IT IS one of the most iconic scenes in cinema history: Gene Kelly skipping and dancing down the street as the rain pours down upon him.

The scene has been recreated by thousands of people, and now it is the turn of the Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) to go Singin’ in The Rain.

Directed and choreographed by Ray Jeffery with musical director Trevor Defferd, the BATS group have been hard at work rehearsing for the show, which is part of the theatre group’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

The task of playing Don Lockwood – the Gene Kelly role – has been bestowed on to Bryn Hughes.

Being in such an iconic role Hughes said it is a daunting task, taking on the all-dancing leading man in one of the best-loved musicals of all time.

He said: “It’s the biggest role I’ve ever played, and the most challenging.

“My character, Don Lockwood, is on stage nearly all the time, and when I’m not, I’m usually in the middle of a very quick costume change.”

But the question on everyone’s lips is how the title number of the show – immortalised by Gene Kelly in the film version – be recreated for the Haymarket stage. Will it really be raining on stage? And will Hughes be getting wet?

His answer: “Yes.

“As the song goes, ‘I’m dancin’ and singin’ in the rain’ and that’s exactly what I’ll be doing. You’ll just have to wait and see how we achieve it.”

What keeps the story moving is Don’s screen partnership with silent movie diva Lina Lamont, played by Kirsty Bennett, which is loved by the film-going public – but in reality they cannot stand each other.

Much to Lina’s fury, Don falls in love with young actress Kathy Selden, played by Anneke Wass, while Don’s best friend Cosmo Brown, played by William Keel-Stocker keeps the laughs coming.

For husband and wife team Keel-Stocker and Wass this production provides a unique opportunity and something Wass said has giving them “a new lease of life”.

The pair couldn’t resist auditioning as Singin’ in the Rain is their favourite film and the music even featured at their wedding.

Performing in the show this May looks set to be a very special experience for this married couple – and one they are loving every moment of bringing to the stage.

Keel-Stocker added: “It’s the first musical I’ve ever been in.

“Anneka is being very patient helping me rehearse my dances.”

Celebrating 60 years of BATS, Singin’ in the Rain promises to be a joyful evening at the theatre – packed with great musical numbers – and may even inspire you to swing round the nearest lamppost.

The show will run at the Haymarket from Wednesday, 9 May to Saturday, 19 May, with performances at 7.30pm with extra performances at 2.30pm on Saturday 12 and Saturday 19.

For more information at tickets, go to anvilarts.org.uk.