Singin' in the Rain, Palace Theatre - review

The stage version, first presented in 1983, can't eclipse memories of the film. But Jonathan Church's deft new production, launched at Chichester last year, certainly makes a splash.

The action is set in Twenties Hollywood, as talking pictures are superseding silent ones. Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are stars whose careers are in jeopardy as a result of The Jazz Singer, a "talkie" which heralds a new approach to cinema.

For Lina this poses a real problem, as her voice (previously known only to industry insiders) is gratingly squeaky. If fans get wind of this, her days as a diva are over. So, when her latest effort has to be transformed into a talkie, emerging talent Kathy Selden covers for Lina's strangulated vocals.

Writers Betty Comden and Adolph Green introduce a distinctly satirical edge as they send up the transience of fame. There's also plenty of zest in Nacio Herb Brown's music and Arthur Freed's lyrics.

The favourite songs are generously rendered: Good Morning, Moses Supposes, and of course the title number, during which the front five or six rows of the audience get liberally splattered. This could be irritating, yet actually it's exhilarating, and the infectious brolly-twirling glee makes a welcome return at the curtain call.

Adam Cooper is likeable as Lockwood, with fantastic dance skills. There's engaging work from Daniel Crossley as pal Cosmo. Katherine Kingsley has an irresistible comic touch as Lina, and Scarlett Strallen radiates warmth as Kathy.

There are neat performances in supporting roles notably Michael Brandon as a studio boss, elegant design by Simon Higlett and ingenious video by Ian William Galloway, which draws some of the biggest laughs.

It's crowd-pleasing stuff. The memory of Gene Kelly may not be banished, but this is a buoyant revival, lit up by Andrew Wright's superlative choreography. 

* Singin' In The Rain, Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Until September 29