Coinciding with the end of the summer to spread some cheer, Chichester Festival Theatre’s Singin’ In The Rain comes to Bradford’s Alhambra where Leo Owen caught the show
Designer, Simon Higlett, takes us back to 1927 with what appears to be a high ceilinged dance hall. Cast prance around stage, putting on props, acting as a film crew setting up in front of a dramatic arch upstage. Red back-lighting signifies the start of the evening premiere of “The Royal Rascal” at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Here, Jacqueline Clarke, perfectly epitomises the era playing gossip presenter, Dora Bailey. She introduces lively Hollywood characters like Director Roscoe Dexter, studio boss R.F. Simpson (Maxwell Caulfield), on-set pianist Cosmo Brown (Stephane Anelli) and the film’s main stars Lina Lamont (Vicky Binns) and Don Lockwood (James Leece).
As many will know from the 1952 musical film, these starlets act as a means to explore the effect of the introduction of sound into the film industry. The story follows celebrated silent film stars, Don and Lina, as they make a reluctant and rather turbulent entry into the world of sound.
Director, Jonathan Church, uses a flashback sequence to explain how Don made his name, having initially been part of a stripy suited fiddler act with pal Cosmo. Once self-assured, Don suddenly finds himself doubting his ability after meeting love interest, Kathy Selden (Amy Ellen Richardson) while trying to hide from fans. Kathy’s a struggling stage actress who’s critical of film stars’ ability to really act, questioning the over-exaggerated style of the age.
Louder characters like Lina truly highlight the challenges some actors faced once audiences experienced and expected sound. Contract stipulations combined with her shrill Bronx accent, stupidity, and toneless singing voice push her production company to find creative solutions. From this, much of the humour comes as she minces words and tunelessly kills songs. There are particularly funny moments when Don and Lina act out a silent love scene while expressing hatred for each other; during Lina’s painful elocution and diction lesson; when Don practises tongue twisters and as Lena is repeatedly wired for sound with disastrous results, such as other cast taking a tumble, amplified heartbeats…
Aside from the title tune, stand-out songs are plentiful with choreographer, Andrew Wright, injecting humour throughout. “You Stepped Out Of A Dream” is an early memorable number putting Don in a conductor’s role, instructing cast like choir members. Anelli’s rendition of “Make ’em Laugh” as Cosmo is fun to watch with an extremely high energy farcical performance, completed by buckets stuck on feet, a false wall and ladder dodging moments. Kathy’s audition song, “You are My Lucky Star”, is one of the more serious performances but enchanting nonetheless. “Good Morning” is another lively number accompanied by a mash-up of dance styles and a lot of tap. Lina’s “What’s Wrong With Me?” is laugh-out-loud while “Gotta Dance” stands out as a much raunchy number.
A projector is brought down at various points to showcase Don and Lina’s work from the earlier silent black and white skulduggery films to hilarious snippets of the disastrous “Duelling Cavalier” with unsynchronised sound or sound so amplified the movement of Lina’s pearls steals the show and her already grating voice is only made all the more apparent. Lights dim and cast freeze-frame between scenes; a slightly art deco lamp post appears for Don’s evening walk and an impressive mini silver and red plane is wheeled on stage, acting as a float for nine glitzy chorus girls. What many will remember, however, is the copious amounts of water sprinkled on stage during “Singin’ In The Rain”.
A cast of equally strong performers project such energy into the show it looks like enormous fun to be part of and fabulous bright costumes and flashing Broadway neons complement this upbeat mood. Although exceeding two and a half hours, Singin’ In The Rain flashes by, leaving viewers grinning inanely like its cast and perhaps a little damp after Don’s titular routine. Don’t forget your brolly and prepare to be showered with smiles.
Singin’ In The Rain shows at The Alhambra until September 13 before continuing its UK tour.