IT has been dead and buried for nearly 30 years, but last night the Apollo theatre rose to entertain Glasgow once again.

IT has been dead and buried for nearly 30 years, but last night the Apollo theatre rose to entertain Glasgow once again.

I Was There, a fast-moving rock musical, recreated the magic that for 12 years made the place a magnet for fans and musicians.

Tommy McGrory's production opens with a bunch of inquisitive kids stumbling across the Apollo stage.

They're watched over by Dave Anderson and Lesley Roberston, whose charac-ters both had first-hand experience of the venue, and who reminisce about the bands they saw there.

Suddenly, the Loud n' Proud Rock Orchestra power into Bowie's Suffragette City, and we're off.

Against screen shots of old ticket stubs, gig foot-age and interviews with those involved with the venue, the musical charts the Apollo's rise and fall, from its peak in the mid-70s to its bingo-threatened demise, slow recovery and eventual death.

It reminds you that though bouncers were feared and respected, they weren't above a scam like reselling confiscated tickets.

But the real stars of the musical are the talented teenage musicians who perform classics such as Jumpin' Jack Flash, Sweet Home Alabama, and Let's Stick Together.

The lead singers may be young but have real stage presence and know how to get the audience going.

Then there's Status Quo songs for an encore.

• I Was There at the Clyde Auditorium tonight and tomorrow. For tickets, £19.50, call 0844 395 4000.