Rachael Welham gave a wonderful vocal performance as Lola, as did lead man Peter Norfolk, who played Lola’s love interest Tony Forte.

Drew Welham, who was returning to the West Cliff stage following his award-winning debut performance as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, was brilliant as the reprehensible Rico.

Ashlea Moore was excellent as Copacabana waitress Gladys Murphy, providing a marvellous comic performance and outstanding vocals.

Sam McCarthy also provided some well-timed comic relief as club owner Sam Silver.

But it was Katie Barnett as jilted Copa girl Conchita Alvarez who stole the show with her convincing performance as a Latin American showgirl and superb voice.

The musical was technically seamless thanks to the apt direction of Lucy Weaver and musical direction of Franky Garland.

Choreographer Jennifer Richardson and principal dancers Nicola Heap, Jennifer Richardson and Sarah Thetford also deserve a special mention for their efforts after Kirstie Heathcote was forced to pull out after suffering an injury on the second night.

● Clacton Musical Theatre Society is soon set to hold audition for its next show, All Shook Up, featuring the music of Elvis Presley.

For more details visit the group’s Facebook page.