An award-winning show which always proves popular with audiences is on in Dartford but only until Saturday.

The rock n' roll extravaganza, Return to the Forbidden Planet, is at the Orchard Theatre until February 9.

In this new production of the show, famously based on Shakespeare's The Tempest, Captain Tempest and his lunar crew invite audiences to jump on board and join them for a moonwalking monster of a musical.

Phil Reed plays the big comedy role of Cookie, the ship's cook. He said since the show left the West End it has been playing to very good audiences "even against Manchester United playing at home!"

Reed believes the play is popular because it works on so many levels. It has got a good story, it is funny and it has a great feel-good factor. If you are into 1950s' sci-fi movies or Star Trek there are sci-fi spoofs galore.

He added: "People love picking up on all the Shakespearian misquotes. And if you like rock n' roll music and it seems everybody does you'll get that too. Even the very, very young are up and bopping."

The show is full of the rock n' roll classic hits from the 50s and 60s played live. Many of the great sing-along favourites are there including Great Balls of Fire, Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood, Good Vibrations, All Shook Up, She's Not There, Teenager in Love, Only The Lonely and Monster Mash.

Reed, who is 27, spent years singing and playing in bands before settling down to acting. He has played Cookie in three productions that's about 200 performances but he said it feels fresh each time he goes onto the stage: "Audiences react differently depending on where you are and the kind of people they pick up on different stuff. It's like watching the show yourself through different eyes sometimes."

Cookie is the funny, sexy guy who leads the fight back against the baddies. He plays a most amazing electric guitar solo which usually steals the show. Has any of this gone to Reed's head?

"It's flattering but it's more to do with the role than it has to do with the actor, it really is. Cookie is the one with the sympathy vote and I think that has a lot to do with it, particularly with younger teenage girls."

Return to the Forbidden Planet won the 1990 Olivier Award for Best Musical, heading off competition from Miss Saigon. It has played all around the world and has always packed the house at The Orchard. Prepare for an excellent night of entertainment.

- To Feb 9, Return to the Forbidden Planet, Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, Wed & Thur 7.45pm, Fri & Sat 5pm & 8.30pm, £8-£22, 01322 220000.