REVIEW: Doo be doo doo doo be dooby dooby doo doo ... one of the most instantly recognisable song intros ever from the iconic Hollywood musical Singin’ In The Rain .

As the first note strikes up in the cracking stage version at Alhambra Theatre many in the packed audience were humming along, anticipating the Gene Kelly moment.

They were not disappointed.

This show is one which those lucky enough to see it will long and fondly remember. No big star names. They are not needed in this thoroughly outstanding company.

Yes, the main characters grab most of the attention, but the whole ensemble impresses from curtain up to finale.

Singin’ in the Rain, with songs from the original 1952 movie by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed, races along with admirable pace..

In the Gene Kelly role of silent movie idol Don Lockwood is Sam Lips. He has the looks, grace, voice and talent to be a comprehensively convincing Hollywood star.

His big moment, splashing around an impressively drenched street set while singing the title number was sublime. The great Mr Kelly would be proud and so can Sam.

Ross McLaren as his sidekick Cosmo Brown is simply outstanding. Those of you who watch daytime TV may recognise his as Luca McIntyre from The Doctors series. Here he is transformed into the super energetic, wisecracking best friend. A terrific performance.

Singin’ In The Rain was inspired by the coming of the talking picture in 1928 with the release The Jazz Singer starring the great Al Jolson.. All film studios clamoured to follow and this is the tale of how this revolution affected the fictional Monumental Studios.

Every piece of progress brings victims. In this case it’s Lina Lamont, the gorgeous on-screen partner of `our hero Lockwood. Sound does for her with her squeaky voice and Bronx accent. Jenny Gayner’s portrayal of this comic but essentially sad figure is a marvel.

Charlotte Gooch is delightful as Kathy Seldon, whose looks and sweet voice mark her out as a future star of the talkies alongside Lockwood.

Lovely cameo performances from Sandra Dickinson as breathless radio reporter Dora Bailey, Michael Matus as exasperated film director Roscoe Dexter and Dale Rapley as pompous studio boss RF Simpson, are also pleasing .

The whole company is just great, interpreting Andrew Wright’s smooth choreography with panache and vigour.

The songs are terrific, including Fit As A Fiddle; Make ‘Em Laugh; Good Morning, You Were Made For Me and, of course, Singin’ In The Rain.

Wow! Just a joy,

On until Saturday.