UK Theatre Network

Singin' in the Rain 

Milton Keynes Theatre (until 23rd May 2009)


This was a very apt production to see in the light of the weather this week and, unlike what was happening outside, had a very uplifting effect on the mood of the audience!

Based on the 1952 film this is a very amusing interpretation of the story of the transition from silent movies to the ‘talkies’.

I did feel that the first half was a bit slow to get going but once we’d had ‘Make ‘em laugh’ we were up and running. This was followed by ‘Moses Supposes’, ‘Good Morning’ and …yes…‘Singin’ In The Rain’, with real rain! All were brilliant, bright, energetic and great fun.

All the leads are strong, particularly Tim Flavin, an Olivier Award winning American actor, as Don Lockwood. He plays the part wonderfully and is charismatic, charming, (and very dishy!). He has a gorgeous voice and is a lovely dancer. He’s not Gene Kelly, but who is? He is, however, an all round talent and just perfect in this role.

Lead female Jessica Punch as Kathy Selden compliments Lockwood and matches him in vocal quality and dance ability. She has a wholesomeness and gentleness about her that clearly made the audience warm to her immediately.

Supporting actors Graeme Henderson as Cosmo Brown, and Amy Griffiths as Lina Lamont deliver strong performances. The Cosmo Brown character provides much of the fun and comic moments and Henderson manages this effortlessly. Punch plays Lockwood’s leading lady to the hilt as a vain and, in this portrayal, fairly vindictive character. I found her screeching and screaming grating at times and the speed at which she delivered some of her lines meant that occasionally they were impossible to understand. However, the audience clearly loved her and were in stitches during her performance of ‘What’s wrong with me’.

The talented cast and superb chorus are fabulous, hugely energetic and delightful throughout the show. The sets are superb and the costumes gorgeous, giving the authentic feel of that stylish and glamorous Hollywood period.

This is a production that stays true to the original story and is better for it. A highly entertaining show and well worth a visit. You could probably do your own version of the main number on your way home!

Singin in the Rain plays Milton Keynes Theatre until 23rd May 2009. 
0844 871 7652. www.ambassadortickets.com/miltonkeynes(bkgfee)