The original 1983 Flashdance movie claimed a place in cinematic history for its jaw-dropping dance sequences.

It tells the story of a feisty young woman, a steelworker by day and exotic dancer by night, who dreams of training to become a ‘proper’ dancer.

In 2008 Flashdance became a stage musical and while both the story and some of the musical numbers have been changed, it retains the really famous numbers - What A Feeling, Gloria and Maniac, for example - and the same sense of early girl power generated by the film.

As musicals go, it’s one that demands not just a cast of great singers, but a cast of great dancers too, which makes it a brave choice for Huddersfield’s Woodhouse Musical Theatre Company’s current production at the Lawrence Batley Theatre .

The show opened on Tuesday night and it was obvious from the start that the cast had worked hard on the dance sequences, of which there are many, and the 20-plus musical numbers. They’d had a lot to learn and I can only imagine how exhausting it has been to get to grips with so much action and so many lyrics. Perhaps it’s not surprising that this musical is not often seen outside the West End and is rarely performed by amateurs.

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There’s much that’s strong about the LBT production, directed by Woodhouse long-serving member Dave Lockwood - from the extraordinarily energetic chorus of dancers and singers to the quality of the acting throughout and the beautiful voices of the leading players. Yes, there were a few weaknesses too - sound glitches here and there; the occasional dance solo that didn’t flow as it might have; and the odd pitching issue - but it would be churlish and nit-picking to criticise a company that has been prepared to take on this difficult and demanding musical.

There’s nowhere to hide in Flashdance, particularly for the person in the lead role of Flashdancer Alex, who appears in almost every scene. Zoe Cooke, just 18-years-old and a relative newcomer to Woodhouse, rose to the challenge with a maturity that belied her age. She was utterly convincing as the gutsy welder/dancer determined to live life on her own terms.

The male lead, steelworks boss Nick, is played by Craig Squance, a semi-professional singer who gave a flawless performance; while the roles of Alex’s three girlfriends - Gloria, Jazmin and Keisha - are filled, respectively, by Vicky Marley, Becky White and Angie Gerald. I felt that any of the three girls could have stepped up to the challenge of the leading role, such were their talents. The casting director must have been spoilt for choice.

While the production featured some beautiful solos, for my money it was the duets and chorus numbers that really hit the mark with some great harmonies. I particularly enjoyed the counterpoint of Alex and her mother (played by Sonia Noble) and Alex and Nick.

With live music, a plethora of catchy songs and eye-catching dance sequences, Flashdance is an entertaining and uplifting night out. Just don’t forget to wear your leg-warmers and spangly tights.

Flashdance The Musical by Woodhouse Musical Theatre Company: Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield, until March 19.