Singin in the Rain at the Liverpool Empire Review
Singin’ in the Rain
Liverpool Empire
23 April to 3 May 2014
Reviewed by Laura Parle
This spectacular show is packed full of the charm, romance, comedy and glamour of one the world’s best loved movies. It is set during the golden age of Hollywood, the rip-roaring twenties during a time of big change were movie pictures went from non-talking to non-stop and Singing in the Rain covers this change to dazzling effect. It features all the songs from the glorious MGM score including Good Morning, Make ‘em Laugh, Moses Supposes and the crowd pleaser Singin’ in the Rain.
The production is set around the darlings of the silver screen, and golden couple Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont with hilarious results whilst keeping the integrity of the original 1952 film.
James Leece plays Don Lockwood and he fill Gene Kelly’s shoes very well, especially during the shows biggest number “Singin’ in the Rain.” I have to admit to feeling envious of the front rows who got splashed with some of the 12,000 litres of water what better way to cool off after a hot first act.
The rest of the cast offered some stellar performance, Amy Ellen Richardson is simply perfect as Kathy Selden and Vicky Binns plays Lina Lamont, who knew that timid Molly from Corrie could pull off such a comical character – Bravo.
Now for the men Cosmo is played by Stephane Anelli – imagine the comic genius of Robin Williams mixed with the jazz and voice of Gene Kelly and boom that’s Cosmo. Throw into the mix Maxwell Caulfield, a former US soap star who shows what a true Hollywood director should be – funny, classy and a tad arrogant.
The show is a visual extravaganza mixing dance, singing, amazing back drops, fantastic props, a bi-plane – yes I really did say plane!
The show even had film excerpts that really take the production to another level and add that extra touch of Hollywood glamour.
The show flys by, the 2 and a half hours disappeared, and I didn’t even check my watch once (a sign of a great show for me) I also found the show is ageless with a wide range of children, teens and adults present and all enthralled.
All in all I would say “Singin’ in the Rain” is a truly fantastic, lose yourself production so if you can get your ticket be quick. The show is running in Liverpool till Saturday 3rd May.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £10 to £48.50 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 8713017.
Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE | 0844 8713017
