IN AN era when flawed heroes seem to be the thing, is it possible to write a successful show about a good man?

If the standing ovation at the Empire last night is anything to go by, it most certainly is.

The musical about singer/songwriter Neil Sedaka revealed its subject as a nice man who wrote nice songs. Well, to be honest, great songs.

Co-directed with Keith Strachan by producer Bill Kenwright, Laughter In the Rain concentrated on Sedaka’s career, his music and his determination to perform (he also wrote hits for others).

The only dark cloud was his mother’s lover, Seymour, who managed to squander much of Sedaka’s early earnings. Sedaka himself remains so pleasant that the only criticism aimed at him is that he smiled too much.

Using a wrap-around screen which pictured scenes and portraits from his life, Sedaka was beautifully played and sung by West Country performer Wayne Smith.

A bright on-stage six-piece band backed him, together with numerous doo-wap singers who also played the various characters in his life. Most of the hits were on show, including Oh Carol, Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen and the title song plus, of course, Amarillo.

Musically this was melodic stuff with interesting lyrics, perhaps not the music of today but still resonant.

The show moves along at a fast lick, using the minimum of dialogue, but enough to illuminate not only Sedaka’s music but the changing moods of 20th-century pop.

Here are the great performers plus the business of making records. But the cheers remain for Sedaka as portrayed by Wayne Smith, a good man in a tough business.

Philip Key