It's a film that has gone down as one of the all-time greats, but how does the stage musical adaptation of Billy Wilder's 'Sunset Boulevard' shape up? As it happens – at least with the Dublin production that opened last night at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre – fans of the 1950 film should leave their reservations at the door.

First staged in 1991, the Andrew Lloyd Webber-scored production strikes the correct balance of showbiz glitz and melancholia as we meet struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis, played in this Curve Production adaptation by Danny Mac. The British actor is best known for his role in Hollyoaks and as a finalist on last year's Strictly Come Dancing, but he was clearly made for the stage; from his acting to his dancing and even his finely-attuned American accent, it looks like the Londoner may have a long and successful musical career ahead of him, if he wants it.

By a twist of fate, he crosses paths with Norma Desmond, a forgotten star of the silent film era with aspirations for a big comeback – and designs on Gillis as both a creative and romantic collaborator. It's difficult to imagine anyone other than Gloria Swanson inhabiting the role of Desmond so completely, but Ria Jones (the understudy of Glenn Close who stepped into her shoes during the London run last year to huge plaudits) is truly superb. Combining her haughty sense of self-belief with an obvious insecurity, her rendition of 'With One Look' brought the house down and her performance earned a well-deserved standing ovation.

The simple but effective staging is similarly impressive – particularly the grand staircase in Desmond's decrepit mansion - as are the set pieces involving the cast, particularly on exhilarating opener 'Let's Have Lunch', which wonderfully sets the scene of the breakneck world of movies that Gillis is trying to break into, and on the whimsical 'The Lady's Paying'.

A special mention must go to Adam Pearce, who plays Desmond's faithful butler Max; as with his character, his role may be understated but his gorgeous baritone elicits goosebump after goosebump throughout the show.

All in all, if you like your musical theatre with dashes of drama, a brilliant score and some top-notch acting, Sunset Boulevard is simply a great night out.