REVIEW: Singin’ in the Rain makes a splash at Birmingham Hippodrome

He skidded and slided and twirled and whirled through the pools of puddles - splashing through the pouring rain.

But this cloudburst wasn’t coming from the sky. This was the real life-like rain dripping from the top of the Birmingham Hippodrome stage for Singin’ in the Rain - more than 14,000 litres are poured on the stage each night!

A wave of laughter swept through the audience as the water rose higher and higher, while many among the front rows also wondered if they should check their bags for an umbrella for fear of becoming as soaking wet as Don Lockwood.

It truly was a most joyous interpretation of the wonderful 1952 film starring Gene Kelly.

And the Singin’ in the Rain routine wasn’t the only highlight of this perfectly polished performance delivered with a powerful panache.

The charming story of a one-time successful 1920s Hollywood film studio grappling with the challenges posed by technical advances of the day - as silent movies became obsolete with the introduction of talkies.

The time flew by as the cast transported us back to the Golden age of film with the glamour and stardust oozing from the stage - while keeping the characters relatable with a humorous insight into the behind the scenes dramas of power struggles, backstabbing and romantic twists and turns.

The performance bedazzled further with technicolour stage sets and costumes which cheerfully complemented the charming production from The Chichester Festival and Stage Entertainment.

There’s no one else who has captured the wonderful feeling of singin’ in the rain since this fabulous song was first composed almost 100 years ago (1929) and this production also features other glorious hits from the MGM score including Good Morning, Make ‘em Laugh, and Moses Supposes.

It really is worth a visit if you haven’t splashed out on tickets already! The show is at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday (June 11) For more information and to book tickets click here

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