REVIEW: Singin’ In The Rain at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

*I was given press tickets for this performance, all my views are 100% honest

Last night I headed to Cardiff Bay to see Singin’ In The Rain with my mother, an avid Gene Kelly fan. I don’t know if you will guess, but I was actually named after Gene Kelly, it’s just a shame I have no rhythm or co-ordination, haha!

We arrived in good time for the show, and grabbed a drink before going in and finding our seats. I was a little flustered as we had to go in a different way than I’m used to, but we got there in the end, thanks to the awesome staff (they really are total gems).

Soon it was time for the show to begin, and here are my thoughts about the stage version of the classic movie…

Singin’ In The Rain Review

What I Loved

I have to admit, the first thing I noted was the set. The basic backdrop was the perfect design for the many interchangeable scenes, but I kept wondering why there was a ‘stepped down’ area (silly me!). Of course, after lots of set changes, the first act ended with the famous scene from the film, where Don (Gene Kelly) is ‘singin’ and dancin’ in the rain…’.

This scene was executed perfectly, and it made me smile to see Sam Lips (Don Lockwood) splash across the stage and spray the audience in the first few rows! You might not know this, but I love the rain, and often go out with Molly (or even on my own) and just get drenched. There’s just something about the feeling of it, as well as the quiet on the streets, plus, who doesn’t love a good puddle to jump into?! This definitely tapped into my sensory side, and it was a really great way to end the first act.

I also absolutely loved the costume. I’m big into vintage clothing, and the costumes were just fantastic. Each outfit brought each scene to life, and the colours, textures and layers were incredibly beautiful. I think the costume design was completely spot on, although I do prefer Kathy in purple for the ladder scene (if you know, you know!).

Lastly, I really enjoyed the choreography throughout (minus the final umbrella scene). It was really great to see the movie dance scenes from a theatre perspective. I loved how the performers moved and the thought that had obviously gone into the choreography, a true homage to old movie musicals.

What I Didn’t Like

Okay, so it’s been a while since I’ve reviewed anything, but I am still going to be completely honest…

For me, no matter how hard you try, there are some films that cannot be outdone on stage. Firstly, there are just some scenes (even in the film) that make/made no sense. The whole Gotta Dance scene is just completely pointless, and it feels like a filler scene in both the film and stage version. I also didn’t enjoy Lena’s additional scene, it just felt odd and didn’t work for me at all.

And I have to say it, I really wanted a running up the wall scene (again, if you know, you know…).

Overall there was just a deep sense of something missing within the stage production. And when I think about it, what I’m trying to say is, it just doesn’t have the same energy or chemistry between characters. It’s missing the magic of the movie, and I think if you can’t create that, then it’s just a musical dedication to the film.

I left the performance desperate to watch the movie, but not in a good way. I wanted that magical fix…

I wanted Gene and Debbie.

I know I’m very particular with my opinions, and also very honest. So you may love the stage show, or you may agree with me. Either way, one thing I will say is, the performers that get on that stage every night obviously work extremely hard and put in every effort to entertain, that was obvious. And I thank them all, every one of them, for keeping these kind of musicals alive.

Let me know what you think in the comments below…