THE very title conjures up an atmospheric scene on countless cards.

It's heard during renditions of the familiar festive song on the radio by Bing Crosby ... and it’s the weather report we all wish for at the end of a year - a picturesque snow fall.

It was also around long before Noddy Holder screamed merrily at us on Top of the Pops with his own yuletide trademark.

White Christmas has been the source of two films: Holiday Inn (1942) and White Christmas (1954), both cinema classics with songs written by the masterful Irving Berlin.

We all know the heart-warming ending thanks to it being a staple of our TV films – it's as reassuring as a cup of cocoa on a cold energy-saving night.

Now a crisp and even stage touring production arrives (it was last here 11 years ago) and it is as welcome as ever – festive flashbacks to savour in a production that pays tribute to the golden days of Hollywood musicals.

For those who aren't keen on pantos, this is a great family show to soak up the message of the season: give love; be loyal; laugh often and value friendship.

It tells the story of two army veterans Bob Wallace (Jay McGuiness) and Phil Davis (Dan Burton) who we first see in 1944 singing the title song with their inspirational General Waverly (Michael Starke) listening in.

Their paths meet ten years on when the duo - now top stars - agree to stage a concert in Vermont along with two sisters - Betty (Jessica Daley) and Judy (Monique Young). This is the romance theme threaded throughout accompanied by much slick humour. All four stars are faultless in their characterisations.

You care what happens to this fab foursome.

Unbeknown known to them the good general is the owner of the ski-lodge which is thawing in popularity so they are like the cavalry when they take over the barn to put on a cracking fund-raising show supported by their ex-soldier chums.

We - the audience - are lucky to see the rehearsals and such stunning numbers as Blue Skies, two versions of the lovingly choreographed Sisters and the mesmeric I Love A Piano which proves to be an awesome tap-dancing extravaganza.

When one of the cast is the legendary Lorna Luft (daughter of Judy Garland) you can why this is a top-notch production. Playing Martha - the frosty receptionist - she belts out Let Me Sing and I’m Happy with Broadway-styled gusto and her comic timing is spot on, too.

The songs are timeless and all are delivered with sparkle and sentiment when necessary. It all leads to a wonderful finale and an extra special effect which I won’t reveal but which I can say brought a collective sigh from the audience who gave the cast and orchestra the best Liverpool gift of all ... a standing ovation.

White Christmas will make you smile, keep you warm and you will walk out of the theatre singing the famous song.

On opening night. I swear the snow fell in Lime Street ... just as I know it will till the end of this welcome run in Liverpool.

Verdict: Four stars. Packed with SNOW-stoppers!

The show is on until December 31 

Tickets from www.atgtickets.com