Singin' in the Rain

Musicals

West End

Palace Theatre

Until Sat Jun 8

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Time Out says

Thu Feb 16 2012

'Singin' in the Rain' is such a perfect metaphor for riding out the recessionary blues that by rights this musical should be prescribed for every capital in the stricken eurozone. A saucily stylish import from the Chichester Festival Theatre, Jonathan Church's exuberant production looks back to Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly's 1952 film, which itself looks back to 1927 – two years before the Wall Street Crash, when flappers, film stars and aviators were partying like there was no hungover tomorrow.

Great fashion and technology were the hallmarks of the brave new modernist era, so it's apt as well as comically fertile that (as in 'The Artist') the screenplay writers pick as their theme the moment when silent movies turned to talkies.

The love triangle at the centre of the story contains a female character whose voice sounds like a cross between a rocket balloon and fingers being scratched down a blackboard, so it's pretty obvious from the start how the story's going to end.

Katherine Kingsley – a delightful mix of over-coiffured bombast and neurotic vanity – revels in her role as the unfortunate film actress Lina Lamont, whose career as a romantic heroine both on screen and off is brought screeching to an end when microphones expose her melodically challenged vocal talents.

As Don Lockwood, her reluctant on-screen lover, the highly talented Adam Cooper manages to steer the right course between smooth and narcissistically slimy. When it comes to the central number 'Singin' in The Rain' you can practically see him give a huge sigh of pleasure before skimming through the on-stage puddles, sending up great arcs of glee as he whooshes the water into the audience.

On Simon Higlett's sophisticated, muted set Scarlett Strallen, playing Don's genuine love interest Kathy, shows off a singing talent that could launch a thousand ships.

As a jobbing actress who wins Don's over-polished heart partly by failing to recogise him in the street, she seems to capitulate a little too quickly from indignation to besottedness, but the warm vibrato of her voice as she launches into Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed's songs quells lurking criticisms.

Aside from the central attractions, Church's production is stuffed with delights both ephemeral and essential: hilarious dubbing cock-ups, immaculate choreography, endless gems of cameos. Whatever the state of your bank balance, this is a great investment – for me, at least, the show induced a very happy calm after the storm.

Rachel Halliburton

Critics' choice

5

Comments

Categories:
Theatre. West End. Musicals
Type of event:
Plays and shows

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Hide map/details

Tue May 21

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 19:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

MAP

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Wed May 22

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 14:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Wed May 22

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 19:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Thu May 23

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 19:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Fri May 24

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 19:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Sat May 25

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 14:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Sat May 25

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 19:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Mon May 27

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 19:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Tue May 28

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 19:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Wed May 29

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 14:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Wed May 29

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 19:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Thu May 30

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 19:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Fri May 31

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 19:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Sat Jun 1

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 14:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Sat Jun 1

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 19:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Mon Jun 3

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 19:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Tue Jun 4

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 19:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Wed Jun 5

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 14:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Wed Jun 5

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 19:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Thu Jun 6

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 19:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Fri Jun 7

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 19:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Sat Jun 8

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 14:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

Singin' in the Rain

Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY Show map/details

Sat Jun 8

£10-£85. Runs 2hrs 15mins.

- 19:30

Buy tickets

Address:
Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue
London
W1D 5AY

Phone:
0844 412 4656
Website:
www.reallyuseful.com
Transport:
Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road tube
Map
1. Palace Theatre
  - Shaftesbury Avenue
    London
    W1D 5AY
  - 0844 412 4656
  - www.reallyuseful.com
  - 51.513168, -0.129682

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Comments & ratings

(8 ratings)

Great show, very funny & some fantastic dancing. Don't miss it!

Matt Mon Mar 25
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Saw show on Saturday and really enjoyed it - great dancing.

Janet Mon Feb 11
Rated as: 4/5
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My husband and myself were a little disappointed by the show. However we found that the dancing was excellent.

lili Saillez Fri Feb 1
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This show is brilliant! So great to see a quality new musical in London that is not a 'jukebox' musical. It's funny, has great songs, fantastic dancing and amazing stage design. Don't miss it!

Holly Thu Dec 27 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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"Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life!!! While studying in England, back in the 70's, had the chance to go to London on some occasions. Always enjoyed being there. .. Yes, I can say it was a privilege being there, indeed one of my peak experiences in life. Hope some day I'll be back again. Cheers and best regards.

Estevam Thu Feb 2 2012
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