REVIEW: SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN | THE ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE MANCHESTER

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE MANCHESTER – A SPLASH-TASTIC FIVE-STAR MUSICAL

Few musicals arrive with quite as much love and expectation attached as Singin’ in the Rain. Based on MGM’s iconic 1952 film, the story of Hollywood’s turbulent transition from silent cinema to talking pictures has become a timeless celebration of creativity, resilience, and showbiz sparkle.

Staging this classic in the round at the Royal Exchange feels like a bold and inspired choice. With no proscenium arch and nowhere for performers to hide, this production leans fully into intimacy, immediacy, and shared experience. Under the direction of Raz Shaw, the show honours the original while embracing the unique challenges and joys of this Manchester space — rain, tap shoes and all.

Set in late-1920s Hollywood, the story follows silent-film idol Don Lockwood as the industry pivots towards sound. Alongside his lifelong friend Cosmo Brown, Don must navigate shifting fame, technical disasters, and the threat of redundancy — all while falling for the talented but grounded Kathy Selden.

At the heart of the narrative is a sharp and still-relevant look at how innovation can upend creative careers. The arrival of “talkies” promises progress but exposes uncomfortable truths, particularly for glamorous screen star Lina Lamont, whose voice threatens to derail everything. Romance, rivalry and reinvention collide, resulting in a story that feels nostalgic yet strikingly modern.

This production thrives on clever minimalism. The set is fluid and constantly in motion, with furniture and props seamlessly moved by the cast, evoking the bustle of a working film studio without cluttering the circular stage. Signature items suggest location and scale, leaving space for the performers to shine.

Lighting by Jack Knowles plays a vital storytelling role, shifting us between backstage chaos, cinematic fantasy, and live performance with precision. At times it even mirrors early film techniques, enhancing the show-within-a-show feel.

Costumes strike a balance between period glamour and practicality, expanding beautifully for larger ensemble moments — particularly during the lavish Broadway Rhythm sequence.

Choreography by Alistair David is a real triumph. Designed to work with the in-the-round staging, the tap routines crackle with energy and precision, drawing the audience into the rhythm. There’s a raw, joyful physicality to the movement that feels thrillingly close.

Musically, the production soars. With musical direction by Matthew Malone, the eight-piece band delivers a rich, brassy sound that perfectly supports both tender romantic moments and full-throttle dance numbers.

At the performance I attended, Adam Davidson was on as cover Don Lockwood, and he delivered a confident, assured performance that fully embraced the demands of this iconic role. Performing Singin’ in the Rain in the round — with its constant audience interaction, intricate tap work and emotional openness — is no small task, yet Davidson handled it with ease.

His Don had warmth, charm and an engaging presence that worked beautifully in the Royal Exchange’s intimate space, drawing the audience in and making us feel part of the story. The physical stamina required for the role was impressive, and his dancing — particularly during the tap-heavy sequences — was crisp, energetic and joyful.

Opposite him, Carly Mercedes Dyer was a captivating Kathy Selden, bringing both steel and sensitivity to the role. Her vocals soared effortlessly, and she gave Kathy a grounded emotional core that made the romance feel genuine and earned.

The show’s comic engine roared thanks to Danny Collins as Cosmo Brown. His physical comedy, boundless energy and precision timing made Make ’Em Laugh a genuine showstopper, earning huge audience response and sustained applause.

Meanwhile, Laura Baldwin was nothing short of sensational as Lina Lamont. Her razor-sharp comedic instincts, commitment to the character’s infamous voice and flashes of vulnerability made Lina both hilarious and oddly heartbreaking — a performance that lingered long after the curtain call.

Across the board, the ensemble brought extraordinary energy, polish and cohesion, filling the space with movement, rhythm and life, and proving just how strong this company is from leads to supporting cast.

This production of Singin’ in the Rain at the Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester is a joyful, immersive triumph. By staging the musical in the round, Raz Shaw creates something that feels communal, playful and alive — from high-fives with the cast to the unforgettable moment when the rain finally falls.

The famous title number is everything you hope for: exhilarating, emotional and utterly thrilling, with the audience fully swept up in the magic (and the water).

In a city famous for its rain, this show reminds us why we still love gathering together to experience live theatre. It’s a celebration of performers, creatives, and the sheer joy of storytelling — and it sends you back out into Manchester humming, smiling, and perhaps a little tempted to splash in the nearest puddle.

A five-star, feel-good triumph that proves some classics don’t just endure — they dance. 🌧️✨

Singin’ in the Rain is on at The Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester until Sunday 25th January 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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Photo Credit - Johan Persson