26 July 2024 I 19:30 I Kilworth House Theatre, Leicestershire
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Singin' In The Rain, staged at Kilworth House Theatre, marks my first outdoor theatre experience where although the run has finished, I will forever treasure this memory. The feeling as the sun goes down, and the mood set in for the grand premiere of The Dancing Cavalier, Hollywood lives and breathes in Leicestershire! The classic tone is honoured as Celia Mackay produces an adaptation of unique proportions.
Popularised by the 1952 hit (one of the greatest movie musicals ever made), the story follows a silent film star's affection for a chorus girl, set amongst 1920s America. However, as he and his jealous screen partner enter the era of talking pictures, the talent scene shifts and romance blossoms through fame.
Jack Wilcox steps into the shoes of Don Lockwood, presenting such handsome allure as if he has been plucked from a Hollywood movie himself. His suave, gentlemanly presence allows you to fall in love with the character, the exact charm that helps viewers to relax. Wilcox is also a marvel at romancing the audience, working with the rain effect skilfully. You could tell that he relishes every single second of splashing us with puddles of water, making the gimmick exciting and comic!
I remember being spellbound by Donald O'Connor in the '52 movie, and Alastair Crosswell's Cosmo doesn't put a foot wrong, revitalising O'Connor's energy to be triumphantly hilarious. Slapstick is in full effect, admirable attention right until every exit. And Lucie-Mae Sumner's Kathy completes the trio with a well acted timidity, progressing through her talents. To pair with a delicate vocal tone, Sumner rises as a star in her own right!
Predominantly a dance musical, Lee Proud's choreography style is extremely addictive, a completely original way of looking at movement. From spectacular trios in Good Morning to the eloquent ensemble numbers, I left the performance with face ache, my smile beaming through each dance! Broadway Melody really allowed a showcase of Proud's work, as if I begin to fall into a trance, losing myself in a dreamy array of styles!
With videography from Bruce Hazelton, the short films are projected within the 'cinema', and I adore how these have been filmed on the grounds of Kilworth House, a really scenic backdrop to the action. The locality of this adds an extra layer of warmth and charm to the direction. Michael Beadley's musical supervision with orchestra is audibly immaculate, refining the score with great acoustics in the space.
Of course, this classic musical would be incomplete without the hysterical voice work of Jess Buckby's Lina Lamont. She manages to pull many laugh out loud moments from myself and the audience. She could talk into a plant for hours and still crack me up!!
With many more features to compliment my first outdoor theatre experience, a legendary revival leaves me craving to see it all over again. Kilworth House Theatre showcases brilliant and friendly staff, with the grounds decorated with string lights and themed show posters of our Hollywood stars. Beyond the auditorium allows the whole evening to take your breath away... I must return immediately!!
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