Singing in the Rain Jr.

Based on the iconic 1952 film of the same name, Singing in the Rain Jr. tells the story of the transition of silent films into talkies. It was a big change and even accomplished silent film actors might not survive the transition. This Junior version cuts to the heart of the musical. We still get all the well-known songs and dances, but the story is told in a nicely concise manner, so we don’t feel short-changed at all.

Very sensibly Director Artemis Zacharaki has chosen to use a black box set with no ornamentation, just a small platform at the back leaving maximum room for the action. Furniture and the well-made props were moved on and off very efficiently by the cast. Costumes, especially the girls’ beaded dresses, fitted the 1920s’ period well and looked delightful. Lighting by Inês Linhares enhanced the picture perfectly. Nicely made black and white film clips (Sophie Tyrrell) were used to illustrate the old silent films and to allow Kathy Seldon to try out her voiceovers – a nice touch. The rain effect using confetti was a great idea, and well timed to last the entire number, though I wouldn’t want to be the person sweeping it up afterwards!

What a tremendous team effort this was! Everyone had their part to play, and you did it with great enthusiasm and style. Every one of Natalie Davies’ intricate dance routines was executed with precision and pizzazz. The title song, “Singing in the Rain”, was particularly spectacular, ending in a beautiful tableau, and thankfully, you avoided gouging any eyes out with those umbrellas! The tap dancing was amazing to watch too – you are all quadruple threats: you can act, sing, dance and tap! All the routines were cleverly organised so that everyone got a chance to be in the front row and show what they could do. The standard of singing throughout was top-notch. MD Ewan Wharton had taught you well: soloists and chorus alike produced a beautiful sound and, with head mics and Tom Davison on the sound desk, we heard every word.

I must mention one or two people, but don’t be upset if it’s not you – you were all brilliant! Emily Jarman, how on earth did you manage to keep up Lina Lamont’s voice all the way through? It was so good, and your acting and off-key singing were spot-on too. Patrick Smith made a nicely suave Don Lockwood, exuding confidence and style, with a silky-smooth singing voice to match. Lottie Gates shone as Kathy Seldon, nicely hesitant about taking the lead and a lovely singer - a good shot with the cake too! Wills Illman was amazing as Cosmo Brown, with his cheeky character and infectious smile, he commanded the stage every time he was on. I particularly commend him for the way he handled the curtain getting tangled up and his quick thinking to move behind the black instead – a very mature reaction.

Daisy Langley as Zelda, Lina’s friend, had some great facial expressions and a nice line in put-downs. Arlo Beale was amazing as the vocal coach – so natural and word-perfect. He really deserved his round of applause.

The colour programme was beautifully produced with photos of everyone and all the information we needed to know about the show, in a very compact format.

What a brilliant production this was – I felt my spirits really lifted by the end, leaving the theatre humming the memorable tunes and thinking what a great evening’s entertainment I’d had. Huge well done to everyone involved with this production.

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