Singin in the Rain Returns to NT for Xmas

The West Yorkshire Playhouse's revival of Singin' in the Rain will return to London for a limited season this Christmas. From 18 December 2000 to 27 January 2001, the musical will have a continuous run in the National's Olivier Theatre where it was seen over the summer in repertory.

The silver screen was never the same after silent films gave way to the talkies. Stars who had enchanted millions without saying a word were suddenly forced to find a voice. And if they could talk, why not have them sing and dance? Set in 1930s Los Angeles, Singin' in the Rain is the story of the making of the first Hollywood musical in which silent star Lina Lamont is struggling to overcome the restrictions of her horrible voice.

The stage musical is based, of course, on the famous 1952 MGM film. Starring Gene Kelly, Donald O Connor, Debbie Reynolds and Cyd Charisse, the film features one of the wettest and most used movie clips of all time – a scene which is re-enacted on stage. The stage adaptation also includes favourite songs from the famous film soundtrack, including 'Good Morning', 'Make 'em Laugh', 'Moses Supposes' and the much-loved title song.

The production premiered to wide acclaim at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds in December 1999. Following its original run at the National, there was speculation that it would transfer to the West End's Victoria Palace theatre, but it proved not to be. Singin' in the Rain is directed by West Yorkshire Playhouse artistic director Jude Kelly and choreographed by Stephen Mear, with musical direction by Mark W Dorrell and water effects by Mario Borza.

Jude Kelly's productions at the West Yorkshire Playhouse include Macbeth, Deadmeat and the celebrated Courtyard Company residency featuring Ian McKellen and Clare Higgins. Her work in musical theatre includes the British premiere of Kander and Ebb's And the World Goes Round and an award-winning production of Gypsy. Her production of Donizetti's The Elixir of Love for the English National Opera was nominated for a South Bank Show Award.

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