Singin' in the Rain

A musical with the lineage as famous as “Singin’ in the Rain” and it’s iconic film version will have no doubt presented the Production Team for The Tab with many trepidations, but they needn’t have worried.  From the moment that Musical Director, Nick Jeavons and his highly accomplished orchestra struck up the familiar notes of the overture, you knew that this was going to be a special evening.  You could sense the feeling of excited anticipation that raced around the auditorium and as it proved, they would not be disappointed.

Andy Poulton’s production pulled out all the theatrical stops.  Highly effective use of projection, essential for the film sequences, Choreographer, Helen Kendrick’s huge and legendary production numbers filled the stage with talent all brought together with excellent characterisations and enthusiasm.

From the outset, the delightful portrayal of the Young Don Lockwood, by Jackson Fryer and the Young Cosmo Brown by Lewis Mallen showed their blossoming confidence and ability. Excellent teamwork and talent were in evidence with the older Don and Cosmo with exemplary performances from Aaron Inman and Jack Humphreys as they regaled with ‘Fit as a Fiddle’ setting the scene for the rest of a fun-filled, intoxicating evening. The completely opposite characters of Kathy Selden, played by Georgie Butler and Louise Griffin’s Lina Lamont were played to perfection.  Georgie’s sympathetic and understated innocence in contrast to Louise’s brashness and overplayed lack of talent were a joy to watch.  Amazing Hollywood blockbusting number followed by blockbusting number, led by the four main characters, were eagerly anticipated and we were not disappointed.  They were equally ably supported by an enthusiastic ensemble and dancers.  Highlights have got to be Don’s ‘You Stepped Out of a Dream’, Don and Cosmo’s ‘Moses Supposes’ following a superb comic sequence with the Diction Teacher played to great comedic effect by Stu Walton, ‘Good Mornin’ with Don, Kathy and Cosmo, John Nicholas’ ‘Beautiful Girls’, Lina’s moving ‘What’s Wrong With Me’ and both Don’s and the finale version of the title song.

The principals have some superb support from an eclectic range of characters – Authoritative Studio Head, R F Simpson, played by Stephen Homer, J Paul Murdock’s exasperated but lovable film director Roscoe Dexter, Movie Star Zelda Zanders, played by Jamie-Leigh Butler, Gemma Jones as Gossip Columnist Dora Bailey. Added to which Wayne Butler, playing Film Agent Rod, Brian Yardley as Director Sid Phillips and Fleur Petford as Miss Dinsmore, Lina’s vocal coach with great acting cameo appearances.

This show must have been a technical nightmare but in the safe hands of Steve Taylor’s Stage Management and his crew, Jill Dixon, Alison Goodwin and Keith Goodwin’s realistic Props, Ian Davies and Black Country Audio’s sound, Dan Woodall and DW Technical Services Lighting and Effects and Tamsin Poulton and Leo’s Theatrical Costume Hire all adding to the enjoyment of the production. And as for the rain – brilliantly conceived – but I’m not going to reveal how they did it so as not spoil it for any future “Singin’ in the Rain” audiences

Thank you to everyone at The Tab for their warm welcome as always and for a great production. 

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