Singin' in the Rain

This is an extremely challenging show to mount, especially with the popularity of the film being so enduring.  Beverley’s trust in their production team, backstage crew and cast was certainly well rewarded here during a production which was heartily enjoyed by a good audience.

Chris Holmes stepped up to the role of Don Lockwood, made famous by Gene Kelly, and he also choreographed most of the show.  No mean feat.  He has a strong stage presence, had a likeable personality and sang and moved well, his tap dancing being much appreciated.  His title number, one of the most iconic ever, perhaps might have had slightly more impact if it had been possible to set it further forward and he was probably also a bit cramped for space to use the umbrella more and do the number full justice.

Opposite Chris as Kathy Selden was Eleanor Hutchinson and she was lovely, continuing her development as a performer.  Her rendition of You Are My Lucky Star was beautiful.

Playing Cosmo Brown, as challenging as any part in this show can be, was Tom Agnew and whilst he might not be a Donald O’Connor (yet) he worked really hard in Make ‘em Laugh and on his character in general.

There was solid support from Mandy Pearson as Lina Lamont, Ian Start as studio head R F Simpson, Richard Gorton as Roscoe Dexter and Rebecca Wilson who played Zelda Zanders.  Also, whilst there’s not a great deal for them to do in this show, the chorus worked well when they were on and I particularly enjoyed the finale when everyone was in plastic macs and sou’westers.

Often, however, it is one short moment that sits you up in your seat and in this production it was a glorious performance of Beautiful Girl by Stuart Raywood as the character named in the programme only as Production Singer.  The melody was presented without effort and he also showed some lovely style in his movement.  One to watch!

The set was big and not easy to handle and there were a few delays during scene changes which was a shame.  Costumes were pretty much in keeping with the requirements, movement was good as was the lighting and the orchestra and sound levels were fine.

It wasn’t the film but this was an enjoyable experience.

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