THE audience at Rhyl's Pavilion Theatre were treated to a moving and fitting tribute to one of the country's best loved entertainers on Tuesday evening.

It has been just over three years since the death of Priscilla Maria Veronica White, better known as Cilla Black whose career spanned decades.

Cilla The Musical charts the story of the Liverpudlian legend's rise to chart success and fame from her role as friend of the band and regular on the Merseybeat music scene following an introduction by Beatle legend John Lennon to music mogul Brian Epstein, to her first tentative steps into the world of television and becoming queen of the screen.

Kara Lily Hayworth is spellbinding in the title role of this Bill Kenwright and Bob Tomson directed show mixing drama, comedy, romance and a fantastic soundtrack.

She captures the passion, warmth and down to earth personality of Cilla perfectly.

Her portrayal struck a chord with audiences from start and deservedly secured her a standing ovation from the Pavilion crowd at the close of the show.

Kara fought off thousands of hopefuls during weeks of open auditions with show producer ad Cilla's son Robert Willis saying: "I knew she was the one my mum would have wanted."

And Kara's voice.

The hairs on the back of my neck stood up throughout her entire electrifying version of Anyone Who Had A Heart.

The audience were left breathless by her rendition before the interval, realising they had just witnessed something special.

The second half raised the bar to another level with Kara's emotionally charged versions of Alfie and Don't Answer Me leaving many people teary eyed.

Don't Answer Me serves as Cilla's plea to her soul mate and eventual husband Bobby to give their blossoming relationship another try.

Alexander Patmore is brilliant as Bobby, bringing warmth and whit to his portrayal of the man who sacrificed his dreams of stardom for love.

Andrew Lancel as star maker Epstein, credited with forging Cilla's early career, proved a revelation.

Familiar for his hard-nosed television portrayals in the likes of Marcella and Coronation Street, Lancel demonstrated his versatility and class in the role as the uptight impresario whose gay lifestyle was met with prejudice and a lack of acceptance during the period.

His rendition of the Beatle's hit You've Got To Hide Your Love Away in particular was heart-wrenching.

Other stars in the stunning cast that shone included Neil Macdonald as Cilla’s down to earth dad, whose warm and funny performance captured the hearts of people as he watched his little girl become an overnight sensation.

Jayne Ashley as mum Big Cilla, worried at the prospect of her daughter quitting her job for stardom, and Timothy Lucas, as Bobby's brother Kenny, were also great.

The soundtrack, courtesy of musical director Scott Alder and the cast along with Cilla’s greatest hits features Twist and Shout by the Beatles, California Dreamin’ by The Mamas and The Papas’ plus hits from Gerry and the Pacemakers, Martha Reeves and the Righteous Brothers.

The music was accompanied by terrific lighting and set design transporting you from the terraced streets of Liverpool’s Scottie Road, to a Californian television studio by way of iconic recording studios Abbey Road and the claustrophobic cultural epicentre of the 60s music scene, the Cavern Club.

Cilla The Musical is at The Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl, until this Saturday August 25.

For tickets telephone the Box Office on 01745 330000 or visit www.rhylpavilion.co.uk.