This is another homegrown hit from Guild Hall Productions, the theatre company formed by the venue's general manager Chris Haylett to foster amateur talent, supported by professional expertise.

In its staging, styling, musical production, costumes and sheer infectious energy it comes tantalisingly close to the standards set by touring shows. The Guild Hall as a producing theatre could put the city and its creative ability on the national map - now there's a thought!

In particular the wealth of talent on display from Preston College confirms there's already a Fame Academy on the doorstep.

Disco Inferno would be a big show in anybody's hands. With two-dozen song and dance numbers, and nearly as many members in the cast, it makes demands on all concerned.

The technical set-up alone shows a lot of behind-the-scenes ability, while the costumes - produced in-house under the supervision of Kerry-Ann Haylett - could ship straight to the West End.

It all adds up to a first-class spectacle, wrapped around a faintly-Faustian plot whereby a singer sells his soul for celebrity.

The 1970s disco setting is faithfully created - even if several of its denizens seem a little more camp than memory serves!

Ben Deaville maintains a strong presence in the central role, with Corinne Lori an equally-assured love interest. Mathew Robinson and Chesley Sale ensure there's nothing secondary about their characters.

But a lot of reputations are being forged in the heat of this Disco Inferno.

Even Gloria Gaynor herself (at the Guild Hall tomorrow night) would be delighted at the reception that Corinne Lori earned for the soul diva's feminist anthem I Will Survive!

The six dancers (a seventh 'jumped ship' when a coveted cruise offer came up!) perform wonders.

Disco Inferno runs until Saturday, May 31 - and is very definitely one for which Preston can be Proud.

David Upton