TQS StaffDon Lockwood is a silent movies star with everything he could want – fame, adulation and even a well-publicised ‘romance’ with his co-star Lina Lamont. But Hollywood is about to change forever. There is rumour in the studio of a new kind of film, where the actors actually talk… and sing… and dance.
2012 sees the 60th anniversary of the release of the 1952 MGM movie which starred Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds. The musical adaptation of the classic film which brought us iconic songs such as Good Mornin’ & Make ‘em Laugh is currently having a very successful run at the Palace Theatre London. Last week TQS, along with a host of other bloggers, were invited along to enjoy the show.
Singin’ in The Rain the musical is a real treat. The dancing is delightful (and comes in spades), the singing is pitch-perfect and the acting is played perfectly; serious enough to impress but humorous enough to entertain. Lina Lamont provides most of the laughs with her comically squeaky voice whereas Kathy Seldon brings all the class you would expect for period Hollywood.
The arrangement for displaying film sequences is also well executed, flawlessly integrated into the set as to not impair suspension of disbelief.
The iconic rain scenes don’t dissapoint, played equally for laughs as for spectacle. We don’t want to give too much away as you really should experience it for yourself but if you’re sitting in the first few front rows, wear something waterproof. To give you some idea, each performance of Singin’ In The Rain uses 14 tonnes (14,000 litres) of water, pumped from, recycled and pumped back into a 10 ton water tank in the orchestra pit. However, eco-warriors needn’t fret as due to the recycling and treatment of the waters, the show would need to run for over 40 years to use the same amount of water as 1 Olympic sized pool.
Singin’ in the Rain is now booking until 1 September 2013, prices range from £15 to £65 and can be booked on the box office line (0844 412 4656) or through the website – www.singinintherain.co.uk
By Jamie McHale
