Singin' In The Rain
WORDS: Tom Bevan (Sprout Editorial Group)
As George Sampson danced his way to victory in last year's Britain's Got Talent, many were reminded of their love of the musical Singin' In The Rain.
The classic film, released in April 1952, is most famous for it's title track which was used by the youngster in the show.
This year, UK Productions set out on a nationwide tour in an attempt to bring the show back to life, and splashed down at the New Theatre this week.
Set in 1920s' Hollywood, Singin' In The Rain follows the revolutionary change from silent to talking pictures. As cinemagoers flock in their droves to the 'talkies', some established stars of the silent era become fearful their careers will not survive the transition.
Troubled are Don Lockwood (Tim Flavin) and his glamorous co-star, Lina Lamont (Amy Griffiths).
The duo, whose non-existent engagement is continually speculated, are the toast of Tinseltown, but any chance of replicating their success in the talking pictures is hindered; for all Lamont's looks, she is an unlikeable airhead with a foghorn, often nails-down-a-chalkboard voice. (For you Friends fans out there, she sounds very much like Janice, Chandler's annoying ex-girlfriend.)
Therefore Lockwood and his musician best friend, Cosmo (Graeme Henderson) seek to find a way of saving their careers. This issue is resolved in the form of Kathy Selden (Jessica Punch), a small-time chorus girl whose budding romance with Lockwood becomes key to proceedings.
The crew do a commendable job of converting the film onto stage, but they haven't reinvented the spark of the motion picture and didn't attempt to make the show their own, leaving behind the true passion and loveable enthusiasm which would have suited the stage.
Costumes are loud and evocative of the roaring twenties, mock silent movies were projected on stage, and they produce real rain for the title song. However this individual 'highlight' was too static and disappointing, not even coming close to emulating the original playfulness of such a famous scene. This could be said of the whole performance, which lacked any real flamboyance.
The star of the show should have been Tim Flavin, whose successful stage career includes an Olivier Award for best actor in On Your Toes and two further nominations for other productions. The Texan, however, did not shine as Don Lockwood due to a poor vocal display and in a way detracted from the otherwise decent cast.
Don's best friend, Cosmo Brown, is humorously played by Graeme Henderson who lightens the lengthy romantic scenes. Amy Griffiths is Lina Lamont, the silent film star, and creates a comical, over pampered character whose career stumbles as?sound?is introduced into movies.
She soon finds a rival in Kathy Selden, who realises her love for Don and longs for success of her own. Jessica Punch plays this challenging role well, but sometimes lacks gusto in the livelier songs, especially in Good Morning, a cheerful number which is frankly dull in comparison to the film.
The only consistency came with the orchestra, who deserved a glitzier stage show to match their impressive performance. Kudos to the musical director, Gareth Williams, and his fabulous band, who often kept the show afloat.
Perhaps this classic musical would be better off left as a film.
Showing at the New Theatre until Saturday 28 March.
