Singin’ in the Rain – Milton Keynes Theatre and Touring

Singin’ in the Rain continues at the Milton Keynes Theatre until 16 April and then tours until 20 August 2022.

Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

From the moment the curtain rose at Milton Keynes Theatre, it was easy to see why Singin’ in the Rain has become a critically acclaimed show. If you’re a fan of the classic 1952 MGM film, starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor, then the stage adaptation will tick all the right boxes. Even if you’re not accustomed to the famous screen hit, any lover of musical theatre will revel in this colourful, energetic, all-singing and dancing performance.

Set in the late 1920s, Singin’ in the Rain is all about film-making in Hollywood, when glitz, glam and flapper girls were at the height of popularity. The show follows silent movie stars Don Lockwood (Sam Lips) and Lina Lamont (Faye Tozer) as the talkies come on the scene, forcing Monumental Pictures to shake up their productions to keep up with rival studio, Warner Brothers.

A chance meeting introduces Don to feisty, Kathy Selden (Charlotte Gooch), a ‘serious stage actress’ who doesn’t instantly fall for his charisma. Don’s heart is captured by Kathy’s stubbornness, as well as her dancing and singing prowess! Back at the studio, not all the silent movie stars are adapting to talking on screen. Lina’s harsh Brooklyn accent and glass-shattering singing voice lack the qualities needed to match her glamorous on-screen looks. After a turn of events which separate Don from Kathy, he meets her again just in time to utilise her incredible talents to save the latest Lockwood/Lamont movie.

A whistle-stop tour of the plot doesn’t do justice to this incredible, heart-warming story, which will have you smiling, laughing and swooning. Including much-loved musical numbers, such as ‘All I do Is Dream of You’, ‘Good Morning’ and the title number, this show has dance at its heart. With a range of styles, from ballet and contemporary, to tap, prepare yourself to be astounded by the sheer talent of the cast.

Every one of the performers is a triple threat, with impeccable singing, dancing and acting. The four main characters, Lips as Don, Gooch as Kathy, Tozer as Lina and Ross McLaren as lovable friend and musician Cosmo Brown, embrace the roles as their own, while still maintaining the familiar charm of their onscreen counterparts. It’s hard to pick a standout performance, but if forced to choose, the iconic ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ scene blew me away. As the rain came down, Lips remained poised and on point with his performance.

Director Jonathan Church and choreographer Andrew Wright’s talented production team from set to costumes, make-up to props, have clearly worked tirelessly to make this show what it is. Combined with the superb plot and cast, it’s a smash-hit of a show which you’d be a fool to miss. I left the theatre stunned with what I’d just encountered – I’m already scouring for tickets to see it again! One for all the family. It’s a feast for all the senses.

Hannah Grimmette