A High-Energy Romp Through Tinseltown: Raz Shaw's Effervescent 'Singin' in the Rain'
As the curtain rises on Raz Shaw's exuberant production of Singin' in the Rain, a lone figure emerges - Don Lockwood, played by Louis Gaunt. In an instant, he transforms into his movie star persona, donning a coat and hat that set the tone for this sparkling musical. With its pre-Hollywood roots and penchant for poking fun at the gap between reputation and reality, Shaw's production is an apt start to what promises to be a high-energy romp through Tinseltown.
Gaunt shines as Don, whose self-importance is quickly mocked by aspiring actress Kathy Selden (Carly Mercedes Dyer). Meanwhile, Lina Lamont's on-screen glamour clashes with her screeching voice, delivered here with squeaky relish by Laura Baldwin. The arrival of the talkies leaves the studio scrambling to save face, and Shaw masterfully milks this scenario for comedic effect.
One of the standout features of Shaw's production is its ability to balance crowd-pleasing confidence with clever wit. When Don finally starts tap-dancing in the pre-interval downpour, Gaunt effortlessly teases the audience, threatening front-row spectators with a flick of his umbrella. This moment is characteristic of Shaw's approach, which plays to the strengths of the Royal Exchange's in-the-round space.
Here, the talented ensemble and Alistair David's high-energy choreography carry the action along, often with minimal set. The result is an immersive experience that draws the audience into the world of 1920s Hollywood. Whether as adoring movie fans or confidantes to a riled Lina, everyone is involved in this infectious celebration of joy.
In stark contrast to some of the Exchange's more recent offerings, Shaw's production is unapologetically joyful - a respite from doom-scrolling that feels both necessary and exhilarating. By the puddle-stomping finale, resistance is futile. As the curtain falls, you'll be humming the tunes and grinning from ear to ear, swept up in the sheer exuberance of Shaw's production.
As the curtain rises on Raz Shaw's exuberant production of Singin' in the Rain, a lone figure emerges - Don Lockwood, played by Louis Gaunt. In an instant, he transforms into his movie star persona, donning a coat and hat that set the tone for this sparkling musical. With its pre-Hollywood roots and penchant for poking fun at the gap between reputation and reality, Shaw's production is an apt start to what promises to be a high-energy romp through Tinseltown.
Gaunt shines as Don, whose self-importance is quickly mocked by aspiring actress Kathy Selden (Carly Mercedes Dyer). Meanwhile, Lina Lamont's on-screen glamour clashes with her screeching voice, delivered here with squeaky relish by Laura Baldwin. The arrival of the talkies leaves the studio scrambling to save face, and Shaw masterfully milks this scenario for comedic effect.
One of the standout features of Shaw's production is its ability to balance crowd-pleasing confidence with clever wit. When Don finally starts tap-dancing in the pre-interval downpour, Gaunt effortlessly teases the audience, threatening front-row spectators with a flick of his umbrella. This moment is characteristic of Shaw's approach, which plays to the strengths of the Royal Exchange's in-the-round space.
Here, the talented ensemble and Alistair David's high-energy choreography carry the action along, often with minimal set. The result is an immersive experience that draws the audience into the world of 1920s Hollywood. Whether as adoring movie fans or confidantes to a riled Lina, everyone is involved in this infectious celebration of joy.
In stark contrast to some of the Exchange's more recent offerings, Shaw's production is unapologetically joyful - a respite from doom-scrolling that feels both necessary and exhilarating. By the puddle-stomping finale, resistance is futile. As the curtain falls, you'll be humming the tunes and grinning from ear to ear, swept up in the sheer exuberance of Shaw's production.
it's just a bunch of old movie cliches strung together with some fancy choreo 
and over-the-top acting from Louis Gaunt, honestly, he's kinda annoying 
i mean, who thought it was a good idea to make tap-dancing cool again? 
and the Royal Exchange's in-the-round space just adds to the cringeworthy experience 
plus, the whole thing feels like it's trying way too hard to be fun and lighthearted 
. The cast is phenomenal, Louis Gaunt shines as Don Lockwood and Carly Mercedes Dyer brings a delightful vulnerability to Kathy Selden 
. Alistair David's choreography is electric, I love how the ensemble weaves in and out of the action with such energy 
. What I think sets Shaw's production apart is its ability to balance humor and heart, it's infectious enthusiasm is just what I needed after a long day 
. The pre-interval tap dance scene had me grinning from ear to ear, it's moments like those that remind me of the magic of cinema 
.
! And Carly Mercedes Dyer as Kathy Selden? Perfection! The way they balance humor with heart is pure magic 
. I love how it pokes fun at the Hollywood elite, but in a lighthearted way that feels so relatable 
. Can we please get this musical on Netflix?! 
! Louis Gaunt is hilarious as Don Lockwood and Carly Mercedes Dyer is so sweet as Kathy Selden 
. The whole cast is just fantastic, and Alistair David's choreo is top notch 
️! Shaw really knows how to make you feel like part of the Hollywood glamour 
️ Raz Shaw's got a real knack for bringing the old-school Hollywood vibes to life, and Louis Gaunt is absolutely killing it as Don Lockwood. I mean, who doesn't love a good tap dance party in the rain? 
But what really impresses me is how Shaw balances humor with heart - it's not just a bunch of silly jokes, there's actual depth to the characters too.
And don't even get me started on Lina Lamont's screeching voice - is it really just an act of comedic genius or a clever manipulation to make us think she's more than meets the eye? 
The energy in this production might be infectious, but I'm convinced there's something fishy going on beneath the surface...
it's like Raz Shaw has bottled the essence of old Hollywood magic and poured it into his production 
I love how Louis Gaunt as Don Lockwood just brings that certain charm to the role, and Carly Mercedes Dyer as Kathy Selden is a total scene-stealer 
Lina Lamont's character is so over-the-top hilarious too, especially with Laura Baldwin's squeaky vocals 
. The way the ensemble comes together to create this infectious celebration of joy is just pure magic 
It's been a while since I've seen a show like this - unapologetically joyful and carefree, it's like a breath of fresh air 
. Don't miss out on Shaw's production, trust me! 
️
He's got that movie star swagger down pat and his tap dancing skills are seriously impressive 
️ i was tap-tappin' my feet in the aisles, and by the end of it all, i was literally dancing in my seat 
Louis Gaunt as Don Lockwood is literally perfection - I love how he brings that charisma and charm to the role 
. And Carly Mercedes Dyer as Kathy Selden? 
, it's just a bunch of over-the-top performances with some fancy tap dancing 
. plus, i'm pretty sure Louis Gaunt is just trying way too hard to be charming 
. still, i guess it's better than that other production they did at the Royal Exchange last month... 