WHEN a musical opens with its best-known number, you can't help but wonder if it's going to go downhill from there.

Plus, for this production, the pre-show buzz in the foyer that "director Thom Southerland is going on to big things" added even more pressure.

But even with Oh What A Beautiful Morning out of the way (until the finale, at least) Oklahoma thrilled start to end.

Great chemistry between the romantic leads pays off for the beautiful People Will Say We're In Love.

Following the love and lust lives of the young folks in small-town Oklahoma, this staging is brimming with laughs, memorable music and charming choreography (avoid side-seats for a good view).

Great chemistry between romantic leads Karl Clarkson and Stephanie Nielson as Curly and Laurey pays off for the beautiful People Will Say We're In Love.

It's hard to pick stand-outs from the extremely likeable cast, but you'll adore Chris Love as Will Parker determined to wed the flighty Ado Annie.

Georgi Wooderson is adorable as Gertie Cummings, Nick Whitley just hilarious as marriage-shy bachelor Ali Hakim and Jacob Chapman nails disturbed outsider Jud.

Tip your Stetson folks, in Oklahoma, The Broadway has lassoed itself yet another hit.

Also of note is the deft handling of Oklahoma's biggest coup - beyond all the toe-tapping, thigh-slapping numbers and beneath the spit and sawdust of the impressive set - a tragic twist for this tale of romance and rivalry.

Tip your Stetson folks, in Oklahoma, The Broadway has lassoed itself yet another hit.

Oklahoma at The Broadway, Catford until June 29. Box office 020 8690 0002.