WITH more inches of rain than hours of sunshine in the UK per year, the first reaction for most Brits is to scowl and run for cover when the heavens open.

But for those ever-optimistic Yanks, there's no better excuse to belt out a show tune or two than a ruddy great down pour.

Starring the legendary Gene Kelly, MGM's classic film Singin' In The Rain is based on this very premise and has achieved iconic status as one of the greatest Hollywood musicals ever made.

Adapting it for the stage is a daunting task which requires the ability to transfer the film's ballsy, brash and bold songs, perfectly at home on the big screen, to the more intimate setting of a theatre.

Catford's Broadway Studio Theatre's production may not always be successful in achieving this, but it's definitely fun watching the exuberant cast try.

Set in the late 1920s, the story follows the struggles of a major Hollywood studio's struggle to make the transition from silent movies to so-called talkies.

The latest film is all ready to be given an overhaul but there's just one problem – leading lady Lina Lamont has a voice like nails on a blackboard.

Fortunately stars Don Lockwood (Shimi Goodman) and Cosmo Brown (Stephen McGlynn) have a plan. Use the lovely Kathy Seldon's voice over Lina's and save the film from box office catastrophe. Or at least, that's the plan.

Goodman is suitably suave and charming as Don, comfortably slipping into Gene Kelly's dancing shoes with a twinkle in his eye, while McGlynn is a delight as his goofy side-kick.

However, Betsy Pennington's performance as the dim-witted, tone deaf Lina steals the show, bagging the biggest laughs and shattering mirrors across the capital with her ear-perforating squealing.

Jemma Alexander also impresses with her dulcet tones.

But despite the strong cast, much of the action and dance routines felt cramped and trapped within the tiny space of the intimate theatre.

When Cosmo's dream of a big Broadway number comes to life on stage, instead of being wowed by the spectacle, I was left frustrated and eager to take a sledgehammer to the walls to give the actors room to spread their wings and fly a little.

It was an ambitious show, which seemed a little overwhelmed by the task of bringing the bloated film to life on stage.

Nevertheless, the cast's energy, combined with more feel-good songs than you can shake your umbrella at, including the timeless classic title track Singin' In The Rain, you'll be smiling all the way home, whatever the weather.

Singin' In The Rain. The Broadway Studio Theatre, Catford. Until May 23. £13.50 to £8. 020 8690 0002.