The anticipated West End transfer for Close To You: Bacharach Reimagined took place on Thursday evening, with guests including Sir Tom Jones, Sir Patrick Stewart, Pete Waterman and Darcey Bussell.

Performed by a multi talented cast that is led by musician and performer Kyle Riabko, the musical features new adaptations of some of Bacharach’s best known and loved songs. The show was well received by audiences on the night – but what did theatre critics make of it?

London Theatre.co.uk: Mark Shenton awarded the show four stars and described it as: “a celebration of one of pop’s giants that pierces the heart in the bittersweet melancholia of many of the songs, and then simply lifts the spirits with utter joy.”

The Telegraph: Claire Allfree also awarded the production four stars, commented on the music saying: ” through some highly imaginative, tender new arrangements, stripped them right back to reveal the narrative of bruising melancholy at their core.”

Broadway World: Tom Cox summed up the show by describing it as a production that has: “Passion, heart and unassuming fun are all infectious at the Criterion.”

Evening Standard: Fiona Mountford was less impressed, awarding the show two stars and saying: ” number after number was rearranged for no identifiable benefit”.

British Theatre.com: Doug Mayo was impressed with the show, giving it five stars: ” Riabko’s personal take on so many classic songs is breath-taking and awe-inspiring.”

Love London Love Culture.com ” a production that is slick, smooth and heartwarming that genuinely makes you smile throughout”.

Time Out: Andrzej Lukowski gave the the show two stars feeling that: ” this is just dull, worshipful homage, no imagination to it.”

Close to You is currently booking until the 10th January 2016. to buy tickets visit: Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk , Discount Theatre.com , Last Minute.com and Love Theatre.com.