CHESTER Storyhouse’s staging of the Gangs of New York as part of its season of outdoor theatre in Grosvenor Park should prove to be a masterclass in entertainment.

The show brings together multiple fantastic performances of acting, music and production in an immersive setting that keeps both sides of the ‘stage’ on their toes for what could happen.

Showing until Tuesday, August 19, it is frankly brilliant, offering genuine laughs with excellent comic timing, songs that continue in your ears long after the musicians stop playing, helping to maintain the atmosphere, as well as action scenes that will leave you wanting more.

The show follows the story of John Morrisey, played by Irish actor Oisin Thompson, and ‘Hellcat’ Maggie – show stealer Hanora Kamen – who are both fresh off the boat in New York from Ireland.

There, they are met by two members of the Bowery Boys who take a shine to Maggie and she ‘shows her claws’ by scratching one’s eye and they run off back to their boss, Bill the Butcher, played by James Sheldon.

The Irish pair are immediately adopted by Sadie, played by Natasha Bain, who offers to turn John into a prize fighter, trained by Maggie, with promise of rewards.

But in return some ‘free labour’ is required, including relieving a boat of its contents where John meets Suzie – Yolanda Ovide – the boat captain’s daughter who is being groomed for High Society.

From there begins a tale of love, violence, greed and betrayal…

Those expecting a carbon copy of Martin Scorsese’s 2002 epic starring Leonardo Di Caprio and Daniel Day Lewis will be pleasantly surprised.

There is enough there to link the two; Sheldon’s William Poole aka Bill the Butcher channels enough of Day Lewis’s performance but also puts his own stamp on things.

Literally, in some ways, as in the second act Sheldon eats up the fight scenes that leave nothing to the imagination, and the play is all the better for it.

But the main and most welcome surprise is not only the acting – Kamen and Ovide especially so, owning every scene they are in, even when together – but the company are all talented musicians and singers who create a fantastic atmosphere to accompany the action.

The supporting cast is equally brilliant – Robert Maskell’s crooked mayor a particular stand-out as well as his skills on the double bass.

Despite the two halves and the running time of two hours plus, the immersive nature of the show and the action keeps you engaged.

For tickets , head to https://www.storyhouse.com/whats-on/the-gangs-of-new-york/

Just don’t sit on the front row if you don’t want to get soaked or pulled up to dance.

While these aren’t gripes, as such, be warned that it is an outdoor event and there are things to take you out of the experience, such as passing sirens, seagulls above and fellow audience members who have overdone the hospitality.

But with this and The Importance of Being Earnest, starring the same cast, be assured that every effort to make this an outstanding show has been given.

And it shows. A great night of entertainment.