Singin’ In The Rain Birmingham Hippodrome Review

‘Classic Musical Magic’

★★★★★

Singin’ In The Rain is splashing its way into the Birmingham Hippodrome for one week only. This classic musical is everything you would expect with joyous music and choreography. This show brings the glamour of classic Hollywood, with a splash of comedy and romance. Prepare to be amazed by over 14,000 litres of water used every night to recreate the iconic scene from the 1952 film, starring Gene Kelly.

Currently on tour, Singin’ in the Rain is bursting with colour and infectious energy, as a true spectacle of a show. The original film is a lot to live up to given its prestige, but this stage adaptation exceeds expectations as a beyond faithful adaptation. 

The show follows a turning point in 1920s Hollywood, when silent movies were being ruled out in favour of ‘talking pictures’. The story explores this transition and the numerous challenges it created for film producers, and stars like Don Lockwood (Sam Lips) and Lina Lamont (Jenny Gayner). Andrew Wright’s choreography is dominant throughout and dazzles on stage. The intricate and high-energy routines are made for the stage and honour the original film. The longer dance sequences are impressive and demonstrate the cast’s talent, commitment and stamina.

The show is paced well, thanks to excellent direction from Jonathan Church and a great screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Within the first 10 minutes, you cleverly get to know the show’s premise and unique characters. The stunning set design by Simon Higlett transports you back to 1920s Hollywood and gives the show a more authentic tone. In addition, Higlett’s expert costume design adds vibrancy and colour to the stage, especially noticeable during the ‘Broadway Melody’ sequence.

Sam Lips plays the role of Don Lockwood with perfection, just like Gene Kelly, all dancing and singing. Lips has great comedic chemistry with Ross McLaren and strong romantic chemistry with Charlotte Gooch. McLaren brings immense stamina and performing skills to the role of Cosmo Brown. A highlight was McLaren’s energetic performance of Make ‘Em Laugh. Charlotte Gooch as Kathy Selden brought stunning vocals and charisma to the stage, pairing well with Lips and McLaren as a trio.

Jenny Gayner as Lina Lamont was a comical treat. Gayner does an impressive job playing an actress with an awfully high voice, who then struggles to act in talking pictures. As a talented performer, Gayner brought the most laughs and perfectly embodied the complexity of the character. With a run time of 2 hours and 40 minutes, including an interval, the show could be shorter – but it still remains a bubbly and entertaining show – complete with tap dance routines and outstanding performances.

This is a show that doesn’t tour too often, so now is the time to book!

Showing at the Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 11th June – BOOK HERE.

See when Singin’ in the Rain will arrive at a theatre near you here.