'ANNIE Get Your Gun' blazed on to Broadway in 1946 in a burst of gun-slinging, sharp-shooting, show-stopping glory.

Written by Irving Berlin and featuring some of the most enduring musical numbers of all time including ‘There’s No Business Like Show Business’ and ‘Anything You Can Do’, it is a fictionalised look at the life of Annie Oakley, a spirited sharpshooter who starred in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West troupe.

Her star turn in Bill Cody’s vaudeville show sees her meeting and falling in love with expert rifle man Frank Butler but the competitive pair have very different ideas of what kind of wife Annie should be.

In this latest touring production of ‘Annie Get Your Gun’, Emma Williams takes on the title role and embraces it with gusto and verve, channelling all the charm and brass of outspoken Annie Oakley.

She may not yet be a household name but Williams is a rootin’ tootin’ sunbeam of a star, stealing the show with her energy, charisma, pitch-perfect southern drawl and flawless renditions of the show-stopping songs.

Jason Donovan plays her shoot-‘em-up sweetheart, Frank Butler, but he simply cannot match the dazzling star quality of his captivating co-star.

Less accomplished vocally and hitting the occasional duff note, Donovan nonetheless embodies the stern prowess of Wild West shooter Frank and the two stars have an easy, natural rapport.

Norman Pace is excellent as Buffalo Bill and the supporting cast bring the house down with the spectacularly choreographed ensemble numbers.

Designer Paul Farnsworth has done a splendid job of creating the vaudeville world of the Wild West Shows with icons of Americana that transport you straight to the plains of Ohio and beyond.

A live band, costumed and ever-present on stage, add to the feeling you have simply dropped in on some wild and wonderful hoedown.

And the soft and subtle lighting, expertly designed by Jason Taylor, bathes each and every scene in the gentle glow of a sunset.

A traditional, uplifting musical from the golden era of Broadway, the wit, warmth and charm of 'Annie Get Your Gun' hasn’t faded despite being almost 70 years old.

And with a star that shines as bright and bold as Emma Williams in the title role, this production ensures the show is still as blazing and brilliant as the Wild West ever was.

Rating: 5/5 A gun-slinging good time guaranteed.

Annie Get Your Gun runs at the Liverpool Empire until Saturday, August 9.

For tickets, visit www.atgtickets.com