THE MAYFLOWER'S latest show is causing a real splash among theatregoers.

Singin' in the Rain is bringing the bad weather indoors, with summer showers being recreated on stage with a thousand litres of water being pumped round the stage for every performance.

But the watery special effects are not confined to the stage.

The first three rows of the audience were supplied with wet weather gear at the show's opening last night, to make sure that neither their clothes nor their spirits were dampened.

The water does not just drizzle down but pours on to the stage and special precautions have to be taken to prevent flooding.

The special effects were designed by self-titled 'waterist' Mario Borza, who also creates installation art and has exhibited his work around the globe.

The musical, which is on at the theatre until June 8, is adapted from the MGM musical starring Gene Kelly, and is set in the golden age of cinema, when 'talkies' began to take over from silent movies.

To book tickets, call the box office on: 023 8071 1811.