The iconic Hollywood musical Singin' in the Rain has made a spectacular and gloriously wet splash at Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre. This major new production, directed by Jonathan Church, breathes fresh life into the beloved 1952 film, transforming the theatre's in-the-round space into a dazzling celebration of cinema's transition from silent pictures to talkies.
A Downpour of Delight on an Intimate Stage
Staging a show famous for its expansive, puddle-jumping sequences in the intimate, arena-style setting of the Royal Exchange is a bold creative gamble. The production team, however, turns this challenge into its greatest triumph. Through ingenious design by Robert Jones, the theatre is cleverly reconfigured. A central revolve and a series of rising platforms create multiple levels, allowing for dynamic choreography and the piece's most famous moment: a genuine, 12,000-litre downpour that cascades from the ceiling during the titular number.
The cast, led by Luke Bayer as Don Lockwood and Monique Young as Kathy Selden, delivers energy and charm in spades. Bayer captures the matinee idol's suave exterior and softer core with ease, while Young's Kathy is both spirited and vocally stunning. Special mention must go to Jenny Gayner as the hilariously shriek-voiced Lina Lamont, whose comedic timing steals every scene she's in. Her rendition of 'What's Wrong with Me?' is a masterclass in physical comedy.
Choreography and Design That Elevate the Classic
Andrew Wright's choreography is a relentless highlight, filling the space with infectious joy. From the precision tap of 'Moses Supposes' to the full-company exuberance of 'Good Morning' and 'Broadway Melody', the dancing is crisp, inventive, and perfectly pitched. The orchestra, under the musical direction of Jennifer Whyte, delivers a lush, vibrant sound that envelops the audience, making the classic score by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed feel thrillingly new.
The production does not shy away from the more satirical elements of the original material. It smartly highlights the chaos and vanity of the film industry, with the disastrous screening of The Dueling Cavalier serving as a pinnacle of well-executed farce. The use of live camera work and projection, designed by Jon Driscoll, seamlessly integrates close-up moments into the live stage action, bridging the gap between the theatrical and the cinematic.
A Soaking Success for Manchester Audiences
This is not a mere nostalgic replica; it is a vibrant re-imagining that respects its source while confidently asserting its own theatrical identity. The logistical feat of managing the water elements—including a complex drainage system to protect the stage and the front rows of the audience, who are provided with waterproof ponchos—is handled with impressive smoothness, adding to the sense of wonder.
Running until 25 January 2025, this production establishes itself as a must-see event in the UK's theatrical calendar. It proves that even the most familiar stories can feel revolutionary with the right creative vision. The Royal Exchange's Singin' in the Rain is a triumph of stagecraft, a testament to the enduring power of a great musical, and an unequivocal, joy-drenched hit for Manchester.
