THIS was a terrific debut performance by a new production company to Bolton, showcasing the talents of amateur, semi-professional and professional entertainers.

The group, drawn from performers throughout the North-west, including Bolton, already has plans for further shows in the town and on last night's performance of Singin' In The Rain, the forecast is decidedly sunny!

This is not the easiest of musicals to produce on stage, but this group excelled, seamlessly moving from one big number through to another.

A screen on the back of the set provided a backdrop for most of the action, and blended well into the production. But the scenery which stole the show had to be the street scene in which the rain poured down.

The musical numbers were particularly strong throughout.

Andy Vitolo doubled as artistic director and leading man, Don Lockwood and gave an excellent all-round display. He was joined by a particularly excellent Kevin Rawcliffe as Cosmo Brown -- and it was his number, Make 'Em Laugh, which for me stole the show.

Leading ladies Rachel Gain and Gemma Ratcliffe (whose whining voice as the annoying Lena Lamont remained with me this morning!) were also very good.

The costumes were outstanding as was the choreography. And the finale complete with yellow macs, umbrellas and of course -- rain -- was well worth waiting for.

Beverly Greenberg