MOVIE magic takes to the stage in a hugely entertaining production of Singin’ In The Rain by Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society at the Swan Theatre this week.

Based on the 1952 hit, it’s a chance for a talented cast to run through a whole string of great songs and some excellent tap and big scale dance routines.

Dashing Matt Sudworth brings leading man quality to the role of silent movie star Don Lockwood, whose fame is unfortunately coupled with co-star Lina Lamont, an hilarious turn by Meghan Hill.

Their problem is that this is 1927 and talking pictures are about to take over – an issue for Lina, whose raucous screeching voice would drive anyone out of the cinema.

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Enter aspiring actress Kathy Selden, played by the excellent Faith Newrick. It’s love at first sight for Don and what’s more, she can sing, as she demonstrates on You Are My Lucky Star.

Don’s long-time pal Cosmo (Elliot Kainey, who gives an outstanding performance of Make ‘Em Laugh) cooks up a plan to save the latest movie and the studio’s future - but Lina doesn’t like it and is out to cause trouble.

Meghan Hill rightfully gets the big laughs as Lina. Her comic timing as she tries to cope with a hidden microphone is spot-on and her voice never wavers from its ear-splitting foghorn cadence, even when she sings What’s Wrong With Me?

One question beforehand was how do they make it rain on stage for the title number? There’s a special contraption but the effect was a little underwhelming – fortunately, Matt Sudworth carries off the song and dance expertly enough for it not to detract.

Fine support comes from Neil Waghorn as studio boss R.F. Simpson and Toby Edwards as director Roscoe Dexter, backed up by skilfully choreographed chorus numbers including a spectacular Broadway Melody. Other highlights are some very funny monochrome film projections featuring Lockwood and Lamont and sundry villains, cleverly shot in the style of old silent movies and cut unobtrusively into the action.

The audience leaves singing the songs - and that’s always the sign of an enjoyable show.

Paul Francis