Sometimes, theatre can evoke its magic through the power of words, the simplest props and its ability to trap the audience in an imagined world.

But this isn't the way of blockbuster musicals, where the magic usually resides in the wonders of stage technology and the audience expects to be impressed by a more literal assault on their senses.

The best way to mount a major touring production of Singin' In The rain is with as many cinematic split-screen devices, dauntingly powerful water jets, slick scene changes and high energy, multi-coloured dance numbers as possible.

Throw in plastic macs for those in the first few rows and you've got built-in audience participation.

The West Yorkshire Playhouse team fully deserves the deluge of approval this production has earned them.

It is exciting, funny, tender, wonderfully danced and (for the most part) well sung. The stage tricks are impressive without becoming over-gimmicky. For once, the single-word critical clich fully applies: Captivating.

Even after more recent multi-million dollar spectaculars, it's hard to argue with those who regard the 1952 MGM film as the greatest of Hollywood musicals.

The chemistry between Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds played its part but it will always be the seeming spontaneity of those dance scenes that remain in the memory.

In transferring to the stage, something of that made-up-on-the-spot feel is inevitably lost.

You know just how much work has gone into such well-rehearsed solo and ensemble numbers.

It would be totally unfair to whoever follows in the Gene Kelly role to make comparisons with the master. It's quite enough to say that Darren Bennett has plenty of the That's Entertainment skills mined from a similar source.

He is obviously having so much fun, the audience cannot fail to share it with him.

Jacqui Rae is a hoot (in more ways than one) from start to finish as the silent screen goddess who is big on looks but whose brusque "Noo Yawk" accent hinders her ability to speak and sing in anything resembling a demure voice.

Cheryl McAvoy as Kathy rather throws away some of the exquisite corniness of You Are My Lucky Star first time around but settles into a more focused delivery as the show goes on.

There are great songs here: Make 'Em Laugh is a triumph for Richard Brightiff's Cosmo, You Were Meant For Me rekindles the hope that there's always somebody for everyone and Singin' In the Rain is - like the entire evening - one of those ever-so-welcome summer downpours that clears the air, leaving us all feeling lighter and refreshed.

For tickets, call 01323 412000.

Preview by David Wilkins, features@theargus.co.uk