Singin’ In The Rain At Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Cath Joyce

It felt quite fitting that it was raining as we walked along Deansgate to The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester last night, on our way to see their new production of Singin’ In The Rain.

Based on the iconic 1952 film starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor the new stage version, directed by Raz Shaw takes us back to Hollywood’s golden age when silent movies were giving way to the new ‘talkies’. I remember watching the film as a child and was really pleased to find that this new stage version was even more magical and still keeps the glorious mixture of 20’s glamour, humour and romance whilst adding a touch or two of modern theatrical magic. Even if you haven’t seen the film before you’ll recognise many of the songs and before you know it your feet will be tapping away to the music!

The story follows silent movie star Don Lockwood (played by the charismatic Louis Gaunt) and his celebrity partner Lina Lamont (played by Laura Baldwin). As the film world is making the transition to talking movies, the studio reluctantly follows suit and decides to change their latest silent picture, The Duelling Cavalier into a musical which they rename as the Dancing Cavalier. Unfortunately whilst Lina has the movie star looks, her voice is absolutely terrible and only fit for silent movies so aspiring actress Kathy Selden, Don’s new girlfriend, is hired to secretly dub over Lina’s dialogue, with Don, Kathy, and Don’s best friend Cosmo Brown doing their best to keep the truth from Lina.

Louis Grant was perfectly cast as Don Lockwood and was simply amazing to watch as he tap danced across the stage. His rendition of Singin’ In The Rain at the end of the first half, when he was drenched from head to toe, was a favourite with the whole audience.

Danny Collins, as Don’s lifelong friend Cosmo Brown, added plenty of humour to the night. His rendition of “Make ’Em Laugh” was brilliant and showed off his incredible dancing and clowning skills. We also enjoyed “Good Morning” where the three main characters tap danced around the stage in a light hearted and energetic number.

The Royal Exchange’s circular stage is used brilliantly, initially having the appearance of on old gramophone record then morphing into a pavement with just a change in lighting. Minimal props keep the focus firmly on the performers, while Alistair David’s choreography is cleverly arranged, at times the whole cast were on the stage and the moves were faultless. Costumes and hairstyles are beautifully period-perfect, evoking the sparkle and swagger of 1920s Hollywood.

If you’re going to see this show then you’ll be expecting to see some rain but I for one certainly wasn’t anticipating such a deluge to descend from the heavens! It doesn’t just drizzle – it absolutely pours so be warned – if you’re on the front row you’re likely to get wet!

The show finishes with a spectacular finale in which the whole cast takes to the stage just as the rain starts again and is a brilliant end to a spectacular show.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £15

Singin’ In The Rain is at The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester until 25th January 2026. For more information or to book tickets visit www.royalexchange.co.uk or phone the box office on 0161 833 9833

Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, M2 7DH