The central idea behind Barockestra is nothing new: re-interpreting and arranging classical music into more modern genres, in this case rock. Walter Murphy did it back in the 1970s with disco music - most famously A Fifth of Beethoven, which was used in the film Saturday Night Fever. I always approach such things with care, since it's all too easy to convince yourself that simply playing some music in a radically different genre is ingenious. But as soon as lead guitarist, vocalist and general mastermind of Barockestra, Steve Grant, launches into his guitar solo arrangement of Flight of the Bumblebee, I realised there was nothing to fear. Firstly, Grant is an astonishingly talented electric guitarist. His finger work is jaw-dropping - not surprising though, given he has had a genuinely notable career in rock music. Grant was ably supported by the remainder of his band and a delightful wardrobe. The baroque-themed period costumes, complete with white tights, were a nice humorous touch, although there was no denying what sort of musical genre these guys were from when Grant reappeared in the second half with black leather trousers. But what really shone through was the time and care spent on their songs and arrangements. Of particular note was the mash-up of many of Mozart's most well known tunes: brilliantly crafted, the riffs blended seamlessly into a single memorable medley. I also enjoyed the segues from classical pieces to famous rock songs loosely based on the piece, for example Air on a G String to A Whiter Shade of Pale. And of course, Barockestra don't fail to notice the chord progressions in Pachebel's Canon in D appear all over the place in rock music - though there was a slight palm-to-face moment when they incorrectly identified Pachebel's first name as Joseph not Johann. My only musical moan is that some of the arias they chose to arrange were outside the comfortable range for their singers: the top notes of the Queen of the Night's aria and Nessun Dorma both proved a struggle to sing. That, however, didn't stop me from personally loving what Barockestra have created here. But, I know this show won't appeal to everyone. It's definitely on the rockier end of the rockclassical spectrum and, to state the obvious, it's not for anyone with an aversion to loud rock music; I did notice a few members of the audience looking a little startled as the band entered full blast. Conversely, the show is not a straight-up rock gig, and won't hold the interest of rock fans with little interest in classical music throughout. Although I see an argument to include a history of classical music and a Handel aria sung in the original style, they break the rhythm of the show and subdue the atmosphere. I'm also not wholly convinced by all the ballet dancing, as funny as it was watching four ballerinas gracefully gliding around on stage as a rock band shreds Swan Lake around them. It was telling that despite adapting melodies from very well known classical pieces, the audience didn't begin interacting - cheering, clapping or singing along - until the band began riffing Smoke on the Water. Maybe classical music fans are too reserved. But if you're like me and sing both Don't Stop Me Now and Ode to Joy (in the original German) in the shower, then I'm sure you will love Barockestra too; there's just something uniquely cool and hilarious about rocking out to Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.

Barockestra promised an extravaganza on their adverts and, boy, do they deliver! As soon as you hear their opening song, a pulsating cover of Wagner's 'Ride of the Valkyries', you know you're in for a night of electric entertainment. Comprised of a five-piece band who aim to provide inspired rock versions of popular classics (aided by two tremendous opera singers, cheeky ballet dancers and Microsoft PowerPoint), Barockestra truly know how to entertain. Although there were a couple of technical hitches, there was no faulting the amazing, foot-tapping music. Admittedly, it might not be to everybody's taste, but it is a magnificent way to end your evening. This musical extravaganza truly is a memorable feast for the senses.

When it's going at things full-tilt (which is most of the time), Barockestra is a gloriously over-the-top head-on collision between classical and rock music. Whether his fingers are buzzing over the frets during Flight of the Bumble Bee or crashing out the crescendo chords to the 1812 Overture, Barockestra creator and frontman Steve Grant knows how to put on a show. A five-piece rock band take us on a historical journey through classical music, from the earliest days of Gregorian chant right up to more recent times with a joyful canter through the Can Can. As the music calls for it, the band are joined onstage by ballet dancers and opera singers (including the long-haired larynx-busting presence of German singer Tom Croel, who dominates the stage whenever he appears). A video screen at the back teaches us some facts (and humourous fiction) about the composers whose work is barocked up, and the whole company are resplendent in period costume and flamboyant finery. Edinburgh is Barockestra’s debut, and a couple of tech glitches are therefore forgivable, especially considering the complexity of the production. Some self-penned numbers feature, based on refrains from the classical canon, but Barockestra shines brightest when the whole ensemble cast are blasting their way through a Mozart, Elgar or Tchaikovsky with bombastic irreverence and grins on their faces. The audience love it: the show has the same camp energy and entertaining exuberance as productions like We Will Rock You or the Rocky Horror Show. Added to that, the skills of the musicians, dancers and singers in Barockestra are impressive and perfectly-suited to this whistle-stop tour through the classics, which you would have to be as deaf (and as dead) as Beethoven not to enjoy.

Enthusiastic rock take on well-known classical pieces. Rock interpretations of well-known classical pieces from Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky and the like featuring a full rock band, opera singer and ballerinas to give a foot-tapping tour of the greats. Overlaid with a cheesy humour that you could only expect from ‘baroque’n’roll’ front man Steve Grant’s enthusiasm is catching, and while the show certainly caters for a select taste there is no doubting the talent of the musicians involved.

Barockestra: Rocking the Classics is not the type of show you'll see very often. The world's most popular classic music combined with a live rock band, ballet dancers, an opera singer and a vocalist who's popular in Germany (not The Hoff). The concept of the show is imaginative. By adding a rock twist to classical music it makes the music much more appealing to an audience who may have previously considered the classics to be too stuffy or inaccessible for them to try, but also allows classical music fans the chance to experience a fresh take on songs they've heard many times before. The show starts off very strong. After a brief introduction the show, front man Steve Grant begins a presentation that tracks classical music from its roots, with the use of some amusing Powerpoint slides and his trusty band behind him to illustrate the styles mentioned. The humour running through the show also further proves the point that classical music doesn't have to be serious and formal, and really draws you in to the style of the show. The band, dancers and vocalists are all very talented and are clearly confident performers. The show's main weakness is that after the initial history of classical music section trails off, the show loses its way a little and feels a bit unstructured. It's the type of flaw which would be easily fixed if the same entertaining, structured approach was carried on all through the show, but as it stands the second half feels like it lacks a little purpose. But that said, overall it was still very entertaining and many audience members were on their feet by the end, proving that sometimes all people need is a group of great performers in order to have a good night.