You would almost certainly have to be comatose, quite possibly actually dead, not to enjoy this stage version of the old MGM movie classic. Even if you've never seen the entire film, you will know the sequence from which it takes its title. On stage it is even more exhilarating. This is an evening that makes you long to rush out and jump in puddles. It has an utterly joyous quality: both innocent and knowing.
I can already hear you murmuring that this kind of thing is best left to your mum. I thought so too, but Jude Kelly's gorgeous production so cleverly mixes the old and the new and treats the material with such a combination of wit and reverence that it is impossible not to succumb to its boisterous charm.
The staging is canny, poised somewhere between the bygone era of the romantic comedy musical and modern multi-media techniques. In changing an image on one of the three large screens, 50 years can be spanned in a twinkling. The story constantly snakes back upon itself - emerging as a 50s musical comedy about the birth of the talkies in 20s Hollywood, but also appearing very sharp, ironic and contemporary. The screen and live action comment upon each other but are so seamlessly entwined that they can also be used to maximum comic effect.
But the real test is whether the ghost of Gene Kelly will hover accusingly over the proceedings. If he does, it is as a benign presence over Paul Robinson's silent movie-star Don Lockwood who realises that the advent of the talkies spells the end of his screen partnership with the glamorous Lina Lamont, a woman whose voice would make a foghorn sound melodious.
When his studio refuses to take the threat of talking pictures seriously, it is Don who saves the day as well as getting the girl - the sweet-faced, sweet-voiced Kathy who is brought in to dub the appalling Lina's appalling voice
Courtesy of Stephen Mear's exciting, athletic choreography and his own charisma, Robinson matches Kelly, bringing to the role just the right degree of arrogance and natural charm. And my, do those toes twinkle in what is a really exciting and, at times, courageous performance - you try dancing on a water-slicked stage without ending up on your butt.
There are no weak links in this cast. Zoe Hart as Kathy has a voice that is true as a bell, Don's best friend is played by Mark Channon with cheek and an ability to leap over step ladders, and as Lina, Rebecca Thornhill is grossly funny.
If there turns out to be a better theatrical treat to be had this Christmas, I'll eat my tap shoes.
Until February 5. Box office: 0113-213 7700
