Singin’ in the Rain at Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester Review
Carly Mercedes Dyer as Kathy Selden and Louis Gaunt as Don Lockwood. Credit: Johan Persson.
Written by Joseph for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Singin’ in the Rain is a show based on the cherished 1952 Gene Kelly film of the same name. It centres on Don Lockwood (Louis Gaunt), an actor in the silent films of the early 1920s. When the opportunity to make “talking pictures” comes about, he and the studio are ready and raring to go. There is just one problem: his onscreen lover, Lina Lamont (Laura Baldwin), can’t sing.
Firstly, hats off to the casting department. It was one of the most talented casts I have ever had the pleasure of watching. Not only were there no weak links, but they fused together like chain mail.
Louis Gaunt’s take on Don was delightful, a true star who would not feel out of place in Hollywood. Traditionally handsome with the perfect 20’s Transatlantic accent, and a dancing ability better than anything I’ve ever seen live before.
Laura Baldwin’s turn as Lina was hilarious. Now, I must admit that I have never seen the film this show is based on, so I can’t make comparisons, but I doubt she was as funny as Baldwin was here. Her voice alone was the perfect way to show why she wasn't allowed to speak publicly. Her solo number let her talent really shine, as it's unbelievably difficult to sing badly, whilst also sounding good. A true talent.
Kathy Seldon (Carly Mercedes Dyer) was sensational. She had a quiet timidity that wasn't overdone, allowing her to present herself as someone often overlooked in comparison. Her vocal ability was beautiful and subtle. Not opting to showcase her ability to belt was the right choice here; she still comes across as a star. I particularly enjoyed the costume choice for her to be brighter than the other cast to show how she is bringing colour to Don’s dull world.
Cosmo (Danny Collins) was also a personal favourite. I am naturally drawn to the comedy sidekick character, but Cosmo was so much more. Especially showcased in ‘Make em Laugh’, one of the best solo numbers I’ve ever seen. His dancing melded stunningly with physical comedy, having me ask how his body was able to move like that.
The rest of the cast was unbelievably good. Especially in the second act, which is essentially one long musical number. On a small stage for the number of dancers, you could clearly see the precision needed. Even when one accidentally fell, it was dealt with so perfectly that I still can’t work out if it was choreographed.
With the Manchester Royal Exchange being in the round, it offers several challenges to those staging performances there, but ones that they are more than capable of tackling. Sight lines are no problem, as the direction clearly incorporates ways to play scenes to all sides. There are more entrances and exits than I could count, meaning that they can really utilise the space to its potential.
Technically, the show was stunning with a few set pieces that I don’t want to give too much away, but how they incorporate silent film into live theatre was truly magical, and if you’re sat in the stalls, you might get a little bit wet, but I assure you it will be worth it.
Singin’ in the Rain is a love letter to the Golden Age of Hollywood, that leaves everyone with a smile on their face.
Plays until 25 January 2026
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
