Singin' In The Rain
The stage production is based on the classic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film, Lockwood is a silent movie star with everything he could want including a well-publicised ‘romance’ with his co-star Lina Lamont. Heart-throb Don, refuses to indulge in a publicity-stunt romance with his female co-star. There is discussion in the studio of a new kind of film, where the actors talk. Can Don and the uniquely voiced Lina make the transition? The show opens to a busy, slick scene at a movie studio set, I’m immediately struck by the colourful authentic costumes, Caroline Bickerton’s talents as wardrobe mistress are showcased once again with this lavish production, she never fails to impress. Without exception the principals were fabulous throughout my favourite being Melissa Bickerton as starlet ‘Lina Lamont’ who’s screechy voice
had the audience laughing throughout. In a stark contrast to Chloe Rawson and her beautiful singing as ‘Kathy Selden’ Michael Greene gave one of his best performances to date as ‘Cosmo Brown’ and Robert Bateman was a credible ‘Don Lockwood ’the above were well supported by Andrew Alton as ‘Roscoe Dexter’ Arnie Kaplan MBE as studio boss ‘R.F. Simpson’ Sarah -Jane Busk ‘Dora Bailey’ David Shuttleworth ‘Sid Philips ‘ and Penny Simpkins ‘Zelda Zanders ‘ There are many dance highlights throughout, including Don and Cosmo’s tap numbers, glamorous girls dancing “Good Morning” and old favourites including Make ‘em Laugh,Moses Supposes and of course, Singin’ in the Rain. the slick back stage crew ensured this spectacle went without a hitch .Thanks to Adam Tullett for showing me the intracies of this truck /scene. Special mention must go to the cinematography team as technically this filming was very impressive – the sound was clear and the dialogue audible throughout. I particularly liked the scene where a syncing problem means they’re saying one thing acting another ,especialy the very noisy pearls. We always say that we are only as good as our last production ‘Singin in the Rain’ was an impresive production you should all be proud to be a part of , excelent throughout . Thank you for inviting me one again this year,im very much looking forward to Spamalot Joyce
Director; Richard Agg Musical Director; Jonathan Clarke Choreographer; Suzanne Ballard
