Charlie Bond visits the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge to see the Hollywood Golden Age come to life on stage
Originally a 1952 movie starring Gene Kelly, Singin’ in the Rain tells the story of a Hollywood film studio in the 1920s making the transition from silent films to talkies, and the trials and tribulations that come along with it – including soothing A-List egos and working out just how you can turn a film about duelling cavaliers into a musical.
The film has become an iconic classic, and the story has also been adapted for stage and performed the world over.
Now, it’s LAMPS (Local Amateur Musical Players) turn to bring this enchanting tale to life, and they’re performing at the EM Forster theatre in Tonbridge every day until Saturday (April 7).
Having now been performing for 91 years, LAMPS are clearly quite the pros when it comes to putting on a good show. Everything from the stage set to the costume to the choreography was faultless – I was blown away by the cast’s ability to tap dance, twirl an umbrella and sing at the same time. I can’t even drink my cup of tea while I type this.
Kudos to the director Adele Ebbage for the casting – the leads Ian Blackwood as Don Lockwood and Abi King as Lina Lamont are a great duo. But, for me, but the standout performances come from the comical Cosmo Brown played by Liam Clarke, and the fabulous Kathy Selden, played by Hollie Evans, whose voice is phenomenal. Get Simon Cowell to sign her up now.
Let’s not forget the rest of the 25-strong cast though, who all do an incredible job at bringing the Hollywood Golden Age to life on stage.
Sadly there’s no actual rain but the clever backdrop and lighting manages to evoke the sense of dancing in puddles, without the front row needing to reach for their raincoats.
Overall, a great night out – catch it before it ends!
