Singin' in The Rain at The Bristol Hippodrome

Posted on: 2014-07-24

Our rating:

As we?re graced with one of the hottest summers on record, critically acclaimed London West End production ?Singin in the rain? gives a delightful reminder of the weather we?re so used to with an extraordinary 12,000 litres of water to help.


 

Not a regular theatregoer, I quickly get caught up in the magic of the theatre. And this was no exception, Dressed up in my best frock (call me old fashioned?) and sipping an ice cold drink at the glamorous piano bar before taking my seat in the theatre, I marvelled at the grand interior and took in the excitement of the audience.

The curtains lifted and we were transported back to 1927, Hollywood. The costumes, sets and props true to the era, brought the late 1920s showbiz glitz and glamour back to life right before our very eyes.

***SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN AT THE BRISTOL HIPPODROME 22ND JULY – 9TH AUGUST 2014 : PURCHASE YOUR ONLINE TICKETS HERE***

The first (and longest) act contained most of the show’s well-known musical numbers, Good Morning, You Are My Lucky Star and of course, the classic everybody anticipates, Singin’ in the rain. The characters were introduced in turn, the endearing ‘bro-mance’ between Don and Cosmo and the blossoming romance between the two leads began to unravel. Look out for Make ‘em laugh and Moses Supposes in the first Act starring both Don and Cosmo for guaranteed laughs.

After a very welcome interval tub of ice cream (Eton mess gets my vote) and a chance for the stage to get ‘dried’, the second act began.

With the audience quite literally warmed up (I suggest you leave your coat at home), the song and laughter continued. My highlight was the beautiful dream sequence featuring The Broadway Ballet medley of songs with Don and company, cleverly set on Broadway. The show finished with the title song, a real grand finale exuding splashes of colour and the full cast, which received a well-deserved standing ovation from the audience.

Overall, the cast were brilliant. Male lead and charming film star Don Lockwood played by James Leece was acted well, (sadly anyone playing this part will never live up to Gene Kelly) but the real star for me was the part of Kathy Seldon (Amy Ellen Richardson) who effortlessly stole the show. Comedic performances from Cosmo Brown (Stephane Anelli) and Diva actress Lina Lamont (Coronation Street’s Vicky Binns) ensured laughter from scene to scene.

The music and choreography was definitely a highlight; the electric music and dance told the story and showcased the high-class talent of the cast. Transition scenes incorporating crowded streets and behind the scenes at the film studio, captured the life of a 1920s Hollywood film star perfectly - there was not one inch of stage not covered. And not forgetting the wonderful orchestra, who filled every silence with uplifting music or comedy sound effect.

Get on down to the Bristol Hippodrome this fortnight for an evening of charm and delight. A show that will have you grinning from ear to ear and singing-a-long to your hearts’ content - a must-see for the whole family this summer, come rain or shine.


Singin' in The Rain at The Bristol Hippodrome4 out of 5 (if the air con was turned up a notch it’d be a five - practically faultless!)

Reviewed by Kate Magrath for 365Bristol

 



Article by:

James Anderson

Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.