Oklahoma! was the one that started it all. A massive stage success for composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II on their first collaboration, it opened on Broadway in 1943, notched up an unprecedented 2,212 performances and went on to conquer the world.

Strangely, while the show has long been a staple for amateur societies and schools, professional productions of it are comparatively rare in the UK, though Trevor Nunn directed a notable revival for the National Theatre in 1998 and a famously gloomy take on it was seen at Chichester last year. It is good, therefore, to see Oklahoma! out on tour and in such a polished, well-managed version as that supplied by Martin Dodd for UK Productions.

Already well into the run, the performers are clearly enjoying an easy rapport. That between its principal stars, the excellent Marti Webb — who plays Aunt Eller with a Southern accent so strong as almost to require surtitles — and youngster Mark Evans as the charismatic cowboy Curly (pictured with her) is evident from the first moments of the show. Apparent at once, too, in Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’ and The Surrey With the Fringe on Top, are Mark’s talents as a singer. Later he is to prove equally impressive as a dancer.

Gemma Sutton shines as his love interest, Laurey, and Pete Gallagher glowers and menaces to great effect as his dangerous rival, Jud Fry. With the dark side of life on the land rarely far away, it’s a relief to relish the comedy of the second eternal triangle — composed of the naughty girl Ado Annie (Michelle Crook), her doltish boyfriend Will (Joseph Pitcher) and the quick-witted Persian pedlar Ali Hakim (Vas Constanti).

Until Saturday. The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, from September 20.