HAVING put the tree and trimmings up at home and done a spot of Christmas shopping, I thought my festive fervour was reaching its peak.

But then I went to see White Christmas and tipped my seasonal spirit off the scale.

I don’t know if it was the music, the dancing, the set design, the costumes, the surprise ending or the whole package – there was something about this production that left me with a warm, fuzzy glow, overcoming the freezing temperatures outside.

And judging by the looks on the faces of other theatregoers, I wasn’t alone.

The real feelgood factor was inspired by the cast – the comedic chemistry between Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, played by Steven Houghton and Paul Robinson – best highlighted by their rendition of Sisters and the sister act of Betty and Judy Haynes, played by Claire Sweeney and Louise Bowden.

Dallas star Ken Kercheval played the role of General Henry Waverly in perfect father-figurely fashion.

But it was East Lancashire’s own Wendi Peters who stole the show as Martha Watson, the no-nonsense receptionist at the Columbia Inn.

There were strains of her Coronation Street character Cilla in the performance, but all in good humour and in its place. And what a solo! Belting out Let Me Sing and I’m Happy, set the tone for the rest of the show, after a well choreographed train journey switched the scene from New York to Vermont.

The odds for a white Christmas in the North West are roughly 5/1 this year.

The chances of you leaving the Lowry with a beaming smile and an unshakeable festive spirit after watching this fantastic production are absolutely odds on.

  • White Christmas runs at the Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays until January 5. Details from 0844 815 4873.