Bristol Hippodrome – until Saturday 21 May 2022
Reviewed by Alexandra Browning
4****
Feel transported straight to the 1920’s in the toe tapping dance spectacular Singin’ in the Rain. Pop on the old glad rags and get ready for a little singing and dancing. Singin’ in the Rain is an eclectic mix of feel-good music and talented dancing.
Inspired by the classic Metro-Goldwin-Mayer film, this musical leaves you humming feel-good show tunes. You are introduced to Monumental Pictures and their cast and crew on a recording for ‘The Royal Rascal ’following the premiere, you are introduced to the heartthrob Don Lockwood (portrayed by Sam Lips) and Lina Lamont (portrait by Jenny Gayner). Gayner plays the perfect Lamont with her fantastic Betty Boop-esque accent. Garner is the perfect fit for the role with looks, the consumes and the voice, a triple threat. Garner goes on to sing the Lamont number ‘What’s Wrong with Me?’ with the perfectly-imperfect voice.
As the show goes on, you are introduced to the talented actress Kathy Selden, who is portrayed by Charlotte Gooch. As Lamont’s main competition on screen and off screen, the Lamont -Selden competition is noticeable and both ladies seem to have a good fight. Kathy Selden wins the audience over very quickly with her lovely personality, witty comebacks and extraordinary dancing skills. Gooch plays the role marvellously as her dancing past supports the role perfectly.
A stand out part of the show was the “Gotta Sing Gotta Dance” breakdown as you are transported to Broadway with bright costumes and fitting flapper dresses. However, nothing could top the rain and the singing that comes with it. In both musical renditions of ‘Singin’ in the Rain’, the waterworks are flowing, and both times the number is performed left the audience in a standing ovation.