Singing In the Rain At Theatre Royal, Plymouth Review

Reviewed by Linda Curtain’

Well, what a suitable musical to be opening at Theatre Royal Plymouth this week – just when the rain has returned after several weeks of extremely hot, dry weather!

This well loved classic – Singing in the Rain – has reached Plymouth on the final leg of its highly successful UK tour.
An ideal location for a show of this calibre, Theatre Royal Plymouth is situated in central Plymouth on Royal parade which is served well by public transport links and there are several nearby car parks making access to the theatre easy. On arriving last evening, the iconic Messenger statue was outside enjoying the much welcomed rain!

We soon had our tickets scanned and had time to mingle with the waiting audience who were enjoying a coffee in the newly opened foyer café. Helpful theatre staff were on hand to answer any queries and direct people to their seats.
Singing in the Rain is a musical which is based around the transition from silent movies to ‘Talkies’. Having worked on numerous silent movies together, movie superstars Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont decide to make their latest film into a musical but this was not so straightforward as first imagined – especially when the leading lady doesn’t have the vocal ability required!! The idea of using a voice-over seemed the ideal solution.

This wonderful, updated production certainly entertained the audience last evening. The story was easy to follow as we were moved back to the golden Hollywood days of the 1950’s with bright costumes, strong complex choreography and amazing vocals. The comedy element was consistent throughout with Ross McLaren as Don’s pal Cosmo showing great comedy timing – ‘Make ‘em Laugh’ being one of the shows highlights.

Jenny Gayner as Lina Lamont played her role brilliantly with her irritating voice and screeching vocals.
Sam Lips as Don Lockwood was a charming, debonair character with great dance skills but the star of the show for me was Charlotte Gooch as Don’s love interest Kathy Selden. She was superb and owned the stage – the rapport between her and Don was amazing.

All the cast gave a high paced, dynamic performance and kept the energy going right to the end through numerous routines and quick costumes changes. With various dance styles from balletic ballroom, slick Hollywood routines and thrilling tap numbers, the company certainly showed their dancing talents although maybe not the best stage surface to pick up all the intricate tap sounds at times.

And then the iconic rain scene!! Certainly a memorable experience to see 14,000 litres of water pouring onto the stage while Don danced in his carefree way with his umbrella! Such clever staging with the water being drained, cleaned and recycled after each show. The rain was also an integral part of the memorable finale when all the cast dressed in black suits with multi coloured umbrellas danced and sang in the rain! Spectacular!

Such a high energy show – An evening of true Hollywood glitz and glamour.

Rating: 4.5/5
Tickets available from £22.00
Singing in the Rain is Theatre Royal Plymouth until 20th August 2022
For more information or to book tickets visit www.theatreroyal.com