Singin' In The Rain (UK Tour)
Milton Keynes Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 2nd July 2014
Following its Chichester stint and West End run, Singin' In The Rain is currently delighting audiences all over the UK.
Every element of Jonathan Church's glorious production transports you back to the 1920s. The set, costumes, music and choreography are all delightfully timeless. Continuing the current trend of high quality touring shows, this production is almost identical to how the show was in London - it's like having the West End brought to your doorstep!
From the outside it seems Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are the Posh and Becks of silent movies, but from the inside things couldn't be more different as Don falls for the charms of aspiring stage actress Kathy Selden.
The true star of this show is Andrew Wright whose choreography is nothing short of breathtaking. Dance numbers stay true to the era but are also unpredictable. The ensemble are divine, putting their heart and soul into every number. Their presence and commitment brightens up the stage, I couldn't help but sit with a huge smile on my face from start to finish.
At last night’s performance Matthew Malthouse, Amy Ellen Richardson and Stephane Anelli led the cast as Don, Kathy and Cosmo Brown with bucket loads of charm. All three are walking definitions of the term 'triple threat'. Malthouse looked at home on stage as he performed the show's title number. He made every step look so effortless yet still injected so much character and passion into each move.
Richardson has a stunning voice and dances beautifully whilst Anelli is a complete and utter showman - his rendition of 'Make 'Em Laugh' was worthy of a standing ovation. Most importantly the three had unbreakably strong chemistry, I felt at ease watching the trio embrace every moment of 'Good Morning'.
Vicky Binns is hilarious as Lina whose career faces problems when it is revealed silent movies are a thing of the past and films will begin to feature actors speaking... and singing. Binns' portrayal has no boundaries; she goes crazy and has fun with Lina's ridiculous vocal qualities.
The storyline may be a little fluffy, but I absolutely love it! The show is paced well; a good laugh or song and dance is never too far away. The 'Broadway Ballet' sequence features some of the most astoundingly stunning moments of choreography I have ever seen while the scenes involving Lina trying to use the microphone left me with tears of laughter streaming down my face.
I could happily see Singin' In The Rain over and over again. This production remains just as strong as it was three years ago and it's wonderful to see West End standards being taken all around the UK. Singin' In The Rain provides a magically joyous (and, if you’re sat in the front few rows, wet) evening of timeless escapism.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
Singin' In The Rain runs at the Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 12th July and tours the UK until Sunday 5th October 2014. Please visit www.singinintherain.co.uk for further information, full tour dates and tickets.
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