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Singin'
in the Rain |
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Thank goodness for innovative shows such as West Yorkshire Playhouse's Singin' in the Rain, which has at last reached Oxford's Apollo. After several poor years of rambling compilation shows touring the provinces, we're finally being treated to some original ideas! It helps that the cast of this production bring apparently boundless energy to the show's dance sequences, and it certainly helps that they also have a great gift for comedy. But what really makes the production unique is its combination of live action and film - and this includes 'live' rain. There's no danger of this production lapsing into period drama. While it's retained the sparkle and romance and the 'show-must-go-on'-style plot of the original movie, director Jude Kelly has brought Singin' in the Rain right up to date with interpolated film sequences that take us right back to the silent movie era, and allow the cast to fill the whole stage with the minimum of clutter. After rather a slow start, the show gets up an energetic, slapstick pace that keeps everyone on their toes. Darren Bennett and Jacqui Rae star as silent movie icons Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont, but the real stars of the show are Anna Lowe as Kathy Selden,and Richard Brightiff as Cosmo Brown. Both show outstandingly versatile vocal talent that makes those well-known movie melodies a joy to hear. Choreographer Stephen Mear has included some spectacular dance numbers and acrobatics that also allow the supporting cast to shine, and spotting even the most flat-footed members of the audience tapping their toes was perhaps proof enough of the vibrancy of the production. The show's creative team have made a great job of transferring film to the stage, and I hope other producers will take some of their ideas on board. Despite strangely over-amplified sound - the result of the band wisely moving out of their pit to avoid being soaked - the show is a great evening out. Just don't forget your umbrella. O. Rowland, 25.06.02 |
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