For people of a certain generation the Solid Gold Hits records are the soundtrack of their youth.

Released regularly from 1972 to 1982, these vinyl pop playlists were staples during mum and dad’s parties in the garage.

The stereogram blasted out catchy tunes in glorious lo-fi scratchy vinyl.

Inside, a teenage Rachel Hunter spruiked Trumpet ice creams on the telly, while the grandies dunked Griffin’s Ginger Nuts in their tea and the kids went crazy on litres of sugary Raro.

Kiwiana kitsch was shamelessly embraced. Dad jokes weren’t even a thing yet but we all knew what they were.

People wore strange clothes, had big hair and seemed pretty chill for the most part.

These were fun times.

Invercargill Musical Theatre’s Christmas season theatre restaurant is a show that celebrates all of that good stuff.

What’s not to like? It’s all done in the best possible taste. (IYKYK).

From start to finish there are songs that compel the audience to tap their feet, bang the table, dance in their chairs and sing lustily in the choruses.

They’re performed by a very good ensemble of singers and supported by four well-drilled dancers.

Fronted by Darren Ludlow and Craig Waddell, Darren and Wal from Southland’s much-loved Foveaux Radio, this musical bottle of fizzy appeals with its blaze of colour and movement, its daddish humour and obligatory interludes of audience participation.

It really is a cracker show, riotously entertaining during the entire two hours of performances.

The song list is irresistible, and the singers give it the kitchen sink.

From the hard-rocking first song, Promises’ Baby It’s You, with Michelle Reynolds singing the powerhouse lead vocal, to the epic ensemble finale, Meatloaf’s Paradise By the Dashboard Light, there’s so much going on you can’t help but be swept along for the ride.

The show is punctuated by big ensemble pieces, where the cast’s voices merge in powerful harmony.

We’re treated to mashups of Boney M, the Pointer Sisters, TV themes, assorted disco hits and the Village People, where we witness an abundance of joyous male bonding.

As always, IMT continues to nurture a new generation of young singers who will grace southern stages for as long as they care to.

There are a bunch of them in this show, led by luminous young talents such as Ava Thornley, who despite her age has been performing at an elite level for quite some time.

Deacon Kynan-Wilde, Devon Te Au, Levi Te Amo, Siolo Kuresa, Leeana Thompson and Mace Braddock all contribute mightily to the production.

Among the new faces, Faith Dick impresses with her rich, sultry tone on Kim Wilde’s Kids In America.

The polished and professional Michael Kuresa is a welcome addition to the cast, adding star power and some funky moves to the show.

Madison Brown’s strong and true lead vocals shine on Sheena Easton’s Morning Train (9 to 5) and the veteran Gerry McSoriley’s performance as Lofty in Whispering Grass will be a sentimental crowd favourite.

Seasoned performers Tracey Maclennan, Alister Gray and Paul Downs own their moments, with Gray certain to incite an outbreak of audience participation with his acoustic version of It’s Hard To Be Humble.

Among the many timeless hits there are also a couple of alternative early 80s oddities that seize the moment and bring another layer of flavour, namely Mace Braddock’s Safety Dance and Stephen James’ ice-cool Pop Muzik, a personal favourite of mine which he nails 100 percent.

Hats off to the energetic dancers – Georgie Sunshine, Kayla Barker, Samantha Schol and Keeley Anderson-Kereti – and to choreographer Gina Stevens who engineered their fluid movement.

There’s a lot going on in this production.

The big clear sound, courtesy of Sono Sound’s Chris Herman, and the tightly focused lighting, operated by Jade Johnson, which adds sparkle and glitter to the spectacle, help elevate Solid Gold to memorable heights.

I think it’s one of the best shows of its kind IMT have put on. I came out with a sore throat from singing, and it was only the dress rehearsal.

Total banger. Ridiculously great fun. Let your hair down and prepare to be thoroughly entertained.

REVIEW: Invercargill Musical Theatre's SOLID GOLD theatre restaurant

• Directed by Jan Brown and Craig Waddell
• Musical director: Jolene Kynan-Wilde
• Choreography: Gina Stevens
• Ascot Park Hotel 13-22 November
• CLICK HERE for tickets