You can’t say it without singing it, right?

Even for folks like me who have never seen the original 1952 film starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds, Singin’ in the Rain has that same effect and has become the anthem to happiness in times of adversity, or simple recognition of the frequent frontal weather patterns synonymous with our fair but soggy isles.

There can be no disputing that this is a dazzling and captivating show. The storyline is simple and utterly enchanting, laced with humour, slick choreography, joyous singing and brilliant lighting effects that transform the stage with magical effect. It takes you away from reality by fully immersing you in the spectacle.

The stage production stays true to the film, from what I understand, and I didn’t notice any of those awkward moments of discontinuity that you sometimes feel in film to stage productions. The story is set in 1927, when Hollywood was still ‘Hollywoodland’ undergoing the transformation from silent to ‘talking’ movies. Don Lockwood (Adam Cooper) and Lina Lamont (Faye Tozer) are stars of the silent screen, adored by fans titillated by stories of their off-stage love affair. This could not be further from the truth for Don, who finds his screeching onstage partner Lena about as appealing as the dog’s dinner. Lena on the other hand would very much like it to be real, perhaps realising that her talent is limited, and her success is by association with Don. Don falls in love with a ‘real’ actress, Kathy Seldon (Charlotte Gooch), who saves the movie by being the singing and acting voice of Lena when the movie is forced to become a ‘talkie’ and it soon becomes apparent that Lena’s vocal abilities are not up to the transition from silent to sound.

Act 1 glides flawlessly through the multiple instantly recognisable song and dance routines, bringing back classics such as Good Morning and Cosmo’s slapstick Make ‘Em Laugh routine which was admirably performed by understudy Alistair Crosswell on Tuesday evening’s performance. Moses Supposes was an unexpected but brilliantly choreographed tap dance number that ramped up the synergy leading to the end of Act 1 and the glorious Singin’  in the Rain, with yes, real rain. Cooper literally threw himself into this number and seemed to thoroughly enjoy soaking the front rows of the audience as he danced his way through the substantial pool of water on the stage. Act 2 is a dance indulgence in which costumes and lighting produce wowing effects that lead to a satisfying conclusion and finale.

Performance plaudits go to the whole cast, ensemble and crew on this night, which I heard has been impacted by the current Covid outbreak. There may have been a very few minor gaffes which were smoothly glossed over by the pure energy and apparent enjoyment of the performers in the demanding back-to-back routines, yet made to appear deceptively easy.

My three-word summary for this show: Uplifting Fun Glorious.

Singing in the Rain is running at the New Victoria theatre, Woking until Saturday 2 April

[Amanda Briggs, March 2022]