Theatre / Reviews
Review: Singin’ in the Rain, Hippodrome
Add a splash of 1930s glamour, some of the slickest choreography to grace the stage and 12,000 litres of water and you’re left with one of the finest feel good musicals around.
Singin’ in the Rain transports us back to 1930s Hollywood, when the talkies arrived and trimmed the tone deaf fat off the acting scene.
Leading lady Lina Lamont, played by the sensational Vicky Binns, falls victim to the arrival of sound, forcing film producers to dub her voice with that of wannabe actress Kathy Selden (effortlessly played by Amy Ellen Richardson).
Deluded Lina believes her Hollywood co-star and on-screen leading man Don Lockwood (James Leece) to be besotted with her. Don, however, has other ideas and has fallen for Lina’s innocent rival, Kathy.
The chemistry between both Don and Kathy is believable and while Kathy is a bit of a sap, her talents are undeniable.
The first act concludes with a burst of rain, during which leading man Don performs the title song while climbing lampposts, twirling his umbrella and merrily kicking the rain at his feet.
After the story wraps up, there is time for one more rendition of the title song with the whole cast.
The slick slapstick theatrics of Cosmo, performed by Stephane Anelli, steal the show. His acrobatic and comedic performance of Make Them Laugh is enthralling. It’s almost as if the part was written for him.
Brilliantly choreographed and excellently cast, Singin’ in the Rain should have you walking to the Bristol Hippodrome and singing and dancing all the way back home.
By Kate Willacy
Singin’ in the Rain is at the Bristol Hippodrome until August 9. Visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/singin-in-the-rain-tour/bristol-hippodrome/.
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