There’s an air of excited expectation as the audience take their seats for the opening scene of this outstanding touring production of Singing in the Rain.
It continues throughout the whole evening as the musical takes us back to 1930s Hollywood with all its romance and glamour and featuring the iconic songs from the well loved MGM film… remember “Make ‘em Laugh”, “You Are My Lucky Star”, “You Were Meant For Me”, “Good Morning” and of course the infamous “Singing in the Rain”?
The story tells of Don Lockwood, a silent movie star adored by his fans for his on screen persona, but also for his “showmance” with his co-star Lina Lamont, although she mistakenly believes that he is infatuated with her.
As a new type of talking movie hits the Hollywood screens, Don is set to make the transition but Lina does not have the voice for “talkies” and her delusional self-belief hampers the progression of the studio into this new genre. While Don and his best friend Cosmo help to promote the talents of showgirl Kathy Seldon, who has the undeniable aptitude to perform alongside him, they fall in love in the process.
The performances of the cast are all exceptional and the execution of Andrew Wright’s stunning, high-energy choreography is second to none. James Leece oozes charm and sophistication as Don Lockwood, Vicky Binns of Coronation fame is hilarious as Lina Lamont and real-life film star Maxwell Caulfield brings Tinseltown chic to the role of studio boss R F Simpson. Stephane Anelli as Cosmo steals the show though, particularly in his execution of the polished, farcical routine of “Make ‘em Laugh”.
The splendour of the set design culminates at the end of both the first and second halves as the title song is delivered with an impressive downpour of 12,000 litres of water, leaving some of the audience giggling as they anticipate a light showering on one of the hottest nights of the year!
Not to be missed; Singing in the Rain is showing at the Bristol Hippodrome until the 9th August 2014.
by Charlie Hill
