Singin’ in the Rain
★★★★☆ Old-fashioned charmer
Pleasance Theatre: Tue 21 – Sat 25 Jan 2025
Review by Sophie Good
A touch of classic Hollywood glamour pays a visit to the Pleasance Theatre this week as Edinburgh University Savoy Opera Group mount a production of Singin’ in the Rain.
It must have been a much debated choice to tackle such an ambitious musical, with its demanding musical score, fairly long and fast-paced storyline and a lot of dancin’ and singin’ to pack in. Nor is it a show that needs or lends itself well to a modern retake.
Dan J. Bryant – Cosmo Brown, Hannah Shaw – Kathy Selden and Ewan Robertson -Don Lockwood. Pic: Andrew Morris
Based on the film written in the 1950s and set in the late 1920s, these are characters and songs from a bygone era and the performances need to reflect this. It is therefore a treat to see a young company take it on with the huge amounts enthusiasm and energy on display here.
Full credit to a committed creative team, who have done themselves justice with a production that brings a sense of 1920s big movie magic to the Pleasance stage.
We are in California and the media are gathered to see silent move stars Don Lockwood (Ewan Robertson) and Lina Lamont (Amelia Brenan). The cracks start to show as we realise that they are not a real-life couple and, moreover, Lina’s voice and personality do not match her blonde bombshell looks.
transition
The plot then follows the transition from Lockwood and Lamont’s’ highly successful silent movies to ‘talkies’ under the watchful eye of movie studio owner RF Simpson (Conor O Dochartaigh) and frustrated and pressurised director Roscoe Dexter (a great turn from Jasper Fuller).
Due to Lamont’s inability to act and generally annoying personality, chorus girl and Lockwood’s love interest Kathy Seldon (Hannah Shaw) is forced to provide a vocal stand in for Lina’s screechy voice.
Ewan Robertson and Hannah Shaw. Pic: Andrew Morris
Robertson is a truly charming leading man. His vocals capably take on the well known tunes and he holds the whole piece together with his affability. Brenan – in a role which is written to be annoying and a selfish counterpart to the more innocent and authentic Kathy – is funny and convincing throughout, adopting a whiny voice which really irritates in the right way. She plays her own second half number, What’s Wrong with Me, just right: half a genuine character insight; and half comedy.
The show comes alive during it’s musical numbers and this production does not disappoint. It’s a fine score and well executed here by a capable band who brim with energy throughout under co-musical directors Evie Alberti and Sebastian Schneeberger.
Rosalyn Harper as choreographer might find it an intimidating task with Gene Kelly having crafted the routines from the film. The dancing is less tap-focussed and explores a range of styles which are appropriate to the non-professional cast. There are chorus lines and there are some great solos, which do a great job in giving the audience what that want. Even a broken umbrella and a slightly wobbly lamppost do not fully negate the charm of the titular number.
Dan J. Bryant – Cosmo Brow and Ewan Robertson – Don Lockwood. Pic: Andrew Morris
Roberston is not a natural dancer – but who could or would want to compete with Kelly himself. However he, and the other main characters are capably led by director Freya White. The chemistry between Lockwood and his long time friend Cosmo Brown (Dan J. Byrant) is especially enjoyable. Bryant is an absolute belter as the funny guy who doesn’t get the girl.
They have a Timothy Chalamet-esque cheekiness and their Make Em’ Laugh is the highlight of the night. Good Morning is equally well realised: understated and harmonious, helping create a believable chemistry between Don and Kathy. Shaw is great as Kathy, with a nice take on her character remaining both understated and likeable.
highlight
The other highlight is Moses Supposes where Hannah-Rose Laverick is a perfectly disgruntled vocal coach – the foil to Don and Cosmo’s japery – which is great fun to watch.
The first half on opening night ran to almost two hours, with some classic first night pauses and mic issues, which should be trimmed over the run. But it is a long production at well over two and a half hours. A few wise trims could have picked up the pace – but everyone seems to be enjoying it too much and this company’s joy is contagious.
Overall, a well executed and ambitious undertaking, where the young Eusog company transport themselves to a bygone era and have a fantastic time.
Running time: Two hours and forty minutes (including one interval).
Pleasance Theatre, 60 Pleasance, EH8 9TJ.
Tue 21 – Sat 25 Jan 2025
Evenings: 7.30pm; Sat mat: 2.30pm.
Tickets and details: Book here.
The cast of Singin’ in the Rain. Pic: Andrew Morris
ENDS
