"There are no more feathers", says Bernard Etienne, who heads up the Lido de Paris press department. I get the impression that it is an announcement, which he is proud to make. Then he pauses for a short while, as if he has a confession to make. "Alright, there are a few. But we have only retained these out of respect for an old-age tradition."

Having unburdened himself thus, he then goes into full PR mode. "It’s the most dazzling and entertaining show every to be seen anywhere on stage in Europe", at which point I realise that Monsieur Etienne exaggere un petit peu. But then again he is paid to do precisely that.

The truth is, however, that the Lido de Paris will certainly give you a night out to remember. Hardly surprising when you consider that the Lido’s new programme has cost over £7 million to produce, in an entirely renovated hall in which some sixty Bluebell (a significant proportion of whom happen to be English) from 10 different countries perform in the new and exciting revue.

The story of the Paris Lido began back in the twenties when an artificial beach was build in the basement of a large town house at 78 avenue des Champs Elysees – a mini-lakeside town much in vogue with Parisians in the years between the wars. It was only in 1946 that the dinner-shows (now catered by top chef Paul Bocuse) came into vogue. The following year Laurel and Hardy topped the bill.

Of course the proof of the pudding is in the eating, as we all know – and so the thing to do is enjoy the show for yourself. But in order to give you an idea of what awaits you will see an effective combination of the latest laser technology, several dozen stage sets changing at lightening pace, state of the art lighting and pyrotechnic and aquatic special effects which really are second to none.

The show also boasts three spectacular variety acts: the four Pellegrini brothers human pyramid on a table top, the Rados (world famous jugglers) and the talented acrobat Oleg Izossimov – recently awarded the Monte Carlo prize for Cabaret.

Costumes for the show have become more contemporary in style – although elegance and sophistication remain the watchwords. Every evening a team of some 15 dressers helps the dancers with up to thirty costume changes per show.

As for the redecoration of the hall, it seems that no expense was spared. Over 3,000 square metres of velvet were specially woven in Lyon and 1,800 square meters of wool carpeting were produced in Ireland for the occasion. Thousands of pearls and crystal glass, cut in Austria, were needed to produce the 27 lamps and three candelabras putting the finishing touches on the decoration of the hall, considered to be among the most luxurious in the world.

I particularly enjoyed the fourth section of the show, paying homage to the Monde Magique du Spectacle, from Broadway to Gershwin via Duke Ellington. Here skaters dance on real ice, a grand staircase appears as if from nowhere before your eyes, there are gigantic projected images – its magic – as the name of the show suggests.

Information:

The LIDO is open every day of the year, including all Bank Holidays and Christmas Day.

• Bookings: + 33 1 40 76 56 10
• Price of show (without dinner) – 560 francs
• Price of show (with dinner) – Soiree ‘Panache’ – with half bottle of champagne 815 francs

Soiree ‘Prestige’ – with half bottle of prestige champagne 1015 francs.

Duration of revue: 1 hr 40 minutes

Parking: Champs Elysees or George V

Metro: George V