Hit musical set to make real splash

An ambitious staging of the classic musical Singin' in the Rain comes to the Spa Centre next week '“ with real water pouring on to the stage.
Nikki Claire Cross and Kenny Robinson in a sequence filmed at Warwick CastleNikki Claire Cross and Kenny Robinson in a sequence filmed at Warwick Castle
Nikki Claire Cross and Kenny Robinson in a sequence filmed at Warwick Castle

Leamington & Warwick Musical Society director Stephen Duckham was determined to use the wet stuff and not a mechanical effect.

So, in collaboration with the scenery hire company and working closely with the technical staff of the Royal Spa Centre, he designed a new set to ensure that the Singin’ in the Rain song and dance routine works to maximum effect.

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The story, about the arrival of talkies in Hollywood in the declining days of the silent screen era, focuses on romantic lead Don Lockwood (Kenny Robinson), his sidekick Cosmo Brown (Matt Goodwin), aspiring actress Kathy Selden (Hannah Hampson), and Lockwood’s leading lady Lina Lamont (Nikki Claire Cross), whose irritating vocal tones make her an unlikely candidate for stardom in talking pictures.

Songs in the show include Good Mornin’, Make ‘Em Laugh, Moses Supposes, You Are My Lucky Star and the title number.

Stephen said: “Unlike most of the musicals the theatre-going public see, Singin’ in the Rain started life as a film. So making the transition to the stage - with all the effects and demands the story calls for - is not an easy one.

“When the society decided to stage this show I knew it would be a challenge to recreate such a well-known musical. Not only was there the famous scene featuring the title song, but also the black and white silent movie sequences and the move into the talkies. Added to that the main characters had to be all acting, singing and dancing, including numerous tap dancing sequences. ut I am pleased to say that the entire cast and backstage crew have risen to the challenge.”

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Hannah Hampson, who plays Kathy Selden, added: “It’s not often you get to play such a role – so few companies put on such a technically difficult show. What a privilege and a joy it has been to sing, tap, pop out of a cake, dance on a sofa and perform with such a talented and friendly company.”

Singin’ in the Rain runs from Tuesday April 12 to Saurday April 16.

Call 334418 ofr visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalspacentre to book.