Review: Singin' In The Rain at Sunderland Empire

May 14 2009 by David Whetstone, The Journal

TAP dancing, piano playing and plenty of rain. Yes, UK Productions’ take on the 1952 classic Singin' In The Rain has well and truly arrived.

With huge shoes to fill, two main questions fill the audience's mind: how would they make it rain on stage and who could possibly live up to Gene Kelly's charmingly handsome Don Lockwood?

Kicking off with Dora Bailey broadcasting from the Chinese Theater, my immediate thoughts are of Hyacinth Bucket of Keeping Up Appearances. Every time she re-appears I just can't get the image out of my head.

With a slow start, the foot tapping, spine-tingling moments we had been waiting for begin in the form of Good Morning. Tim Flavin’s and Graeme Henderson’s portrayal of Don’s and Cosmo's comical relationship is spot on. It’s impossible not to smile.

The scene rolled on to the signature moment of Singin' In The Rain, the moment those who haven't even seen the whole film recognise. It would define Tim Flavin's role as Don Lockwood and make or break the whole production.

With the rain pounding on the stage, there’s nothing to do but stare in awe. The only way to describe it would be to compare it to a rather big shower... but that doesn't really do it justice.

Flavin's performance is mesmerising, with each move down to a tee. It would be impossible to live up to the film version but I can’t imagine anyone doing it better on stage.

The second half seemed to fly by although the grand finale was, well, grand with more umbrellas and wellies dancing in the rain.

Tim Flavin stole the show. While not matching Gene Kelly, which is almost certainly impossible to do on stage, he comes close.

Pearl Cullen