Singin’ in the Rain at the Oxford Playhouse Review
Singin’ in the Rain
Oxford Playhouse, Oxford
28-31 October 2015
Reviewed by Deb Narciso
Singin’ in the Rain is presented by Curious Grin, The University of Oxford Student Company.
The Oxford Playhouse is located in the centre of Oxford. Oxford has a very efficient park and ride service offering car parks on all approaches to the city and the service is cheap and efficient. However, should you wish to drive into the city, parking for the evening is very easy, efficient and reasonably priced. I used the Gloucester Green car park which was less than 5 minutes walk from the theatre. The theatre itself is well maintained with welcoming and friendly staff.
The Oxford Playhouse and its studio host a wide range of touring theatre and amateur shows as well as producing shows itself which it sends out on tour. This season’s brochure is well worth a browse as it contains something for all ages and tastes.
As the theatre is well positioned in the centre of the city there are plenty of choices of places to eat varying from Jamie’s Italian, Ask and several other big chains to local cafes, pubs and coffee shops. All were open and had tables available. Some of the eating places were still open after the show. I was particularly intrigued by the board game cafe!
The venue itself has a bar for pre-theatre and interval drinks with a small selection of food available – a ham or vegetarian sandwich, a sausage casserole and two different desserts. Ice cream and confectionary are also available. I arrived in time to purchase a quick sandwich from the bar which was fresh, tasty and not too outrageously priced at £3.50.
The staging of Singin’ in the Rain is based on the film which starred Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor. This was a feel good movie of its time, which tells the story of the arrival of ‘talkies’ in Hollywood. I remember it as a firm childhood favourite and the conversion into a stage musical works extremely well. There are lots of upbeat known musical numbers which get toes tapping.
I have seen many amateur performances over the years but this was by far one of the most polished and well presented musicals I have seen. The students from many of the colleges studying a wide range of subjects showed their many talents. The band sounded professional to the last note. John Warner, the productions musical director is obviously experienced from reading his credits but the competence of the orchestra would not have been out of place in the West End.
The director, Naomi Morris Omori and her crew have polished this performance well even making it rain on stage – no mean feat in itself! The set was simple though slightly cumbersome in its movement around the stage. It had a lovely art deco feel which was in keeping with the period of the story. I loved the video clips which moved the story on a pace and they were so well filmed and edited – again such professional polish.
The chemistry between the lead actors was obvious and their enjoyment of the production shone through. They were very ably support by the rest of the cast who were all accomplished singers and dancers. Kathy Peacock has a beautiful singing voice and was excellent as Kathy (Debbie Reynolds in the movie).
James Hyde playing Don Lockwood was credited as a professional actor and as a seasoned performer he must have enjoyed working with such professional amateurs. He embodied the 1920’s feel of the piece and had that easy going Gene Kelly vibe going on. Singin’ and dancin’ in the rain at the end he managed to make it look a really enjoyable experience.
Annabel Mutale Reed as Lina was excellent. Her professional training shone through. To be that bad you have to be very good in the first place! Her over the top, spoilt brat performance was both comic and tragic and I loved it.
Stealing the show for me was Niall Docherty in the Donald O’Connor role. He is obviously multi – talented – singing, dancing and with a very expressive face! His version of Make them laugh was excellent – high energy, frantic and just the right amount of pratt falls.
From the rest of the cast I must mention Xavier Peer as the male diction teacher, so well portrayed during the musical number. Bravo!
The programme listed the accomplishments of the cast and crew and it shows that many of them are part of a variety of productions during their time at Oxford and some come with experience in local theatre from their home town. I cannot emphasis enough the level of professionalism that this production had. Well done to everyone involved and carry on ‘breaking legs’ in the future!
There are only 3 performances left of the fabulous production – if you need something to cheer you on a drab Autumn evening look no further than the Curious Grin.
Rating: 4.5/5
Tickets cost from £11.50 to £18 (booking fees may apply).
Singin’ in the Rain is at the Oxford Playhouse until 31 October 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01865 305305.
Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LW | 01865 305305
